Accountant I/II

Summary

Accountant I: $5,529 - $8,225 per month
Accountant II: $7,057 - $ 10,497 per month

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location , consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Accountant I/II in our Finance Department. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under general supervision (Accountant I) or direction (Accountant II), performs a variety of professional level duties involved in coordinating and supervising various accounting activities; analyzes and reconciles complex financial transactions; maintains the accuracy of the City's ledgers and subsidiary financial systems; prepares and maintains accurate financial records and reports; assists in the preparation of assigned budgets, annual audit, and year end closing; and provides highly responsible staff assistance to their Division Manager.

Distinguishing characteristics

Accountant I : This is the entry level class in the Accountant series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Accountant II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Incumbents at this level are expected to learn the full range of responsibilities and perform duties with an increasing level of independence. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Accountant II : This is the full journey level class in the Accountant series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Accountant I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed accounting knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Accountant II level are normally filled by advancement from the Accountant I level.

Key Responsibilities

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 below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Performs a variety of professional duties in the coordination and supervision of various accounting activities supporting City-wide operations; maintains accuracy of general, revenue and expenditure ledgers and subsidiary financial systems.

Develops, recommends and assists in implementing departmental policies and procedures; establishes schedules and methods for providing accounting services.

Oversees, reviews, audits, and posts accounts payable, cash receipts, payroll and other accounting records and transactions; analyzes and audits transactions for proper account classification.

Prepares journal entries for recording in the accounting system.

Reconciles financial ledgers and records; prepares financial statements and reports, general and subsidiary ledgers and supporting schedules; researches and resolves discrepancies.

Prepares and reviews a variety of monthly, periodic, and annual financial, accounting, budgetary, and statistical studies and reports.

Prepares annual state controller, street and other governmental reports.

Participates in fiscal year-end audit activities, including preparation of financial statements.

Coordinates financially related activities with other City departments and divisions and with other outside agencies; prepares worksheets and schedules; compiles data and records.

Prepares and processes annual W-2, 1099 and other required reports; ensures reports are in compliance with government regulations.

Audits accounting systems and procedures to ensure proper internal control and compliance with established policies; performs the conversion and ongoing maintenance of automated accounting systems.

Provides assistance in the development of the annual budget; monitors budget activities; forecasts funds needed for City operations; assists in preparing the final budget document for approval by City Council.

Monitors budget for various City departments and projects determining if funds are available and expenditures properly classified; researches and analyzes transactions to resolve budget problems; prepares final budget document for management approval and distributes to departments; inputs approved budget amounts into appropriate computer system and determines carryover balances.

Records and reconciles all investment transactions using an investment software tracking application.

Ensures that the City's investment portfolio is in compliance with the City's Investment Policy.

Manages, monitors, and approves bank related transactions such as outgoing bank wire payments and stop payments; monitors and identifies accounts for any investment guideline violations; provides guidance and resolution recommendations.

Manages and performs bond administration duties; tracks and approves bond activity including payments, receipts and arbitrage requirements; reconciles monthly bond trustee statements and processes journal entries; prepares annual fiscal-year-end reconciliation and auditor's schedules of all accounts relating to bond debt; prepares and processes all bond related statutory reports.

Prepares short and long-term cash flow analysis and forecasts as necessary;

Tracks assessment district activity, including preparation of annual assessments and required County of San Diego reports; prepares and processes necessary journal entries.

Supervises assigned accounting clerical staff; performs evaluations; provides or coordinates staff training;

Provides responsible staff assistance to their division manager; prepares special studies and reports as necessary.

Responds to public inquiries and complaints in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; resolves issues in an efficient and timely manner.

Performs related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of general and municipal government accounting, budgeting and treasury program.
Principles and practices of accounting and auditing including general ledger, debit, credit, journal entries and audit procedures.
Principles and practices of posting, reconciliations and double-entry bookkeeping.
Methods and techniques of analyzing general ledgers and preparing journal entries.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Methods and techniques of preparing financial reports and statements.
Advanced mathematical principles.
Principles and practices of financial record keeping and reporting.
Principles of supervision, training, and evaluation.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Pertinent federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations.

Ability to:
Oversee, train and evaluate technical and clerical personnel.
Perform a variety of professional accounting and financial analysis functions.
Research, analyze and reconcile complex financial data and transactions.
Perform cash flow analysis
Reconcile and adjust financial statements with the general ledger.
Prepare and maintain accurate financial statements, records and reports.
Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
Participate in budget development.
Interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations and policies.
Develop and implement efficient accounting procedures and internal controls.
Ensure compliance with applicable bond and investment laws.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications.
Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
Respond to requests and inquiries from other departments, the general public, and government agencies.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Requirements

Education/Training:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field. Successful completion of the Certified Public Accountant exam may be substituted for the required education.

Accountant I

Experience:

One year (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible professional-level accounting experience.

Accountant II

Experience:

Three years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible professional-level accounting experience.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY
The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Management Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: 4/27/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Escondido

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