Accountant I/II

City of Ojai • Ojai, CA

23h • $40 - $54

About The Position

The City of Ojai is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Accountant to join our dedicated Finance Department. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional to contribute to the financial health and transparency of our community. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in accounting and will be responsible for a wide range of accounting functions, including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, financial reporting, and audit preparation, all in compliance with governmental accounting standards. From mastering the general ledger to leading audit preparations, this role offers the rare opportunity to manage full-cycle municipal finance in a setting where your expertise is visible, and your contributions directly influence the well-being of our community. This recruitment will remain open until Sunday, March 29 , 2026.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: Generally accepted accounting principles and practices.
• Statistical and mathematical presentation of data.
• Research and investigation procedures.
• Basic preparation of presentations and creation and manipulation graphical presentations.
• Business English, spelling and grammar.
• Ability to: Plan effectively in order to meet established deadlines.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Skill to: Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment, software, calculator, telephone, and copying machine.
• Understand and respond to requests from the public and staff for assistance both on the phone and in-person.
• Prepare detailed narrative reports, perform mathematical calculations and sort/file documents.
• Interpret and follow instructions and policy guidelines.
• In addition to the qualifications for Accountant I:
• Knowledge of: Generally accepted accounting principles and practices, including budgeting and reporting.
• Principles of supervision and training.
• Financial research, investigation procedures, and report preparation methods.
• Ability to: Direct and train clerical and technical personnel.
• Prepare a variety of complex financial statements, reports, and analyses.
• Analyze and reconcile payroll transactions and retirement reporting.
• Administer and report on grant programs in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Assist in the implementation and optimization of financial software applications.
• Apply Federal, State and local laws and regulations pertaining to accounting and auditing.
• Equivalent to an associate's degree (AA or AS) from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting or business administration.
• Two years of responsible accounting experience, preferably in the public sector.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license.
• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting or business administration.
• Four years of responsible governmental accounting experience comparable to that of an Accountant I in the City of Ojai.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the posting, balancing and reconciliation of the General Ledger and subsidiary accounts; prepare bank reconciliations.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual financial statements and State Controller's Report; prepare audit schedules for the annual audit.
• Maintain debt service funds; monitor and reconcile paying agents' accounts.
• Input journal entries to the general ledger for assigned funds.
• Perform comprehensive financial activity studies as directed; provide analysis of various funds at management request.
• Input journal vouchers and manual checks into the financial system.
• Assist and review with operating departments account posting.
• Monitor and maintain records on City's fixed assets.
• Assist departmental personnel and City staff with budget activity, proper expenditure coding, document preparation and other accounting related activities.
• Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable processing, including invoice coding, vendor entry, and documentation tracking.
• Support payroll preparation and related accounting functions, including payroll reconciliations and reporting to external agencies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Preparation of the annual financial statements, various Agency financial reports, and State Controller's Report; prepare audit schedules for the annual audit.
• Ability to read and deduct from granting agency instructions on accounting and reporting requirements.
• Issue correcting and adjusting journal entries to update the general ledger for assigned funds.
• Approve journal vouchers and manual checks into the financial system.
• Prepare fund balance projections and review with operating departments.
• Oversee or assist with accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring compliance with internal controls and procurement policies.
• Assist with or perform payroll processing and reporting, including labor compliance requirements.
• Coordinate and reconcile grant funding, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting in accordance with grantor requirements.
• Assist with budget development, including preparing revenue and expenditure projections, and providing department support throughout the budget cycle.
• Contribute to the development and enforcement of accounting policies and internal controls.
• Prepare and present financial data to management and/or City Council as needed.
• May provide technical guidance to lower-level accounting personnel in accounts receivable and accounts payable.

Benefits

• Deferred Compensation: City matches the greater of 3% of salary or $200/month.
• Retirement: Participation in CalPERS and Social Security.
• Health Insurance: Access to CalPERS health plans. City pays 100% of employee and 80% of dependent premiums (up to PERS Platinum rate).
• Dental & Vision Insurance: City pays 100% of employee premium.
• Disability Insurance: City paid short- and long-term disability.
• Life Insurance: $30,000 City paid policy wtih AD&D.
• Holidays: 13 paid holidays annually.
• Vacation: Starts at 88 hours per year, with increases based on service.
• Sick Leave: 96 hours per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree