Accounting Technician I / II

Sonomacity; Sonoma (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonomacity is seeking an Accounting Technician to perform a variety of technical and clerical accounting duties. Responsibilities include managing accounts payable and receivable, assisting with payroll processing, and preparing financial reports.

Applicants should have a high school diploma and relevant experience, with strong skills in accounting principles and customer service. The position offers a standard office environment with opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with additional education in finance or accounting preferred.
• One year of clerical accounting experience required.
• Three years of accounting or bookkeeping experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update financial records and systems.
• Process accounts payable and receivable transactions.
• Assist with payroll processing and reporting.
• Prepare financial reports and support documentation.

Skills

Accounting principles

Customer service

Financial reporting

Microsoft Excel

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in finance or accounting

Tools

Accounting software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

City of Sonoma
Updated: 6/18/2025

Definition

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical and clerical accounting duties in
support of the City’s financial, accounting, and recordkeeping systems. Duties may include
accounts payable, accounts receivable, utility billing, business licensing, payroll, and
general ledger support. Incumbents maintain and reconcile financial records; perform
transaction processing and reporting; support payroll, budget, audit, and grant activities;
and provide quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders. Related duties
may be performed as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Accounting Technician I is the entry-level classification in the series. Positions at this level
perform routine accounting duties under close supervision, with work becoming more
varied and complex as experience is gained.

Accounting Technician II is the journey-level classification and performs the full range of
technical accounting duties with minimal supervision. Incumbents may provide technical
guidance or lead direction to Accounting Technician I or administrative support staff and
exercise greater responsibility in interpreting policies, reconciling ledgers, and preparing
financial reports. Advancement to Level II requires meeting performance and experience
standards, and the recommendation of the department head.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Accounting Technician I – Receives general supervision from supervisory or management
staff.

Accounting Technician II – Receives general supervision and may provide technical
direction to Accounting Technician I or administrative support staff.

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Maintain and update financial records and systems for assigned accounting
functions

• Process accounts payable: receive and review invoices, match and code
  transactions, verify approvals, and issue payments.
• Process accounts receivable: prepare invoices and billing statements; receive and
  post payments; reconcile receipts and deposits.
• Assist with payroll processing, including timesheet entry, verification, and reporting.
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger and subsidiary accounts; analyze
  transactions and make corrections or adjustments as necessary.
• Perform monthly account and bank reconciliations; assist with journal entries,
  month-end, and year-end closings.
• Assist in the preparation of financial reports, audit work papers, and supporting
  documentation.
• Provide customer service to the public and City staff regarding utility billing,
  business licenses, and other financial matters.
• Prepare and submit regulatory reports including W-2s, 1099s, tax filings, and benefit
  deductions.
• Support the annual budget process through data entry, document preparation, and
  report generation.
• Prepare and maintain operational and procedural manuals; assist in staff training
  and outreach on financial systems and processes.
• Participate in grant tracking and reporting; assist with claims and cost
  documentation.
• Maintain records and files in accordance with records retention schedules and best
  practices.
• May perform cashiering, deposits, purchasing support, or fixed asset tracking as
  needed.
• May provide backup to other clerical or accounting positions within the department.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of accounting, bookkeeping, and financial reporting.
• Standard office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Governmental fund accounting and budgetary principles (preferred for Level II).
• Relevant local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.
• Customer service principles and public communication techniques.

Ability to:

• Accurately perform accounting and financial computations.
• Review and reconcile complex financial records and identify discrepancies.
• Prepare clear and accurate financial reports and documentation.
• Interpret and apply City policies, procedures, and accounting standards.
• Organize and prioritize work effectively to meet deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Work independently with minimal supervision (Level II).
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, and the
  public.

Experience and Education Guidelines:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Equivalent to an Associate’s degree
  from an accredited college with major coursework in finance, accounting or related
  field is desirable.
• Experience: One (1) year of general clerical accounting experience.
• Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible accounting or bookkeeping
  experience, preferably in a public agency.

License:

A valid California Class C driver’s license may be required at time of appointment and
throughout employment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is typically performed in a standard office environment.

• Requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Requires use of standard office equipment, including computers and telephones.
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• May require attendance at off‑site meetings or training.