Salary: $6,614.09 - $8,413.12 Monthly
Location : El Segundo, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 23/24-0315
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 03/15/2024
Description
There is currently one vacancy for an Accountant in Finance Department - Payroll Division. This eligibility list may be used to fill other vacancies as they occur. This is an Open-Competitive recruitment. This position is open until filled; however, candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. Only online applications will be accepted for this position. The first review of applications will be completed on Monday , April 15, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Application and Selection Process
TO APPLY: Each applicant must submit a City of El Segundo Employment Application and respond to the Supplemental Qualifications Questionnaire online. Applicants appearing best qualified based upon a review of the application and responses to supplemental questions will be invited to participate in the testing process. The testing process will consist of a written exam (pass/fail) and a structural technical oral interview (weighted 100%).
Test dates are tentative , and subject to change without prior notice, until qualifying candidates receive written confirmation from the Human Resources Department.
Component
Tentative Test Date
Written Examination
April 24, 2024
Structured Technical Oral Interview
May 1, 2024
The Ideal Candidate:
The City of El Segundo is seeking an Accountant who is independent, organized, detail-oriented, and has excellent written and verbal communication skills. We are looking for someone who is technologically savvy, displays outstanding judgment, and enjoys the challenges of a fast-paced work environment. Candidates who possess a professional certification (i.e. CPA or CPFO) are highly desirable.
DEFINITION: Under general supervision, performs professional accounting and/or payroll duties in preparation of factual and analytical statements and reports; analyzes and evaluates financial records; and performs a wide variety of financial duties requiring confidentiality, independent judgment and decision making.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives direct supervision from the Finance Manager.
Essential Job Functions
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
The following essential functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those below to address business needs and changing business practices:
Performs accounting assignments that encompass the full cycle of accounting activities such as establishing and maintaining accounting and subsidiary records, reconciles general ledger and subsidiary accounts, prepares financial reports, processes journal entries, and posts cash receipts;
Analyzes and verifies financial documents and other financial entries for accuracy and compliance with established accounting and auditing procedures;
Originates journal entries, reconciles bank statements, prepares reconciliations, trial balances and maintains a variety of financial schedules, records and files;
Ensures proper accounting for revenue, expenditures/expenses, capital assets and equipment replacement management;
Analyzes expenditures to proper accounts, analyzes budget variances, projects estimated expenditures /expenses and prepares adjustments in the maintenance of budgetary controls;
Develops, implements, and monitors accounting procedures and reports;
Prepares financial statements, reports and analyses utilizing computer applications;
Explains and interprets existing accounting and fiscal policies and procedures to City personnel, auditors, and general public;
Performs Federal, State, and other governmental agency grants accounting and reporting, and other periodic compliance audits throughout the year;
Ensures proper closing of the City's financial records at the end of the accounting period;
Participates in the annual year-end audit, prepare supporting schedules and worksheets as required by external auditors, and assists in the preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report;
Participates in the preparation and implementation of the City's annual operating and capital budgets;
Conducts and/or coordinates internal and external audits of financial records; examines, analyzes and verifies documents to ensure adherence to established internal controls and accepted professional standards;
Delivers outstanding internal and external customer service while solving problems and pro-actively creates sustainable solutions to issues;
Conducts duties, responsibilities, tasks and assignments with a constructive, cooperative, positive, professional attitude and demeanor;
Regularly and predictably attends work; and
Performs other related as assigned.
In addition to the essential duties listed above, the payroll assignment below includes the following:
Payroll:
Coordinates and performs payroll accounting operational functions; evaluates accounting procedures and fiscal practices and recommends and assists in implementing new or revised payroll accounting systems, procedures and records; participates in developing computer programs for payroll accounting analyses;
Prepares bi-weekly payroll warrants, payroll registers and reports; prepares magnetic media for storage of payroll records; prepares tax return and other reporting documentation related to payroll matters; compiles routine reports related to payroll activity; merges payroll records in Finance System; serves as the payroll/timekeeping liaison with department timekeepers, employees and management; prepares handbooks and manuals related to payroll procedures and conducts training related to payroll processing;
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of accounting, auditing, payroll, and budgeting;
Data processing applications related to accounting and budgeting procedures and practices;
State and federal laws related to payroll, compensation, and benefits; and
Knowledge of general office procedures.
Skill in:
Applying and adapting established accounting principles and procedures to City payroll accounting applications;
Interpreting and applying payroll accounting-related laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
Performing professional level staff support related to the administration of the City's employer-employee relations program;
Analyzing data and drawing logical conclusions;
Preparing and maintaining accurate reports and records;
Using standard office computer programs, including spreadsheets;
Communicating effectively both orally and in writing;
Making effective oral presentations;
Operating computers and related software;
Appearing for work on time;
Following directions from a supervisor;
Understanding and following posted work rules and procedures;
Accepting constructive criticism; and
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, other City employees and the public, and in functioning effectively in a confidential work environment.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
A combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Two (2) years of accounting-related experience is required. Experience processing payroll transactions and performing complex calculations pertaining to employee earnings for the payroll assignment is preferred.
Education: Bachelor's degree (120 units) with major coursework in accounting, business administration or a closely related field is required.
Licensing/Certificates: Due to the performance of some field duties which requires the operation of a personal or City vehicle, valid and appropriate California driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of El Segundo employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
The City of El Segundo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to build and sustain an environment that values diversity, welcomes opportunities to engage and understand others, and fosters a sense of belonging.
MANAGEMENT/ CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES (M&C)
Benefit Summary
PERS Retirement:
Miscellaneous employees - Tier I-2% @ 55. Tier II-2%@60 for individuals employed by the City on or after 12/30/12 who are already PERS members. Tier I and II members pay 7% of PERS member share and 1% shall be employee-paid cost-sharing of the City's contribution under Gov. Code section 20516(a). Single highest year is coordinated with Social Security and Medicare. PERS 2%@62 for new employees/members hired on or after 1/1/13. Three year average coordinated with Social Security and Medicare. Members pay 50% of normal cost (6.75%).
Safety employees (Battalion Chiefs) - 3% @ 55 for current employees and individuals hired by the City who are already PERS members. Single highest year. Employees pay a total of 12% towards retirement. 7 for new employees/members hired on or after 1/1/13. Three year average final compensation. Members pay 50% of normal cost .
Social Security: The City matches employee's Social Security contribution, which is 6.2% of your salary and is made on a pre-tax basis. The 2024 Social Security income cap is $168,600.
Medical - Monthly medical contribution of $1,750 ($932 for medical and $818 for flex dollars). Flex dollars may be used toward a medical premium and/or deferred compensation plan. Employees are responsible for paying any out-of-pocket balance of the medical plan premium through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in Mission Sqaure 457 plan.
Dental & Vision: MetLife Dental and VSP vision benefits are provided.
Flex Plan: Section 125 Plan, allows for payment of employee-paid insurance, medical treatment, and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Employee Assistance Program: Employees are eligible for the basic level of service.
Life Insurance: $50,000 term life policy provided by City; employee can purchase additional self and dependent coverage at group rates.
Long-Term Disability: In addition to basic LTD plan (66 2/3 % of first $9,750 after 60-day waiting period), City provides Executive LTD which pays 75% of first $12,000 of employee's salary less the amount of any other income, up to a total of $2,500. Applies to non job-related occurrences. 90 day waiting period.
Holidays: 11 fixed paid holidays plus one day of personal leave/floating holiday per year. Battalion Chiefs paid 156 hours.
Vacation Leave: 96 hours (1-5 years); 120 hours (6 - 10 years); 144 hours (11 - 14 years): 200 hours after 14 years. Leave can be used after 6 months of service. Annual cash conversion option. Upon reaching "E" step, employees accrue vacation based on total years of public sector service.
Sick Leave: 8 hours per month.
Administrative Leave: Mid-Management and Confidential positions shall recieve up to 56 hours per calendar year upon reccommendation of the Department Director and approval of the City Manager.
Bereavement Leave: Three (3) working days (or 40 hours where travel is 500 miles or more) for qualifying incident.
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $2,000/year for work-related college courses.
Cell Phone Stipend: City cell phone provided depending on position.
Educational Incentive Pay: Battalion Chief $1170.19/mo for Bachelor's, $1755.28 for Master's.
Certification Pay: $585.09 Chief Officer Cert Pay for Battalion Chiefs.
Other: Uniform Allowance ($40/mo) for Battalion Chiefs; Voluntary participation in Credit Union; Payroll Direct Deposit; Long-Term Care (premiums paid by employee).
1/14; 12/15; 8/19; 8/22; 24
01

