Accounting Manager

the city's finance department seeks an experienced and strategic accounting manager to lead its accounting, accounts payable and payroll divisions.

the key management position oversees citywide accounting operations, safeguarding public assets and ensuring transparency, accuracy, and compliance across all city programs and related joint powers agencies. The accounting manager establishes and maintains strong internal controls, directs financial reporting to city council and other authorities, and serves as the city’s technical accounting expert. In addition, this role provides leadership over all payroll operations—including calpers reporting, labor agreement compliance, and payroll system enhancements—ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.

Working with limited direction from the finance director, the accounting manager plays a critical role in maintaining the city’s financial integrity while guiding professional, technical, and clerical staff in support of high‑quality public service.

the city offers a robust benefits package featuring generous leave accruals and retirement contributions. Key benefits include:

• personal leave: 100 hours annually (accrues at 3.85 hours/pay period)
• vacation: 10–20 days annually based on years of city service
• 401(a) deferred compensation: city contributes 10% of salary; employee contributes a minimum of 4%
• 457 deferred compensation: optional employee‑funded plan with pre‑tax and/or roth contribution options
• calpers pension eligibility
• city‑paid life insurance and generous contributions to retirement health savings accounts
• tuition reimbursement up to $4,000 annually
• a 9/80 work schedule

please note that the city uses an electronic reference check process. Refer to the “reference checks” section at the bottom of this job posting for more detailed information.

• a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity, and management of an accounting operation using a mainframe accounting system are required.
• cpa licensure is desirable but not required.
• public sector experience is highly desirable.

graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in accounting or closely related field is required.

possession of a valid class c california driver’s license is required; possession of a valid equivalent is acceptable during the application process.

key duties are summarized below; to access the complete job description, please .

direct and develop staff by recruiting, hiring, training, evaluating, and promoting employees; plan and assign work to maximize efficiency, employee development, cross‑training, and alignment of skills with organizational needs.

establish and maintain fiscal and operational policies and internal controls by developing citywide and division procedures, implementing new or revised laws and accounting standards, and ensuring compliance across all programs.

oversee city financial operations and reporting including complex reconciliations, transaction cycles, annual financial statements, cost allocation plans, labor rates, bond issuance support, and coordination with auditors for the comprehensive annual financial report.

manage accounting and fiscal services for city programs and joint powers agencies (jpas) by establishing accounting systems, monitoring financial activity, resolving discrepancies, preparing budgets and financial statements, and presenting financial analyses to governing boards.

direct payroll administration and regulatory reporting by overseeing payroll systems and benefit processing, ensuring compliance with labor agreements and calpers requirements, coordinating system changes with hr and it, and managing testing, implementation, and year‑end processes.

based on the information provided in the application documents, the best‑qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the…