Accountant III

City-of-Turlock-; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays

Vacation

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

The City of Turlock is seeking an Accountant III to perform professional accounting duties under direction, ensuring GAAP compliance and accurate financial reporting for city-wide operations.

The role includes supervising accounting staff, maintaining the general ledger, preparing financial statements, and assisting external auditors. A relevant bachelor’s degree and two years of journey-level accounting experience are required.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional journey level accounting experience.
• Experience with GAAP and governmental accounting policies.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting and auditing processes.

Responsibilities

• Post, balance, and reconcile the General Ledger and subsidiary accounts.
• Prepare work papers, financial statements, and reports for federal, state, and county agencies.
• Review accounting records for accuracy and implement changes in accounting systems and procedures.
• Coordinate, assign, and review the work of others; participate in staff training and evaluation.
• Assist external auditors and respond to information requests as needed.
• Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation calculations.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP

Governmental accounting

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Job description

The City of Turlock is currently accepting applications for the position of Accountant III. Under direction performs professional accounting work; record and report financial transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); review accounting records for accuracy; prepare financial reports, statements, and special financial analyses for both internal and external customers; and review accounting transactions for accuracy.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the working lead/advanced journey-level class in the professional accounting series. Incumbents are expected to independently accomplish more complex accounting duties and responsibilities. Successful performance requires considerable knowledge of governmental accounting policies and procedures, as well as the ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Direction is provided by the Principal Accountant and the Finance Director.

• Perform a variety of complex accounting duties related to the operation and maintenance of City-wide and multi department accounting records.
• Coordinate, assign, and review the work of others; participate in the selection, training, and evaluation of assigned staff; may provide input to the Principal Accountant on performance and discipline issues.
• Participate in the posting, balancing, and reconciliation of the General Ledger and subsidiary accounts; perform interest allocation accounting.
• Prepare work papers, financial statements, and various reports for federal, state and county agencies related to a variety of reporting requirements including, but not limited to, grant reporting to various agencies as well as reporting to the State Controller’s office.
• Provide assistance and information to outside auditors as required.
• Recommend or implement changes in accounting systems and procedures.
• Maintain fixed asset records; analyze expenditures for capitalization in accordance with City policy and calculate depreciation expense.
• Assist other City Departments with the financial aspects of special projects.
• Assist in monitoring various accounts and classification of expenditures; research and analyze transactions to resolve problems.
• Recommend changes in accounting and auditing systems, policies and procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Basic leadership principles and practices.
• Generally accepted accounting principles and governmental accounting principles and standards.
• Theories, principles and practices of governmental budgeting and finance.
• Computer software applications used in the accounting office environment.
• Modern office practices, procedures, methods, and equipment.
• Federal and state grant regulations and guidelines.
• Statistical concepts and methods.
• City policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct, and review the work of assigned professional and support staff.
• Train others in work procedures.
• Examine and verify complex financial documents and reports.
• Prepare a variety of complex financial statements, reports, and analyses.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
• Interpret and apply accounting and financial management laws, rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Present ideas effectively orally and in writing.
• Use computer and software programs effectively.
• Organize, analyze, manage, and implement a variety of programs.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: Two years of professional journey level accounting experience similar to that of the Accountant II in the City of Turlock that would have provided the opportunity to develop the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Training: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business administration, economics or a related field.

Licenses: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License in the category necessary to perform essential duties of the position may be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis. Maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance thereafter is a condition of continued employment.

Additional Information

Physical Conditions:

Maintain the following physical abilities: See well enough to read instructions, read fine print, view computer screen, operate vehicle and related equipment; hear well enough to converse on the telephone and in person, assist the public and other staff; use hands and fingers for use of computer keyboard and mouse, adding machine, copy machine, filing, writing, drive vehicles and answer telephone.

An eligibility list will be established from this recruitment that will be valid for six (6) months. All employees are required to serve a twelve (12) month probationary period.

Veteran's Preference System

The City of Turlock has adopted a veteran's preference system (effective January 1, 2002). The percentage score achieved through an entrance (non-promotional) examination which ranks applicants on an eligibility list shall be adjusted to provide: (a) one (1) percentage point added to the final test score for each six (6) months of active service during a time of armed conflict, up to a maximum of five (5) points, and (b) five (5) percentage points added to the final test score for veterans who are disabled as a result of active military service during a time of armed conflict, regardless of length of service. In no event shall an applicant receive more than a five (5) point adjustment.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Turlock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are sincerely interested in receiving applications from qualified minorities, women and the disabled. Qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, political affiliation or belief except where indicated by requirements of the job. The City of Turlock will make every effort to accommodate applicants that have disabilities that would not allow them to compete in the announced process.

Medical Examination and Drug/Alcohol Screening

The incumbent will be required to take a medical examination including a drug/alcohol screening and be fingerprinted.

Customer Service Policy

The City of Turlock is committed to quality service to our customers. Our goal is to create a positive, productive and courteous atmosphere for our employees and customers. Employees are evaluated on the quality of customer service they provide.

Benefits

• Holidays: Eleven (11) paid holidays and three (3) floating holidays.
• Vacation: Paid vacation that increases with years of service.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of one day (eight (8) hours) for each month worked.
• Retirement: Qualified candidates who are currently a CalPERS member or have been a CalPERS member within the last six (6) months or are subject to reciprocity with another eligible retirement plan, may be a "classic member" and may be enrolled in the City's 2.7% @ 55 plan. Employee pays employee contribution rate of 9% on a pre-tax basis. CalPERS "final compensation" may be based on the highest twelve (12) continuous months of qualifying employment. Non-classic or "new members" will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan and CalPERS "final compensation" will be based on the highest thirty-six (36) continuous months of qualifying employment.
• Deferred Compensation: The City will match employee's contribution up to one half of one percent (0.5%) of the employee's base salary for each pay period in which employee contributes to the program.
• Retiree Health Savings (RHS) Vantage Care: Two (2) percent of the employee's base payroll will be deposited in each individual's RHS Vantage Care account.
• Health: The City offers a generous health, prescription, vision, and dental insurance plans for employees and dependents.
• Continuous Service Pay: Beginning with the tenth (10th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary. Beginning with the fifteenth (15th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary. Beginning with the twentieth (20th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary.
• Additional Benefits: Associate/Bachelor/Master's Degree Incentive Pay (If not listed as a minimum qualification)* Educational Reimbursement Program* Computer Loan Program* *Upon completion of probation.

Notes

Information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract as it is subject to change.