Accounting Specialist

City of Santa Paula•Santa Paula, CA

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Accounting Specialist performs para-professional accounting duties and financial analysis in maintaining and controlling the City’s accounting systems and fiscal services. This advanced journey-level position handles complex para-professional accounting functions, including work involved in preparing financial statements. Duties span accounts payable and receivable, utility billing-related functions, reviewing reports and entries for accuracy, and reconciling entries and accounts. The role is distinguished from Accounting Technician by its higher level of technical knowledge, independent judgment, and direct or indirect supervision of lower-level accounting, clerical, and customer service positions. The position works with City departments, vendors, and the public; maintains financial records in accordance with municipal records guidelines and laws; and may assist with budget preparation, financial reporting, staff training, and program procedures. A written exam is scheduled for December 10, 2026, with applicants to be notified if invited during the first week of December.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid Class C California driver's license.
Knowledge of financial recordkeeping principles and practices, including journals and files.
Knowledge of the City's chart of accounts.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and City policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
Knowledge of basic City budget practices and ordinances related to financial reporting and investments.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and basic governmental and proprietary accounting practices.
Knowledge of basic bookkeeping and accounting principles.
Knowledge of computerized recordkeeping system principles and practices.
Knowledge of proper telephone techniques and etiquette.
Ability to accurately maintain financial records, ledgers, reports, and files; follow organized and accurate procedures; and count, record, and balance transactions.
Ability to independently perform varied and responsible para-professional accounting assignments and make decisions about procedural activities or requirements.
Ability to reconcile and report accurate financial activity on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, communicate clearly orally and in writing, and multitask and prioritize under stressful situations.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and provide effective customer service.
Sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting, including prolonged sitting and other specified movements; repetitive hand movement and fine coordination for computer keyboard use; near and far vision; and ability to lift, drag, and push items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Previous office experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Prepare and review account entries, post receivables, reconcile general ledger and bank accounts, and monitor past-due invoices.
Process recurring quarterly payments to federal, state, and local authorities, including taxes and fees.
Log, track, and update contract award information; create and verify purchase orders, vendor invoices, and general ledger coding; respond to vendor inquiries; process payment requests; and prepare records for posting.
Review City Council staff reports for compliance with contract provisions, budget information, and City policy.
Enter accounts payable and accounts receivable data into the financial system, balance preliminary reports, and verify data.
Assist with preparation of the City annual budget, monthly financial statements, and annual comprehensive financial reports.
Provide indirect supervision and direct training to lower-level staff, and assist other departments with accounting-related processes.
Serve as a liaison between vendors and the City regarding accounting functions and respond to inquiries in person and by telephone.
Monitor and maintain documents, records, and reports in accordance with municipal government records guidelines and laws.
Perform receptionist duties as needed, including screening and directing calls and sorting and distributing mail.
Participate in developing and implementing program goals, objectives, priorities, policies, and procedures.
Perform related duties as required, including grant billing and reconciliations, daily deposit reconciliation, and tracking and outreach to resolve outstanding checks.
Maintain accurate financial records, ledgers, reports, and files; reconcile and report financial activity monthly, quarterly, and annually.
Provide effective customer service to the public, City vendors, and City employees, and maintain cooperative working relationships.