Accounting Manager

The City of West Hollywood is seeking an experienced professional with a strong background in governmental accounting and a demonstrated track record as a skilled leader and administrator to lead the General Accounting Division. The Accounting Manager will oversee the maintenance of the general ledger; coordinate monthly and annual audits and other year-end activities; assure adherence to GAAP/GASB standards; assist in the oversight of City debt and investment administration; and develop, design, and implement fiscal policies, procedures and internal controls related to accounting, accounts payables, and payroll in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and within the scope of legal requirements. The Manager also oversees preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the California State Controller’s Reports, the State Annual Street Report, Annual Debt Disclosure reporting, and other reporting requirements.

In addition to their governmental accounting experience, the Accounting Manager must possess excellent oral and written communication skills with a strong ability to listen to and communicate effectively with internal and external customers, staff, and management. The successful candidate will demonstrate a collaborative management approach, a passion for their work, and a positive, proactive attitude. At the same time, they will be able to make decisions and take decisive action when needed. Apply today if you are interested in joining our high-performing team dedicated to serving a world-class community.

The ideal candidate will:

• Possess strong integrity, honesty, responsiveness.
• Be a self-confident manager who can motivate and mentor division staff.
• Be an approachable team builder who is responsive, engaged, and innovative in managing the division staff and city resources.
• Thrive in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
• Quickly grasp the organizational challenges and opportunities of the Division.
• Be able to identify issues early and implement creative strategies for solving them.
• Be highly organized and efficient, with excellent time management and multi-tasking skills.
• Be adept at conflict management to resolve customer service issues at the Division level.
• Build strong professional relationships that enable them to work well with the City Manager’s Office, City Council, Department heads, and general employees.

Job Brochure: Accounting Manager

Important Dates/Tentative Schedule

 If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received:

• First round of virtual interviews will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. 
• Round two, in-person finalist interviews will be held tentatively on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Selected candidates will be notified once the dates are finalized. It is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly.

Position Reports To: Director of Finance and Technology ServicesJOB SUMMARY
Manages staff and performs a variety of complex administrative functions related to accounting processes, including: planning, developing and organizing all accounting operations (financial reporting, record keeping, disbursement processing, purchasing, payroll, and related functions); overseeing the maintenance of the general ledger; coordinating annual audits and other year-end activities; assuring adherence to governmental accounting standards and to generally accepted accounting principles; assisting in the oversight of the City debt and investment administration; and developing, designing and implementing policies, procedures and internal controls.

• Carries out supervisory/managerial responsibility in accordance with policies, procedures and applicable laws, including: interviewing, hiring and training staff; planning, assigning and directing work; establishing deadlines; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; coordinating, developing and approving staff training; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Plans, coordinates, assigns, and monitors performance and coaches, counsels, mentors, trains, and advises employees in division for the dual goals of meeting department goals and employee career development; assists staff in the completion of assigned tasks.
• Manages functions related to accounting activities, including: coordinating reporting functions; overseeing accounts payable, purchasing and payroll functions; training staff city-wide in accounting methods and procedures; devising solutions to accounting problems.
• Oversees the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), the California State Controller's Reports, State Annual Street Report, Successor Agency financial reporting and other reporting, as required.
• Oversees functions related to the general ledger, including: maintaining records; reviewing and approving entries and preparing and posting entries and adjustments.
• Interprets, develops, communicates, updates and monitors departmental policies and procedures; recommends improvement when necessary; writes/revises same.
• Coordinates financial audits, including: reviewing and approving  year-end accruals, consolidations and adjusting entries; assisting auditing staff; and implementing recommendations.
• Oversees debt administration functions, including: coordinating the recording of debt and fiscal agent transactions; and assisting in the preparation of various documents and reports.
• Prepares and/or reviews complex, routine and non-routine reports and analysis utilizing a variety of software; receives, sorts, and summarizes material for the preparation of reports; prepares work reports; relays and interprets administrative decisions, policies and instructions.
• Assists in planning and implementing short and long-term goals, objectives, and strategies for the department, projects or programs to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.
• Manages the City's investment portfolio, while implementing the City investment policy through oversight of cash flow and bank reconciliations.
• Assists in preparing the organization budget, including: conducting research; preparing projections; working with departments to correct/amend budget submission; providing and presenting financial information and related data; and participating in budget hearings/meetings.
• Prepares the division budget and monitors expenditures; signs check requests, requisitions and timesheets.
• Audits and analyzes organization internal control procedures and defines responsibilities for staff.
• Ensures quality standards and compliance with regulations are maintained.
   

IMPORTANT JOB FUNCTIONS:
 

• Performs, organizes and manages financial projects and analysis.
• Directs the preparation of interim and annual financial reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and standards issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) in addition to meeting standards that meet the Government Finance Officers' Association's (GFOA's) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program.
• Implements new GASB standards and establishes internal controls within the City's Financials system.
• Collaborates with Human Resources to implement new labor contracts and new laws affecting employee benefits and payroll.
• Oversees fixed asset records and  periodic inventories. 
• Advises staff concerning strategic financial matters.
• Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
• Interacts with a variety of high level individuals, both internally and within the community, to provide information, disseminate departmental information and assist in resolving administrative issues.
• Follows up on inquiries from various agencies, groups, media, etc., regarding department programs and services.
• Disseminates a variety of information to various agencies, divisions, or departments via telephone, mail or FAX.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 
MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:

• General Office Equipment
• Computer                                

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field; Master's degree in related field is preferred; and,
• Four to five years of progressively responsible related experience; or,
• Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (desirable)
• Certified Public Finance Officer (desirable)

• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations and legislative issues.
• Policies and processes as related to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards as issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.
• Governmental benefit and retirement programs including the CalPERS retirement system and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB).
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and implementation.
• Management of staff and activities, either directly or through subordinate supervision.
• Principles and practices of public administration, including knowledge of government organizations and operations.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of effective customer service and collaborative problem solving.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.
• Budget development processes and procedures.
• Project management techniques, including contract management.
• Principles, theories and practices of municipal accounting, auditing, budgeting and financial management.
• Grant management and auditing requirements.

Skill in:

• Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff; selecting and motivating staff and providing for their training and professional development.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, City Council staff reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of directions
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; analyzing, resolving, and/or making recommendations regarding a variety of administrative, financial, and operational issues.
• Communicating orally and in writing with staff, the public and City and government officials in order to give and receive information in a courteous manner.
• Public speaking techniques.
• Using a computer and appropriate computer applications to perform the essential and important functions of the job.
• Operation and routine maintenance of general office machines such as copiers, facsimile machines and telephone systems.

Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations at the appropriate level.
• Ability to learn and follow City and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate in English both orally and in writing at the appropriate level.

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and occasionally push, pull and/or lift up to 10 pounds.
 
Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a normal office environment with little exposure to outdoor temperatures or dirt and dust.
• The incumbent's working conditions are typically moderately quiet.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.  Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

Salary : $178,211 - $234,549