Senior Accountant

JOB TITLE: SENIOR ACCOUNTANT  (Full-Time, 40 hours per week)

DIVISION:  Financial Services

Hiring Compensation Range:   $37.21 – $40.86/hour (DOE)

Start Date:  Immediately. 

Opening Date:  August 2, 2024.  

Closing Date:   Open Until Filled.

General Benefits:  

15% of salary (subject to vesting) in a 401a retirement program, vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

TO APPLY: Send (1) Resume, (2) Employment Application Form https://www.sjcog.org/DocumentCenter/View/6671/Employment-Application, and 

(3) Cover letter to: Kristin Bruce at  [email protected].  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

SJCOG reserves the right to perform academic verification. 

SJCOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  SJCOG is also an At-Will Employer.  

DEFINITION: 

Under direction from the Chief Accountant or Manager of Finance, performs varied and complex professional accounting work related  to maintenance of complex accounting transaction records; budgeting, financial reporting, fixed assets, general and job cost accounting and year-end closing; participates in the preparation and prepares a variety of budgets, schedules and analytical, narrative, statistical and accounting reports for presentation to management and other end-users; provides technical support to external auditors, provides technical accounting assistance and responds to a variety of requests and inquiries from SJCOG management and staff; provides technical and/or functional oversight, assistance and guidance to accounting support and clerical staff; and performs related duties as assigned or required.

EXAMPLE OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Establishes and maintains general and subsidiary accounts and related ledgers including revenue and disbursement; maintains records of encumbrances of funds; balances, verifies and reconciles accounts, ledgers, and other financial records; prepares schedules and worksheets related to loans, fixed asset accounting and insurance premium payments.
• Assumes responsibility for assigned accounting functions; ensures appropriate processes are followed; verifies accuracy of information and supporting documentation; prepares related reports and resolves complex issues.
• Inputs and retrieves financial information from an automated accounting system; analyzes data and prepares various schedules, reports and graphs using spreadsheet programs for presentation to management and other end users; implements and updates accounting components of financial system modules as needed.
• Gathers information for and prepares various accounting and fiscal records, reports, and claims including those concerning accrued and planned expenditures, participant related obligations, carry forward, claims, financial reporting procedures, and related items for SJCOG use. 
• Provides up-to-date detailed cost accounting information for SJCOG to be used for budgeting and cost control purposes; performs analysis of expenditure lines versus budgeted amount.
• Provides technical accounting assistance to SJCOG management and staff by responding to their inquiries on a variety of issues including contracts, budgets, funding, payroll and retirement.
• Assists external auditors in their review and analyses of District financial records by providing requested information and explaining financial procedures and practices.
• Provides technical or functional oversight, assistance and guidance to accounting support and clerical personnel processing invoices, contracts, purchase orders, journal entries, transfers and other fiscal documents to ensure that proper cost centers and expense lines are being used and are aligned with established budgets.
• Acts on behalf of Financial Services management in their absence, performing all tasks necessary to meet deadlines, budgetary and/or established data requirements.
• Performs other related work as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS: 

Education and Experience Guidelines:  

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical path to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, or a closely related field, and 
• Minimum five years of experience, including three years of experience performing complex and highly responsible para-professional and routine professional level accounting work, preferably for a public agency with duties comparable to a junior accountant.

Knowledge of:

• generally accepted accounting principles, practices and terminology (GAAP)
• governmental accounting standards and requirements (GASB)
• principles and practices of financial analysis and auditing
• methods and techniques for financial record keeping and report preparation
• pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations
• modern office practices and the use of standard office equipment including computers and calculators
• electronic data processing systems and applicable software  programs such as word processing, spreadsheet and financial management applications 

Ability to:

• compile, analyze, post, balance and reconcile financial data and information
• evaluate and resolve accounting and auditing problems; 
• develop pertinent accounting and financial data for the preparation of reports and statements; 
• prepare and explain scheduled and ad hoc financial and statistical reports 
• maintain detailed and accurate records
• interpret and apply pertinent rules, regulations, policies and procedures 
• effectively operate a computer, calculator and other standard office equipment 
• proficiently utilize word processing, spreadsheet, and financial management  software applications
• adapt to changing technologies and learn and apply the functionality of new equipment and systems; 
• communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
• maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment and discretion within established guidelines
• effectively organize and prioritize work to meet established timelines
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others including contractors, vendors, auditors, public officials and SJCOG management and staff 
• perform essential duties of job without causing harm to self or others       

Licenses/Certification Required:    

Assigned duties may require possession of a valid class C California Driver’s license, proof of  automobile insurance, and a satisfactory driving record

FLSA STATUS:             Non-exempt

Note:  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an inclusive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of incumbents.  In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

GENERAL BENEFITS:  SJCOG offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including:

• Hybrid work.  Monday and Friday are work from home days for the office.
• 9/80 flexible work schedule (consideration after six months of employment).
• Pay-for-performance merit increases (subject to annual approval in the budget).
• Retirement—Employer contribution to a 401a retirement program which is 15 % of the employee’s gross salary, subject to a 5-year vesting schedule.
• Excellent health insurance (options), dental, and vision coverage for employees
• Paid vacation leave accrues at a rate of 80 hours per year and sick leave accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year.
• 14 paid holidays (one of which is the employee’s birthday).
• SJCOG does not participate in the Social Security program; however, Medicare is deducted at a rate of 1.45%. SJCOG will contribute at a rate of 1.45%.