General Accounting Specialist

Salary: $33.04 - $40.16 Hourly

Location : Santa Clarita, CA

Job Type: Regular Full-time

Job Number: 2024-6

Department: Administrative Services

Division: Finance

Opening Date: 06/26/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Description/Duties & Responsibilities

This position performs a variety of technical general accounting duties in support of accurately maintaining the City's general ledger; reconciles bank statements with a high transaction volume; and performs general accounting duties in support of accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cashiering.

Duties and Responsibilities:
•Performs technical general accounting functions; performs reconciliations of bank statements, revenues, and deposits with high volume; identifies, researches, and resolves accounting discrepancies independently; prepares, reviews, and processes journal entries; assists with various account analysis
•Tracks daily cash transactions; balances cash by fund and account; finalizes Daily Treasurer's Report by monthly deadline
•Researches and settles credit card disputes; settles bank exceptions
•Reviews cash receipts and account payable batches; reviews the work of account clerks; identifies errors and corrects discrepancies
•Posts cash receipt batches to general ledger; researches and corrects variances independently
•Assists with the preparation of fixed asset packets for department verification and Finance recordation
•Provides other financial support and assists with special projects as needed
•Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City staff and the public
•May handle accounts receivable by preparing invoices and tracking payments; processes accounts receivables by collecting on debts owed for parking violations, administrative citations, community court, property damage, and DUI cost recovery and coordinate submission of debts to outside agencies for collections; prepares various monthly financial reports, including the Monthly Treasurer's Report
Education and Experience
•High school diploma or GED equivalent
•Three years of accounting support experience, including bank account reconciliations, general ledger support, and financial record-keeping
•Previous accounting coursework is highly desirable
•Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered
•A valid Class C California driver license
Knowledge and Abilities
•Knowledge of general accounting principles, practices, and laws with the ability to apply this knowledge to reconcile high volume bank accounts and support accounts receivable, cashiering, accounts payable, and general accounting functions
•Proficient in the use of computerized accounting systems and computer applications, including Microsoft Excel and Word
•Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to research and effectively resolve financial discrepancies, errors, and issues that arise
•Strong math skills and the ability to quickly and accurately make calculations
•Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task, work with constant interruptions, and meet time-sensitive deadlines
•Strong attention to detail and the ability to reconcile financial data and produce work that is both accurate and complete
•Strong customer service skills and the ability to effectively respond to questions and issues that arise in a professional and timely manner
•Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing
•Strong team player and the ability to work both independently and within a work group
•Strong work ethic and the ability to demonstrate high level of professionalism and integrity
•Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with City staff, vendors, and the public
•Ability to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds
Additional Information This position will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing. Applicants that meet minimum qualifications and are selected for interviews will be required to disclose information regarding criminal convictions. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.

All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical, which may include a drug screen and Department of Justice fingerprinting. Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees. All new employees are required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment and during employment. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted.

As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code §§ 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need.

Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees' Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package. All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.

The City of Santa Clarita offers CalPERS Retirement contributions as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.

01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent? (proof will be required prior to job offer.)

02

Do you possess at least three years of technical accounting support experience, including account reconciliations, financial record-keeping, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. If so, please describe.

03

This position is required to work onsite full time (no hybrid or work from home). Are you able to work onsite full time?

04

Please describe your experience preparing financial reports, and provide examples of the types of financial reports you have prepared.

05

Please describe your experience with account reconciliations, the types of reconciliations you have prepared, and the transaction volume reconciled.

06

Please describe your experience preparing journal entries and provide examples of the types of entries you have prepared.

07

Please explain the reconciliation process, including how a variance is identified and corrected.

08

Describe your proficiency using Microsoft Excel. Please explain which Excel functions you use on a regular basis.

09

What interests you most about this position?

Required Question