Senior Accountant

Overview

City of La Mesa invites you to apply for Senior Accountant in the Finance Department. The position is in‑person at La Mesa City Hall and follows a 9/80 schedule.

The Senior Accountant manages general ledgers, journal entries, state/federal/agency reporting, month‑end and year‑end close, and works with auditors for all audits, including the single audit. The role also supervises an accountant and an accounting technician in the accounts payable unit.

• Supervise, plan, train, and review work of staff responsible for general accounting, payroll, accounts payable, cash receipts, and accounts receivable.
• Direct the preparation and processing of accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll; train employees; verify work for accuracy and compliance.
• Set up and maintain controls, journals, ledgers and supporting financial records to comply with procedures, laws, ordinances, reporting requirements and regulations.
• Prepare, enter, review and update monthly journal entries and budget adjustments; prepare various reconciliations and reports.
• Assist in analysis of financial information needs and develop financial systems; recommend improvements.
• Perform fiscal year‑end closing and reconciling entries including accruals, pensions, fixed assets, and encumbrances.
• Coordinate and act as liaison with city and other agency auditors; prepare records and support materials for audits.
• Prepare financial reporting for state and government agencies.
• Assist with the preparation of city‑wide budget and division budgets.
• Perform analysis of grant‑funded project expenditures and revenues; coordinate audits of grant projects.
• Assist in developing and implementing accounting, budget and financial management policies.
• Respond to public inquiries and resolve complaints efficiently.
• Perform related duties as required.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong ethics, advanced technical skills, and analytical abilities. They possess a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a closely related field, and at least four years of recent professional experience in accounting, finance or auditing with supervisory experience. A Certified Public Accountant license is highly desirable.

Additional qualifications include:

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial management systems.
• Understanding of governmental accounting principles, GAAP, GASB standards, internal controls, budgeting and regulatory requirements.
• Problem‑solving, process improvement, training and mentoring skills.

• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in accounting, business administration or related field.
• At least four years of increasingly responsible professional experience in accounting, finance or auditing, including supervisory experience.
• CPA license desirable; additional experience may substitute education.

Knowledge of municipal finance operations, accounting, budgeting, recordkeeping, investing, debt finance, auditing, data processing, financial management, program development, budget preparation, municipal standards, supervision, GAAP, GASB, federal, state, and local laws.

• Supervise and review staff work.
• Perform complex accounting and financial reporting functions independently.
• Interpret and enforce policies.
• Prepare financial statements, reports, and analyses.
• Design and implement improved accounting systems.
• Verify financial documents and reports.
• Use computer applications to perform job functions.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Interpret legislation and regulations.
• Understand and follow instructions.
• Communicate clearly in writing and orally.
• Operate office equipment safely.
• Maintain effective working relationships.

Standard office setting; requires regular mobility, standing or sitting for prolonged periods, use of computer equipment, verbal communication, and visual and hearing acuity within normal ranges.

The City of La Mesa is an Equal Opportunity and Americans with Disabilities Act compliant employer. The City values veterans and transitioning military; all qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply.