Junior Accountant

The City of San Clemente invites the application for:

The City of San Clemente is excited to introduce a brand-new opportunity to join our Finance team as a Junior Accountant. This professional accounting position is a wonderful opportunity for someone who is ready to build their skills expand their knowledge of municipal finance and contribute to meaningful public service in one of Southern Californias most beautiful coastal communities.

As a Junior Accountant you will gain hands-on experience in a variety of financial areas including general ledger support account reconciliations financial reporting budget monitoring audits grant accounting fixed assets serve as a payroll back up and other core accounting functions that help keep City operations moving. This position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented curious dependable and excited to grow within a supportive team environment.

If you are looking for a role where you can learn contribute ask questions develop your technical skills and see how your work supports the community this may be the perfect opportunity to begin or grow your career in public sector finance.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision performs a variety of professional accounting financial auditing and analytical duties in support of City financial operations; assists with account reconciliations financial reporting budget monitoring audits grant accounting fixed asset accounting and general ledger activities; enhance existing knowledge of governmental accounting principles procedures and systems; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a mid-level classification in the professional Accountant series.

Incumbents perform routine to moderately complex accounting assignments while learning City financial operations governmental accounting practices applicable regulations and financial systems. As experience and proficiency are gained employees are assigned increasingly complex accounting responsibilities and are expected to exercise greater independence and judgment.

The Junior Accountant is distinguished from Accountant by the limited complexity of assignments performed closer supervision received and emphasis on building upon existing knowledge of governmental accounting principles procedures and financial systems.

Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following:

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be a motivated accounting or finance professional who is eager to learn highly organized and committed to accuracy. They will have a strong foundation in accounting principles be comfortable working with spreadsheets and financial records and have the ability to review information carefully while meeting deadlines. We are looking for someone who is coachable professional analytical and genuinely interested in growing their knowledge of governmental accounting and City operations.

Coursework internships public sector exposure bookkeeping payroll accounts payable accounts receivable auditing or other related financial experience are all valuable.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Ability to:

• Build uponexisting governmental accounting principles procedures and regulations
• Learn and apply payroll processing procedures payroll regulations and related internal controls
• Analyze financial information and identify discrepancies
• Prepare accurate financial records and reports
• Perform mathematical calculations accurately
• Understand and apply accounting procedures and internal controls
• Organize and prioritize work assignments
• Operate financial and accounting software systems
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Exercise sound judgment and attention to detail

Experience

Three (3) years of accounting bookkeeping financial analysis auditing accounts payable accounts receivable payroll processing or related financial experience is desirable.

Internship experience public sector experience and coursework in governmental accounting are highly desirable.

Education / Training

Bachelors degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Accounting Finance Business Administration Public Administration Economics or other closely related field.

SELECTION PROCESS

• Applications and Supplemental Questions will be reviewed and evaluated for relevant education and experience.
• Candidates considered to have the best qualifications will be invited to participate in the selection process.
• The selection process will consist of a 10-question Accounting Assessment (20%) and an oral interview (80%) for a weighted total of 100%.
• An eligibility list will be established and may be used to fill future vacancies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed in an office environment involving frequent use of computers financial software systems and other standard office equipment. Duties require interaction with City staff auditors vendors outside agencies and the public.

Physical Requirements:

Essential functions require:

• Sitting for prolonged periods of time while performing accounting and financial analysis work
• Operating computers calculators and standard office equipment
• Reading financial reports spreadsheets and accounting records
• Communicating effectively in person virtually and by telephone
• Lifting and carrying files records and office materials
• Maintaining sufficient physical mental visual and hearing capability to safely and effectively perform assigned duties

For more information regarding this recruitment please contact Cara Morin at or.

As an equal opportunity employer the City strongly encourages people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.