The information provided in the following supplemental questions will be used in conjunction with the application materials to determine whether the qualification requirements are met. The best qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application. A resume may not be submitted in lieu of completing the application and supplemental questions. I have read the above statement and acknowledge that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected.

• Yes, I acknowledge
• No, I do not acknowledge

02

Please select your year(s) of accounting related experience.

• Two or more years
• At least one, but less than two
• Less than one
• I do not have any experience in accounting

03

Please select the areas in which you have experience:

• Preparing Financial Statements
• General Ledger
• Preparing Journal Entries
• Payroll
• Bank Account Reconciliation
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Internal and External Audits of Financial Records
• Annual Budget Preparation
• Forecasting
• Subsidiary Schedules
• None of the above

04

Please explain your increasingly responsible experience in your selection(s) above, include the years of each area and your specific job duties related to the requirements of a Accountant, and the frequency with which you performed this function. Please be specific in your response. If no experience, please type "N/A".
05

Please describe your payroll experience. Include in your response the number of employees of the agency, the tasks you have performed and the software(s) you have used. Type "N/A" if you do not have experience.
06

Please describe your experience with required reporting to Federal, State, CalPERS, or other regulatory bodies related to payroll processing. Type "N/A" if you do not have experience.
07

Please select the highest level of education completed:

• Master's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Associate's Degree
• Some College or Certification(s)
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• I do not have education equivalent to the 12th grade

08

Please select the program(s) in which you have experience using:

• Tyler Eden (City's ERP system) or similar ERP
• Microsoft Office Suite
• I do not have any experience in the above programs

09

Please select any certification(s) you possess:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Public Financial Officer (CPFO)
• None of the above

10

Do you now, or have you in the past, worked for a municipality (City)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question