Senior Accountant

City of Cupertino, CA; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Cupertino is seeking a Senior Accountant to join the Finance Department. This role supports advanced governmental accounting, financial reporting, audits, and budget maintenance while mentoring colleagues and leading process improvements.

The Senior Accountant will supervise staff in the Finance Department, assist with year-end close and audit readiness, and present to the Audit Committee and City Council as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Supervisory experience desirable.
• CPA certification highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain ledgers with accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Supervise professional, technical, and clerical staff as needed.
• Assist in annual budget preparation and monitoring.
• Prepare internal and external financial reports and statements.
• Conduct financial studies including projections of expenditures and revenue.
• Prepare Audit Committee reports and present findings to the committee.
• Issue and review journal entries for accuracy and compliance.
• Interpret policies and accounting standards for department staff.
• Oversee payments to paying agents for City bonds.
• Liaise with external auditors and coordinate audit processes.
• Develop improvements to financial systems and procedures.
• Prepare materials for City Council presentations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

GAAP & GASB

Financial reporting

Budget preparation

Supervisory experience

Municipal accounting

Audit coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field

CPA highly desirable

Job description

Do you have a passion for numbers, a knack for solving complex problems, and a talent for communicating financial information? The City of Cupertino is seeking a motivated and collaborative Senior Accountant to join our Finance Department!

Whether you're an experienced accounting professional or ready to take the next step in your career, this is an exciting opportunity to expand your expertise, take on greater responsibilities, and make a meaningful impact. From financial reporting and audits to improving accounting processes and mentoring colleagues, we're looking for someone who brings strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and a willingness to learn and lead. If you're ready to grow professionally while contributing to a dynamic and supportive team, we encourage you to apply.

The Senior Accountant performs advanced professional accounting duties requiring expertise in governmental accounting systems, practices and principles. The Senior Accountant assists in managing financial records, preparing complex financial reports, overseeing major accounting functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivables, payroll, and business licensing, and supports year-end close, audits, and budget maintenance. The Senior Accountant also assists the Finance Manager with Audit Committee reports and presentations, provides technical guidance to staff, and supervises staff in the Finance Manager's absence or as needed.

Class Characteristics

This is the advanced journey-level classification within the accounting series. Positions in this class differ from those in the immediately lower class of Accountant II by the scope, diversity, and complexity of assignments and by its role in supporting divisional leadership. The Senior Accountant may step in to supervise staff or handle management responsibilities in the absence of the Finance Manager and is expected to exercise significant independent judgment and technical expertise.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives direction from the Finance Manager. May supervise Accountants, Accounting Technician, and Account Clerks in the absence of or to support the Finance Manager.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Establish and maintain a variety of ledgers and other financial documents ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
• Supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
• Assist in the preparation of the City’s annual budget.
• Prepare and submit internal and external reports, including annual financial statements, State Controller Reports, and claim statements for state‑mandated costs.
• Conduct comprehensive financial studies and analyses, including projections for expenditures, revenue, and other fiscal activities.
• Assist the Finance Manager in preparing reports and presentations for the Audit Committee, including analysis of financial data and updates on audit findings and resolutions.
• Issue correcting and adjusting journal entries and review audit journal entries prepared by staff for accuracy.
• Interpret and implement financial policies, procedures, and regulations related to accounting systems and operations.
• Provide technical accounting expertise and support to other Finance Department functions.
• Oversee payments to paying agents for City bonds.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Support audit processes by coordinating with external auditors, providing necessary documentation, and resolving inquiries.
• Develop and recommend improvements to financial systems, policies, and procedures to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Prepare materials for presentations to the City Council and other stakeholders as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Advanced governmental accounting principles, practices and standards (e.g., GAAP and GASB).
• Financial reporting and budget preparation.
• Supervisory principles and techniques, including training and performance evaluation.
• Application of data processing and accounting systems to financial management.
• Regulations and best practices for municipal finance and accounting.
• Audit processes, including preparation of schedules and working with external auditors.

Ability to:

• Provide technical guidance and supervise accounting staff when needed or in the absence of the Finance Manager.
• Analyze and evaluate financial data and fiscal operations, recommending and implementing improvements.
• Assist in preparing Audit Committee reports and deliver effective presentations to committees and stakeholders.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive financial reports, statements, and projections.
• Interpret and implement financial policies, regulations, and accounting standards.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to convey complex financial information.

Education and Experience

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Four years of recent, progressively responsible experience in the field of professional Accounting.
• Supervisory experience is desirable.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certificates

Possession, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License may be required.

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

Working Conditions

May be required to attend Commission/Committee meetings outside of regular work hours.

Additional Information

The City of Cupertino is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religion, color, sex (including gender and pregnancy), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, age, medical condition, genetic characteristics, and physical or mental disability. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Cupertino Human Resources upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.