Senior Accountant (Finance Department)

City of Ventura•Ventura, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Ventura is seeking an experienced accounting professional to join our Finance team as a Senior Accountant. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the City’s financial operations and overseeing complex accounting functions, ensuring compliance with auditing standards, and supporting key financial reporting and analysis. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned accounting professional who thrives in a collaborative environment, enjoys problem-solving, and is ready to take on a senior role within municipal finance.

Requirements

A combination of training, education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration, or an equivalent field.
Three years of increasingly responsible accounting experience in the assigned program areas related to general ledger accounting, revenue/treasury services, accounts payable, and payroll.
Strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and governmental accounting and auditing standards, including experience with government auditing and accounting practices.
Experience preparing or supporting the ACFR (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report) and working with external auditors through the audit process.
Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify issues, and recommend appropriate, compliant solutions.
Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience, with the ability to mentor, train, and support staff in a collaborative team environment.
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with a strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, compliance, and deadlines.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain and simplify complex financial information for non-finance audiences.
Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team, serving as a reliable team leader when needed.
Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required.

Nice To Haves

Lead or supervisory experience is highly desirable.
Public sector accounting experience is highly desirable.
Experience with Workday Financials or similar ERP systems is highly desirable.
Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), and/or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee and review accounting processes for compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Evaluate complex transactions and develop internal controls to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Lead the preparation of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including drafting financial statements, notes, and required supplementary information, coordinating supporting schedules, and ensuring timely, accurate reporting.
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, managing all phases of the financial statement audit, Single Audit, and Transportation Development Act (TDA) audits.
Prepare and review audit schedules, SEFA, and related reports, and ensure timely resolution of audit inquiries and findings.
Oversee monthly and fiscal year-end close processes, including preparing, reviewing, and posting complex journal entries, maintaining the chart of accounts, performing detailed account reconciliations, and analyzing variances.
Oversee grant accounting, reporting, and reimbursement processes, ensure compliance with GAAP, grant agreements, and OMB Uniform Guidance, and review transactions for proper classification and eligibility.
Provide technical oversight and review of key functional areas, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, treasury/revenue services, and fixed assets, ensuring accurate financial reporting and integration with the general ledger.
Use Workday Financials, Excel, and other business applications to perform advanced financial analysis, reconcile data across systems, and support reporting and process improvements.
Provide lead direction to accounting staff, including assigning and reviewing work, resolving complex accounting issues, and guiding staff on the application of accounting standards and procedures.
Work collaboratively with City departments to resolve complex accounting issues, perform analysis, and implement compliant, effective solutions.
Respond to technical accounting inquiries from staff and auditors, interpret and communicate complex financial information while ensuring adherence to established policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.