ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST

Salary : $52,020.80 - $63,273.60 Annually

Location : Santa Paula, CA

Job Type : Full-Time - 9 / 80 Work Schedule

Job Number : 349APRIL2025

Department : Finance Department

Opening Date : 03 / 03 / 2025

Closing Date : 4 / 6 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Job Description

Under general supervision, performs para-professional accounting duties and financial analysis work in the maintenance and control of the City's accounting systems and fiscal services; performs related duties as required.

The Accounting Specialist is the advanced journey level class responsible for performing complex para-professional accounting functions involved in the preparation of financial statements. The position performs a variety of accounting duties including accounts payable, receivable, utility billing related functions, as well as preparing and reviewing reports and entries for accuracy, and reconciling entries and accounts. This class may be distinguished from the next lower class of Accounting Technician by the level of technical knowledge required to perform the work and exercise independent judgement, and by the direct or indirect supervision of lower level accounting, clerical, and customer service positions.

Ability to : Accurately maintain a variety of financial records, ledgers, reports and files; perform procedures in an organized and accurate manner; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; accurately count, record and balance assigned transactions; reconcile and report accurate financial activity on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis; independently perform varied and responsible para-professional accounting assignments; independently make decisions regarding procedural activities or requirements; multi-task and prioritize under stressful situations; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, providing effective customer service to the general public, City vendors, and City employees.

Physical and Environmental Demands :

Sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting, prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents, as well as the need to lift, drag and push items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Examples of Duties Performed

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and / or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Performs a full array of duties including the preparation and review of account entries, posting of receivables, and reconciliation of general ledger and bank accounts; monitors past due invoices.
• Processes quarterly recurring payments to federal, state, and local authorities as necessary, including state taxes and fees.
• Logs, tracks, and updates contract award information outside of the scope of duties of the purchasing agent / accountant; creates and verifies purchase orders, vendor invoices, general ledger account coding; addresses vendor inquiries; pays requests for contracts, supplies, utility bills; prepares records for posting to accounts.
• Reviews City Council staff reports to verify information, budget, and other related items are in compliance with contract provisions and City policy.
• Demonstrates a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties.
• Prepares accounting information and enters data into financial system for all accounts payable and accounts receivable; balances preliminary reports and verifies data.
• May assist in the preparation of the City annual budget.
• Provides indirect supervision and direct training of lower level staff.
• Assists in the preparation of monthly financial statements and annual comprehensive financial reports.
• Provides assistance and training to other departments on items related to their duties, including but not limited to accounts payable processing, permit and license receipting, new meter setups, etc.
• Serve as a liaison between vendors and the City regarding accounting functions; respond to inquiries in person and on the telephone.
• Monitor and maintain a variety of documents, records and reports; ensure that records adhere to municipal government records guidelines and laws.
• Act as a receptionist as needed; receive, screen, and direct calls; open, sort and distribute mail.
• Participates in the development and implementation of program goals, objectives and priorities; recommends and implements resulting policies and procedures.
• Performs related duties as required including but not limited to grant billing and reconciliations, daily deposit reconciliation, tracking and outreach to resolve outstanding checks, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Must be 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience : Previous office experience is highly desirable.

License and Certificates : A valid Class C California driver's license.

Knowledge of : Principles and practice of maintenance of a variety of financial records, journals and files; City's chart of accounts; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations; basic City budget practices and ordinances relative to financial reporting and investments; generally accepted accounting principles; basic principles and practices of governmental and proprietary accounting; basic book keeping and accounting principles; computerized record keeping system principles and practices; applicable federal, state, local laws and codes, regulations, City chart of accounts and policies and procedures related to their duties; proper phone techniques and etiquette.

In addition to your Salary, the City of Santa Paula offers you an extensive package, including :

Retirement : Individuals who were active members of a reciprocal public retirement system within the last six months, and considered existing "classic" members will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at 55 retirement plan.

Other new employees will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at 62 retirement plan.

Cafeteria Plan : The City currently contributes $1,350.00 a month allowance

Long Term Disability Insurance : The City offer employer paid long term disability insurance.

Annual Leave : 96 hours of annual vacation leave for the first five years of employment; 96 hours of annual sick leave; 10 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays per year.

Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA) : Medical and dependent care reimbursement account is available.

Deferred Compensation Program : Deferred Contribution Plan (457 plan) is available, the City shall provide a matching contribution to an employee's deferred compensation plan of up to one percent (1%) of the employee's base salary.

Tuition Reimbursement : Employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement up to $3000 per fiscal year for job related or professional development courses.

Life Insurance : The City provides group term life insurance coverage up to $100,000.00 for each employee.

Salary : $52,021 - $63,274