Senior Accountant

CalCPA; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CalCPA is seeking an experienced accounting professional to perform advanced financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting for governmental funds. The role emphasizes GASB compliance, internal controls, and thorough reconciliation of complex ledgers.

Ideal candidates will have a public sector background, strong analytical skills, and the ability to develop efficient accounting processes while ensuring accuracy and timeliness in financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Accounting or a related field, plus two years of professional accounting experience.
• Public agency accounting experience is desirable.
• Familiarity with GASB standards and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes and reconciles general ledger and related accounts; prepares adjusting entries and closing entries.
• Assists in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analyses for operating and capital budgets.
• Conducts internal audits and ensures compliance with governmental accounting standards.
• Develops and implements improved accounting procedures and reports.

Skills

GASB knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Deadline-driven

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Accounting software

Job description

Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection. It is recommended that candidates submit their materials no later than October 18, 2026 to ensure consideration. However, interviews may be conducted throughout the recruitment process and this opening may close at any time. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs advanced professional accounting and budget-related work; prepares, reconciles, analyzes, and reports on District financial records, audits, and budgets; coordinates specialized accounting functions and projects; provides technical expertise regarding accounting procedures and internal controls; and performs related duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This single-incumbent classification is fully responsible for performing and ensuring compliance in daily professional accounting, budget, and fiscal activities; exercises independent judgment within accepted accounting standards, regulations, and internal policies.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

This position is supervised by the Finance Supervisor. It does not supervise any staff. This position may perform some advanced functions in the absence of department supervisor, and may train lower-level Finance staff as directed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Analyzes and reconciles general ledger, subsidiary ledger, bank, asset, liability, and net asset accounts; prepares advanced adjusting and closing journal entries; performs month-end and year-end closing activities; and prepares related financial reports, schedules, worksheets, and supporting documentation;
• Administers capital asset accounting and capital project-related financial activities, including maintaining capital asset records and depreciation schedules, preparing related journal entries and audit schedules, coordinating property damage recoveries and insurance claims, reconciling developer deposits and project billings, and processing project closeouts, invoices, and refunds;
• Assists in the preparation, administration, and analysis of the District’s annual operating and capital budgets; prepares financial analyses, projections, expenditure forecasts, and budget monitoring reports;
• Conducts and coordinates internal and external audits; prepares audit schedules and supporting documentation; reviews financial transactions and records for compliance with governmental accounting standards, internal controls, and professional accounting practices; reviews payroll and accounts payable transactions and performs related finance functions as needed;
• Recommends, develops, and implements accounting systems, procedures, reports, queries, and automated tools to improve financial reporting, analysis, efficiency, and compliance; provides technical guidance and direction to lower-level staff; may perform Accounting Technician duties based on staffing needs;
• Operates copiers, office equipment, and computer software & programs required for the work;
• Performs duties in a timely and professional manner and works well with others or in a team setting; establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships;
• Regular attendance and adherence to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities; may be called upon to respond to emergency operations as a disaster service worker and support Emergency Operations Center activities;
• Observes safe work practices and safety methods; performs other duties as assigned.

IDEAL CANDIDATE TRAITS

• Prior experience working in government accounting;
• Demonstrated dedication to GASB best practices and internal controls;
• Ability to accurately review detailed information and identify areas of concern;
• Prior experience in preparing financial reports and statements;
• Analytical and problem-solving skills; prioritization and ability to regularly meet deadlines.

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Principles and practices of accounting and auditing, including general and governmental accounting and budgeting;
• Business data processing applications related to accounting and budgeting, such as Microsoft Excel; office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers;
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies related to assigned work, including bond and investment regulations;
• Methods and techniques of preparing financial reports and statements;
• Advanced mathematical principles related to the work;
• Principles and practices of financial record keeping and reporting;
• Principles and practices of financial/statistical/comparative analysis;
• Principles of payroll processing;

ABILITY TO

• Perform a variety of professional accounting and financial analysis functions; develop and implement efficient accounting procedures and internal controls;
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines;
• Communicate effectively with other departments, the general public, and government agencies;
• Train lower-level Finance staff; establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those contacted in the course of work;
• Participate in budget development;
• Perform cash flow analysis;
• Prepare and maintain accurate financial statements, records, and reports;
• Perform applicable mathematical calculations quickly and accurately;
• Interpret, apply, and explain applicable laws, regulations, and policies;
• Operate standard office equipment, including computers and supporting software applications.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education or experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be: Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Accounting or a related field, plus two years of professional accounting experience. Public agency accounting experience is desirable.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

None required; however, position-related certificates and licenses will be noted.