Accountant I/II

Full Job Description

The City is seeking an experienced accountant with municipal or other government accounting experience to fill our open Accountant positions within the Finance Department. The position may be filled at either the Accountant I or II level.

The Accountant I/II performs professional accounting and financial analysis duties in the review, development and maintenance of financial records and systems; examines, analyzes and verifies financial data and records; conducts special projects; and performs other related work as required.

In addition to meeting the established guidelines for the position, the ideal candidate will have knowledge of financial and/or payroll functions, municipal accounting and automated accounting systems. Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel and Tyler Munis or a similar ERP system is highly desirable.

• Four day, 36 hour work week (Monday through Thursday)
• CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula, 8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.75% contribution.
• Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available
• Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents.
• Vacation: Starting with 75 hours annually and increasing with years of service.
• Holidays: 11 City Holidays and 4 floating Holidays
• Sick Leave: 90 hours annually; unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement

Requirements

Accountant I
This is the entry level class in the professional accounting series. This class assists other professional or management staff by performing tasks that require an understanding of the principles of accounting. This class performs the more routine tasks and duties. Incumbents at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment as higher level classifications. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no work experience directly related to governmental accounting.

Accountant II
This is the journey level class in the professional accounting series. The work requires comprehensive knowledge of financial and/or payroll functions, municipal accounting and automated accounting systems. Work in the class is distinguished from that of lower classes in that incumbents at this level receive only occasional instruction and assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise. Accountant II incumbents perform more difficult and specialized analytical work.

Qualifications

Specifics on the Accountant I classification can be found here: Accountant I
Specifics on the Accountant II classification can be found here: Accountant II

For information on class specification or salaries please visit the City of Alameda's Human
Resources website: https://www.alamedaca.gov/Departments/Administration/Human-Resources

Additional Information

Education/Experience
Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Knowledge
Knowledge of principles and practices of general and governmental accounting, including financial reporting and financial statement preparation; principles of budget development and administration; auditing practices and methods; applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations especially as related to accounting, auditing and grants; automated financial management systems.

Ability
Ability to effectively plan, organize and perform financial, accounting and related reporting activities; interpret, apply and explain established policies, procedures, rules and regulations; interpret and effectively apply complex governmental regulations; evaluate administrative, legislative, financial and accounting information; prepare and administer budgets; utilize computer equipment and interpret computerized information; establish and maintain accurate records; prepare clear, concise and accurate financial reports and financial statements; maintain level of knowledge required for satisfactory job performance; communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public; provide lead direction and training to assigned staff.

Other Requirements
Experience using Tyler Munis financial system, Excel and Word are highly desirable.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record at the time of appointment is required as a condition of initial and continued employment only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than the employee's ability to get to/from various work locations in a timely manner, is necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Selection Process
The examination process may include an application and supplemental questionnaire evaluation, a written exam, and an oral interview. The examination process may test for, but is not limited to, the essential knowledge and abilities listed in the job specification and announcement and will be designed to provide a comprehensive review of each candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position. Qualified applicants will be notified of the exact date, time, and location of examinations approximately two weeks in advance.

Candidates passing all components of the examination process will be placed on an Eligible List. A list of names is certified to the department(s) having vacancies based on the type of examination conducted pursuant to the provision of the City's Civil Service Rules. Final selection will be made from the Eligible List by the Department Head subject to approval by the City Manager. The Department Head may utilize additional selection procedures to make a final hiring decision. Placement on an Eligible List does not guarantee employment. Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted which may include a credit check and background. The selection process may be evaluated and revised based on the number of qualified applicants. Federal law requires that prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

E-Verify
The City of Alameda utilizes the Federal government's E-Verify program and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization, which includes showing a valid United States Social Security card at the time of hire (photocopies not accepted).

Veteran's Preference Credit
A job applicant qualifies as a veteran if honorably discharged from active military, reservist, or National Guard duty of at least 18 consecutive months within the past five (5) years of the date of application. In case of discharge attributable to service-connected injuries or illnesses, the 18 months active duty requirement need not be fulfilled. An applicant claiming veteran's preference credit must attach to their application, a legible copy of their DD-214 verifying the type of discharge and date(s) of active service. NO OTHER DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ACCEPTED.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Alameda is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

In compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations, the City of Alameda will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must do so no later than the final filing date for receipt of applications, otherwise it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Such requests should be addressed to the Human Resources Department | 1-510-747-4900 | hr@alamedaca.gov | 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Rm. 290, Alameda, 94501. Requests can be made via email, phone, or in writing via U.S. mail.