Accountant I

Salary : $67,956.00 - $82,620.00 Annually

Location : El Cerrito, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 2024-27

Department: City Management

Opening Date: 10/07/2024

Closing Date: 10/23/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

CLASS DESCRIPTION

We value the time and effort you dedicate as you consider embarking in a career with the City of El Cerrito and we welcome the opportunity to connect with you as we progress through the process of filling the key role of Accountant I.

City Perks: Telework options; schedule flexibility where possible City Paid Benefits up to family coverage (Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program) CalPERS Retirement (2.7% at 55 for Classic members & 2% at 62 for PEPRA members) Holiday Pay, Birthday and Floating Holiday Pay Bilingual Pay Tuition Reimbursement Training Opportunities Deferred Comp Plan Options Discounts on Recreation Programs Access to the Wellness Programs Are We A Match? You are adaptable, flexible, and offer solutions in ambiguous situations You are able to work in partnership with customers and Departments, to make sure their needs are met, also having great interpersonal skills! You enjoy analyzing and resolving complex challenges; can problem solve and think "outside the box" to achieve results You are detail-orientated and organized to keep track of multiple and varying projects. You are excited to work with a dynamic team! You enjoy contributing to a positive work environment that fosters motivation, collaboration, coaching, and engagement of division staff If you are looking for a rewarding place to work with a dynamic and collaborative City team and an opportunity to grow professionally, this is the position for you!

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

THE POSITION

The Accountant I classification is considered an advanced entry-level class in the Accountant series. This position is a key member of the Finance Department and will regularly interact with members of the public, vendors, City Departments, and City staff. Positions at this level perform a variety of the less complex accounting, administrative and technical duties. An incumbent is expected have the knowledge to perform accounting tasks beyond a Finance Technician I/II and be able to apply previous experience to any assigned task. This position is responsible for complex clerical work in support of the processing of accounts payable on a regular basis; to provide detailed information and assistance to employees, supervisors and management regarding accounts payable policies and procedures, which may require the interpretation, explanation and application of specific policies and procedures.

The Accountant I under direction, performs professional governmental and proprietary fund accounting to research, prepare, and maintain accounts payable, banking, cash management, revenue and expenditure functions, budget analysis and forecasts, and accounting systems integrity. Develops statistical and narrative reports; analyzes requirements for developing, modifying, or deactivating accounts to maintain the accuracy of the Chart of Accounts and alignment with City departments, divisions, programs, and operations. Prepares financial statements and records for audits and reconciles Special Funds and Petty Cash Fund accounts. In addition, an Accountant I may be responsible for checking and verifying the work of a Finance Technician I/II, if necessary. Incumbents work under direct supervision while learning job tasks. Accountant I is represented by SEIU Local 1021.

Virtual interviews will be held on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (DUTIES)

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions: Performs professional accounting work in accordance with a prescribed accounting system and generally accepted principles of accounting. Prepares, balances, posts and files general ledger journal entries. Manages full accounts payable process and weekly check runs. Performs cash management functions for the city. Reconciles monthly the Pension Fund, Workers' Compensation, payroll and general fund bank accounts and their corresponding ledger journal entries. Reconciles general ledger accounts. Prepares, balances, posts and files daily all correcting general ledger journal entries. Prepares and balances month-end reports (balance sheet, revenue and expense report). Prepares federal, state and other tax returns and reports quarterly. May assist with the various payroll, accounts receivable and accounts payable activities normally performed by clerical accounting personnel, i.e. cashier, business license clerk. Prepares work for year-end audit. Assists in budget preparation work, as assigned. Assists in the preparation, analysis and review of reimbursements, expenditures, fund condition or other budgetary accounts. Reviews entries made to various financial records for proper coding and maintenance of proper accounting procedures. Prepares input for operational cost of City-owned vehicles. Maintains records for City's fixed assets group of accounts. Answers a variety of inquiries and provides information regarding assigned finance activities. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge Of: Knowledge of principles and techniques of governmental and proprietary fund accounting. Skill in the use of computerized accounting systems; the use of automated spreadsheet and word processing programs. Ability to maintain and improve advanced automated accounting systems and procedures; provide thoughtful and appropriate general oversight, training, and evaluation of clerical employees; communicate complex fiscal concepts effectively orally and in writing; establish and maintain positive and collaborative working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and other employees. Abilities Verifiable professional record of consistently maintaining the highest level of ethics, integrity, and honesty, exercising sound judgement and discretion to provide and maintain accurate and timely financial reports and information. Demonstrated record of exhibiting effective interpersonal skills, working collaboratively with others, utilizing a diplomatic and professional approach to problem solving, establishing, and maintaining harmonious work relationships, and communicating professionally and clearly in writing and verbally, and providing accurate, comprehensive, and timely information. Proven experience of creating and analyzing complex accounting and budget data, and researching and evaluating accounting ledgers, systems, and regulatory requirements to produce financial reports and statements, identifying appropriate accounting options and next steps and actions, and clearly articulating and maintaining organized and audit-ready accounting physical and automated records and documentation based on specific records management requirements. Work independently, utilizing personal accountability and effective time management skills to consistently produce accurate and quality deliverables. Experience and Education Guidelines:
The City is looking for a creative, team-oriented, proactive individual who can clearly demonstrate that they have the following background and competencies. Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:
Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or a closely-related field with course work in Accounting OR educational achievement equivalent to 60 semester units from an accredited college/university including a minimum of 12 units in accounting or closely related courses.

