Accountant I/II

Salary : $74,422.40 - $102,460.80 Annually
Location : Wildomar - City Hall, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-03
Department: Administrative Services
Division: Finance
Opening Date: 03/03/2025
Closing Date: 3/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Description
The City of Wildomar is seeking an Accountant I/II to join our team. As a small City, this position will cover a wide variety of financial and accounting tasks, including but not limited to: reviewing financial records and transactions, drafting bond and investment journals, monitoring and correcting ledger accounts, and providing back-up assistance with processing and maintaining payroll records. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic and the ability to problem solve in a small, fast-paced office environment. The City of Wildomar offers a 4/10 work schedule and excellent health benefits.
Application closed on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Apply Today!
DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional accounting work in the maintenance and review of fiscal records; analyzes financial information and prepares reports and records pertaining to the City's financial activities; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Accountant I

This is the entry level class in the professional Accountant series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Accountant II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Incumbents at this level are expected to become fully knowledgeable of the assigned area and learn to perform the full range of accounting work.
Accountant II

This is the journey level class in the professional Accountant series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Accountant I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Incumbents are expected to perform the more difficult and complex statistical and financial professional accounting work requiring thorough knowledge of governmental accounting systems and procedures. 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.
Flex Staffing

This series may be flexibly staffed at either the entry or journey level. Incumbents appointed to the Accountant I (entry level) may reasonably expect to progress to the Accountant II (journey level) upon attaining and demonstrating the full knowledge, skills and abilities of the job classification and meeting the qualifications and department requirements established for progression, which shall remain at the department head's discretion.
SUPERVISIONRECEIVEDANDEXERCISED

Receives direct (Accountant I) to general supervision (Accountant II) from the Administrative Services Manager, Finance Manager, or other management staff as assigned. May provide lead direction over lesser skilled accounting staff.

Examples of Duties
Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinates and prepares postings, balancing, and reconciliation of the General Ledger and subsidiary accounts; prepares bank reconciliation statements.
• Researches, interprets and applies Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and other professional accounting standards.
• Reviews, analyzes, and audits financial records and transactions to ensure completeness and accuracy of information and calculations; prepares journal entries for adjusting and correcting records as necessary.
• Analyzes, reconciles, and maintains records of various financial accounts; verifies availability of funds and classification of expenditures; researches and analyzes transactions to resolve problems and ensure adherence to budget.
• Prepares a variety of financial reports, statements, and schedules for internal use and as required by county, state, and federal agencies; assists with the preparation of financial statements for the City's Annual Financial Report; conducts research and analysis of financial information; reconciles related data for submission; prepares notes, tables, and charts for inclusion in reports.
• Performs comprehensive financial activity studies as directed; provides analysis of various funds upon management request.
• Provides technical guidance and training to technical and clerical accounting staff.
• Serves as a technical resource to City staff; provides advice and technical assistance related to accounting procedures and financial system processes.
• Analyzes financial documentation processes to ensure accuracy of financial reporting and recommends changes as necessary.
• Provides technical support for audits; conducts research, provides analyses, and prepares audit schedules for independent auditors.
• Develops, monitors, and maintains records on the City's fixed assets; records asset additions and deletions; determines value of assets; calculates and records depreciation schedules.
• May participate in the preparation of the City's payroll and the maintenance of payroll records and reports.
• Participates in departmental budget preparation and administration; analyzes expenditures and revenue transactions against budget projections and historical data; prepares worksheets and summaries of budget data.
• Prepares and writes a variety of reports and documentation.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of accounting and financial record keeping.
• Pertinent policies and procedures related to financial recordkeeping and cost accounting.
• Specialized accounting and report writing software.
• Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
• Municipal accounting system requirements and procedures.
• Operations and organizational structure of municipal government.
• Principles and practices of research and report preparation.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and supporting software applications.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles and practices of filing and record keeping.
• Methods and techniques of public relations and customer service.
• Safe and efficient work practices as they relate to code enforcement.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Ability to:

• Apply critical thinking to complex projects and interpret detailed requirements.
• Plan and organize multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines.
• Develop and accurately maintain a variety of financial records and documents.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and precise written documents such as ledgers, journals reports, forms, and correspondence.
• Interpret, explain, and analyze financial and statistical data and material.
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to accounting operations, and recommend implementation of new guidelines and standards.
• Analyze data and draw logical conclusions.
• Evaluate situations, identify problems, and exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Train and review the work of clerical and technical staff.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality of information.
• Maintain and follow department policies and procedures.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Deliver quality customer service.
• Work independently and as a team member.
• Perform assignments with a high degree of independence.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience:
  • Accountant I: A minimum of one (1) year of general accounting experience. Governmental accounting experience is highly desirable.
  • Accountant II: A minimum of three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional accounting experience, of which two (2) years included governmental accounting experience.
• Training:
  • Accountant I: Equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in finance or accounting.
  • Accountant II: Equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in finance or accounting.
• Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a State of California driver's license or the ability to make reasonable and timely transportation accommodation(s) as needed.
• Special Requirements: Employees in these classes may be required to work varying shifts and extended hours including evenings and weekends.

Supplemental Information
WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics and physical/mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Environmental Conditions: Employees in this class generally work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employee may interact with staff and/or the public and private representatives in various settings including the field or remote offices for meetings. The incumbent will be exposed to outdoor environmental elements on a limited basis with exposure to varying temperatures, moderate exterior noise levels including traffic, and may have limited exposure to dust and fumes.
Physical Demands: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting including use of standard office equipment, including a computer; and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City sites. Color vision is required to read printed materials and a computer screen. Hearing and speech is required to communicate in person and over the telephone. Touch is required in order to handle documents, and use a computer. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time. Positions in this classification regularly 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 20 pounds.
Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information, and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math, and mathematical reasoning; observes and interprets people, and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs highly detailed work; deals with changing deadlines, constant interruptions, and multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.
The City of Wildomar provides a robust benefits package to all of its full-time staff, including a generous health allotment for medical, dental and vision coverage, as well as participation in the CalPERS retirement system. Please review the City's benefit summary for more information.
01

How many years of experience do you have in the government accounting field?
02

Please describe your experience with auditing processes, processing payroll and drafting bond and investment journals.
Required Question