Junior Accountant

City of San Clemente • San Clemente, CA

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The City of San Clemente is excited to introduce a brand-new opportunity to join our Finance team as a Junior Accountant. This professional accounting position is a wonderful opportunity for someone who is ready to build their skills, expand their knowledge of municipal finance, and contribute to meaningful public service in one of Southern California’s most beautiful coastal communities. As a Junior Accountant, you will gain hands-on experience in a variety of financial areas, including general ledger support, account reconciliations, financial reporting, budget monitoring, audits, grant accounting, fixed assets, serve as a payroll back up and other core accounting functions that help keep City operations moving. This position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, curious, dependable, and excited to grow within a supportive team environment. If you are looking for a role where you can learn, contribute, ask questions, develop your technical skills, and see how your work supports the community, this may be the perfect opportunity to begin or grow your career in public sector finance.

Requirements

• Basic accounting principles and practices
• Financial recordkeeping procedures
• Basic payroll processing principles, procedures, and payroll-related recordkeeping requirements
• Principles of auditing and internal controls
• Spreadsheet, database, and financial software applications
• Business mathematics
• Modern office procedures and technology
• Governmental accounting principles and practices
• Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements
• Public sector budgeting and financial reporting
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Ability to build upon existing governmental accounting principles, procedures, and regulations
• Ability to learn and apply payroll processing procedures, payroll regulations, and related internal controls
• Ability to analyze financial information and identify discrepancies
• Ability to prepare accurate financial records and reports
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations accurately
• Ability to understand and apply accounting procedures and internal controls
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments
• Ability to operate financial and accounting software systems
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and attention to detail
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or other closely related field.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• Three (3) years of accounting, bookkeeping, financial analysis, auditing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, or related financial experience is desirable.
• Internship experience, public sector experience, and coursework in governmental accounting are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining and reconciling general ledger accounts
• Prepare routine journal entries and supporting documentation
• Assist in reviewing financial transactions for accuracy, completeness, and proper account classification
• Assist with account reconciliations including cash, investments, receivables, payables, grants, and special funds
• Review and verify accounting records, reports, and supporting documentation
• Assist in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
• Participate in month-end and year-end closing activities
• Assist in maintaining fixed asset records and depreciation schedules
• Assist external and internal auditors by gathering records, preparing schedules, and responding to routine requests
• Research accounting issues and compile supporting financial information
• Review expenditures and revenues for accuracy and proper coding
• Assist departments with financial inquiries and accounting-related questions
• Maintain accounting records, files, and financial documentation
• Participate in special projects and financial analyses
• Assist with payroll-related reconciliations, reporting, and financial recordkeeping activities as assigned
• Learn payroll processes to function as the primary back up
• Perform related duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level