Accountant I (Limited Term)

The Position

The City of Del Mar is recruiting for an Accountant I (Limited Term 1 year) assigned to the Finance Department. The Finance Department is responsible for the City's fiscal operations, including accounting, payroll, utility billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, revenue collection, operating and capital budget development and monitoring, and all financial reporting. The position will be focused on assisting with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation and providing back up coverage for essential daily operations such as accounts payable, utility billing, and payroll.

The Essential Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. The following are examples of the types of job duties that may be found in the Accountant I role:

• Assist with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation.
• Backfill Department's processes, including but not limited to payroll, utility billing, accounts payable and receivable.
• Maintains accounts and records in a complex automated system; prepares or reviews source documents for entry; prepares or reviews expenditure source documents for payment; classifies revenue and cash receipt items; prepares journal entries.
• Assists in budget schedule preparation; compiles information; monitors variances monthly, yearly and as needed; makes recommendations as necessary.
• Assists with audits of financial records with external auditors; prepares audit schedules and work papers; assists with the preparation of financial reports for submission to State Controller and other agencies; assists with external financial reporting.
• Maintains and reconciles the City's general ledger accounting system; prepares monthly and year-end journal entries; performs monthly accounting and bank/investment reconciliations; prepares and distributes departmental reports.
• Updates and maintains fixed assets information and disposal of surplus equipment.
• May processes Citywide payroll and implement, maintain, and review related salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions. Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates. Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions.
• Assists with the preparation of a variety of financial and statistical reports; locates and compiles information; determines proper format for finished reports; analyzes accounts and presents results.
• Provides assistance to management and City staff regarding financial and budgetary matters; researches and analyzes technical data.
• Reviews payment and purchase order requisitions and fund availability.
• Responds to inquiries in person or by phone, providing explanation of established procedures and work unit policies which may require the use of judgement; corresponds with vendors, businesses, or the public according to established procedure; coordinates and manages miscellaneous billings and collections.
• Conducts research and performs special projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The Desired Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of :

• Municipal accounting and finance administration principles, practices, and systems to include debits, credits, encumbrances, journal entries, and auditing.
• Municipal budgeting processes.
• Cost accounting methods and cost allocation techniques.
• Internal control methods and procedures.
• Auditing principles, standards and procedures used in examining accounts and records.
• Effective customer service etiquette and practices.
• Applicable City, state and federal policies, rules, procedures and practices pertaining to payroll, time reporting and benefit plans.
• MS Office Suite and financial systems and applications.

Ability to :

• Operate a computer and spreadsheet software.
• Understand and apply laws, rules and regulations to specific accounting and financial transactions.
• Analyze and interpret financial data and accounting records and determine logical conclusions.
• Recognize and install improvements in financial record-keeping systems.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Organize, set priorities and exercise sound judgement within established guidelines.
• Conduct departmental audits.
• Operate a variety of office equipment.
• Work independently and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public or business administration, accounting, or closely related field.

Experience : Two (2) years of increasingly responsible professional accounting experience. Public agency experience is desirable.

Supplemental Information

This is a limited term position with limited benefits. The benefits include:

• CalPERS Enrollment: Classic Tier 2 - 2% at 60. PEPRA - 2% at 62.
• Standard Vacation and Sick leave accrual
• 12 recognized holidays and an additional 2 floating holidays per calendar year.
• A monthly cafeteria allotment of $1,737 (maximum) which also allows employees to cash out unused cafeteria excess or receive $400 monthly opt-out provision.

In addition to the benefits listed above, please refer to the Management, Professional, and Confidential Compensation Plan.