Experience:
Two years experience performing clerical or technical accounting work OR any combination of education, experience and training that has provided the specific knowledge and abilities necessary to perform assigned professional accounting duties. Governmental accounting experience is highly desirable but not required.

Any combination of additional related education and on-the-job training may substitute for one year of experience on a year by year basis. Required: Possession of, or ability to obtain, California drivers' license.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

THE COMMUNITY

Located near the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, the City of El Cerrito is an ethnically diverse community offering a high quality of life within one of the nation's most sophisticated and beautiful living areas. With a population of almost 25,000 residents, El Cerrito has the advantage of being centrally located in a major metropolitan area. El Cerrito is an established community with a strong self-identity and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its community members.

THE DEPARTMENT
The mission of the Finance Department is to manage, support, and facilitate quality customer support, financial planning and analysis, budgeting, financial reporting, and the audit of the City of El Cerrito and to enhance the delivery of financial information to the organization and to the community. The department consists of a Finance Director/City Treasurer, Budget Manager, Senior Accountant, and two Accountant I positions.

For more information, please visit the City's Human Resources page:

Salary Schedules:

SEIU MOU:

Benefit Guide:

Physical Demands- See Class Spec: Mental Requirements:Abstract variables, Interpret instructions, Problems-standard, Detailed, uninvolved instructions, Reading-simple, Reading-complex, Writing-simple, Writing-complex, Math skills-simple, Math skills-complex, Form, Clerical, Synthesizing, Coordination, Analyzing, Compiling, Computing, Copying, Comparing, Negotiating, Instructing, Supervising, Speaking-signaling, Taking instructions-helping, Driving-operation, Comprehend/follow instructions, Perform simple-repetitive tasks, Maintain work pace, Relate to other people, Perform varied-complex tasks, Generalizations/evaluations, Responsibility for direction.

Work Environment:
Exposure to: Indoors, using computer/computer monitor screen, works around others, works alone, works with others.

The City of El Cerrito offers a competitive benefits package. Current benefits features include: 37.5 hour work week with alternating Fridays off CalPERS retirement: Miscellaneous: 2.7% at 55 for current members and 2% at 62 for new members Safety: 3% at 50 for current members and 2.7% at 57 for new members Plan is integrated with Social Security. The City and employee each pay own contribution to Social Security. Vacation ranging from 11 to 33 days per year based on years of service Bilingual Pay 16.5 paid holidays per year 8.75 hours of sick leave accrued each calendar month Fully-paid health and dental premiums for employees and dependents Excellent long-term disability and life insurance program plans Flexible benefits plan allowing pre-tax contributions for health and dependent care reimbursements Deferred Compensation plan available at employee's expense Our provides a full description of our current benefits.

01

Describe your experience performing:a. Accounts payableb. Cost Allocationc. Grants Accounting

02

Please list semester or quarter units you have completed in Accounting, Principles of Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Advanced Accounting, Governmental Accounting, Fund Accounting, Cost Accounting, Auditing, Financial Accounting or Managerial Accounting.

03

Please describe your training or experience analyzing government or business regulations and establishing accounting ledgers, systems, and processes to produce required financial reports and information.

Required Question