Senior Accountant

LOS ALTOS, CA
Los Altos, California United States  View Map
Posted: Sep 04, 2025
  • Salary: $121,011.80 - $147,090.32 Annually USD
  • Full Time
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Job Description

    Description

    We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Accountant to join our dynamic team. If you are a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual with a passion for accounting and financial reporting in the public sector, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

    The Senior Accountant performs professional and complex accounting and financial work, prepares financial analyses, and is responsible for maintaining the City’s general ledger and financial accounting system. This role reviews detailed payroll calculations to ensure accuracy and compliance, performs budgetary analyses and calculations, responsible for financial and trend analysis.

    ABOUT THE POSITION

    This position will report to the Finance Manager. The Senior Accountant plans, organizes, and performs complex, professional, and technical accounting duties in the analysis, preparation, and maintenance of financial records, reports, and system. This recruitment will remain open until posting closes on September 19th at 5:00pm. The application pool generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies within the department.

    Examples of Duties

    Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
    • Reviews biweekly, special payroll calculations, employee benefit, and retirement account to ensure accuracy and compliance with City policy, we well as state and federal laws and regulations.
    • Manage and update various Finance policies and procedures.
    • Provide financial analysis and recommendations to the Finance director.
    • Assist in preparing the budget and audit.
    • Provide technical guidance and support for accounting operations and fiscal procedures to subordinate accounting staff.
    • Performs other duties as required.
    Follow the link to view entire job description - Senior Accountant

    Minimum Qualifications

    EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

    Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

    EXPERIENCE:
    • 4+ years of accounting experience, including 2+ years government or municipal accounting required.
    • 2+ years of payroll experience desired.
    • Similar or relevant work experience in the public sector.
    • Proficient use of finance software and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

    EDUCATION:
    • Possession of a post-secondary degree in accounting/finance is required.
    • Specialized training in governmental accounting, a master’s degree, and/or Certified Public Accountant is highly desirable.


    Supplemental Information

    IDEAL CANDIDATE

    Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills and a can-do attitude. Communicates effectively and proactively both verbally and in writing. Enjoys working in a small town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.

    APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

    This recruitment is being conducted to fill one Senior Accountant vacancy and may be used to fill future full-time vacancies as they occur during the active status of the employment list. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a complete background investigation.

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS

    Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

    EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

    The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

    LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

    The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
    #CityofLosAltosJobs #LosAltosjobs #financejobs #accountingjobs #SeniorAccountant #Accounting

    Closing Date/Time: 9/19/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • City of Los Altos
    • City of Los Altos

    Tree-lined streets and a small village atmosphere characterize Los Altos, which is located in the heart of world famous Silicon Valley. Just 40 miles south of San Francisco, Los Altos is a residential community served by seven small retail districts. The seven square mile City is developed with small businesses, schools, libraries and churches.

    Incorporated in 1952, Los Altos is a general law city with five elected council members who serve four-year terms. City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Appointed commissions and committees assist the Council in an advisory capacity. The Council appointed city manager is responsible for financial and operational management of the city's 130 employees.

    Highlights

    • Over 200 volunteers assist in providing City government services to the community each year.
    • In 1982, Los Altos became a leader in recycling programs when it began curbside residential collection of bottles, cans and newspaper. Since then, motor oil, yard waste and mixed paper have been added.
    • City Council and Planning Commission meetings are televised live on the City's cable television government access channel 26. In addition, this channel carries a 24-hour video bulletin board on city services, activities and events.
    Show more

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Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.