Accounting Specialist

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The City of Monterey Finance Department is seeking a full-time Accounting Specialist to join its Revenue Division. The ideal candidate brings a wealth of technical expertise, top-notch customer service skills, and exceptional organizational abilities, all while demonstrating a firm grasp of generally accepted accounting principles. In this dynamic role, the Accounting Specialist will be at the forefront of managing a variety of regulatory deadlines, fielding complex queries from the public, and handling the intricacies of revenue audits and collection demands. The successful candidate is someone with an eye for detail, a knack for innovation, the ability to multitask amidst competing deadlines, and a passion for collaborative work with team members and the public.  

ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY:

Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its own conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities. 

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES:

The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

Application Process

A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate may be required to successfully pass a physical exam including a drug screen, a Livescan fingerprint background check, and a reference check. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligibility list. The eligibility list is active for 12-months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions determined to have similar duties and requirements. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: 

The City of Monterey provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Monterey does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. 

SUMMARY: Under general direction, perform difficult and responsible work primarily in accounts payable, payroll, accounts receivable, or business license and assume responsibility for an end product and work independently in performing a variety of responsible administrative and technical duties.  
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:  The Accounting Specialist is the second level of the accounting series.  It differs from the lower class of Accounting Assistant in that the Specialist is a specialist in one or more fiscal areas and functions with a higher degree of independence.  The Specialist may also exercise supervision over subordinate staff and assume responsibility for an end product.  The Specialist differs from the next higher class of Accountant/Auditor in that the latter interprets policies for staff and the general public performs higher-level accounting functions including general ledger and compiling and analyzing financial data for compliance with regulations and policies.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform specialized accounting functions within the scope of authority and training, and in compliance with state and federal regulations, City policies, procedures and quality standards; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Review and process data and maintain financial records.
• Post accounting transactions to computer ledgers.
• Perform clerical accounting activities, including accounts payable & receivable, revenue, budgets, purchasing, and payroll.
• Review documents for validity and accuracy of information and completeness. 
• Perform mathematical calculations. 
• Generate reports, record, file, and distribute related paperwork and documents. 
• Review and validate data, report, research and resolve discrepancies within scope of authority and training.
• Provide customer services, respond to requests for information, and attempt to resolve them by researching files and records.
• Update, retrieve and release information according to procedures and refer matters requiring policy interpretation to supervisor for resolution.
• Cross trains in all budget and accounting duties.
• May provide training and assistance to subordinate staff.
• Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff. 
• Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Education:   Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.  Supplemental courses in accounting, finance, business, personnel management and related fields are desirable.  An Associate of Arts degree in a related field is desirable.
 
Experience:   Three (3) years of responsible technical experience in an accounting related position with payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and/or business license experience and one (1) year of experience in the supervision of subordinate staff.  
 
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
 
Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Accounting, budgeting, and record keeping principles and methods.
• Business and personal computers, and financial spreadsheet software applications.

 
Skill in:

• Reviewing and verifying the accuracy of accounting and technical transaction data and reports.
• Maintaining accounting records, and performing mathematical calculations with skill and accuracy.
• Entering numerical data into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
 
Physical Demands

• Standing & Walking – Primarily sedentary classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.
• Sitting - Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time.
• Lifting - Ability to safely lift up to 20 pounds; this requirement includes bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.
• Manual Dexterity - Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as operating a computer keyboard; copying, and adding machines.
• Visual – Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.
• Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Mobility – Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.

Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
 
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS:
All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. 

Salary : $69,648 - $84,600