Senior Accountant

Description

Do balanced budgets and clean audits excite you? Are you passionate about public sector accounting and protecting the City’s financial health? If you enjoy turning financial data into clear information to support decisions that matter and utilizing your expertise to support a strong, collaborative Finance team serving a well-managed, vibrant community, we encourage you to apply! This is an exciting opportunity to join our fully staffed, collaborative, and high-performing Finance team and step into a well-supported role within a stable and respected organization. The Senior Accountant plays a key role in strengthening the City’s financial operations by preparing detailed financial analyses, maintaining the general ledger and financial reporting systems, and supporting budgetary and long-range planning efforts that directly inform City leadership and strategic decision-making.

If you are a driven, analytical, and detail-oriented accounting professional who values public service, and is excited to contribute to a financially sound and forward-thinking community, we encourage you to apply and grow your career with the City of Los Altos.

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 March 24th 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.

• Manages finance operating, and updates various Finance policies and procedures.
• Collaborates in the preparation of the budget and audit.
• Provides financial analysis and recommendations to the Finance director.
• Provides technical guidance and support for accounting operations and fiscal procedures to subordinate accounting staff.
• Performs other duties as required.

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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
• 2+ years government or municipal accounting experience preferred.
• Similar or relevant work experience in the public sector.

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.
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Closing Date/Time: 3/24/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Los Altos

• 650-947-2759

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