City of Palm Desert, CA
Salary: $98,093.00 - $134,638.00 Annually
Location : Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-0016
Department: FINANCE
Division: Finance
Opening Date: 07/29/2025
Closing Date: 8/12/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Definition
The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities. When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other. We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say "yes," while not compromising the City's or our own integrity.
Our efforts are guided by our core values:
THE OPPORTUNITY
The City of Palm Desert is looking for an Accounting Supervisor to play a key leadership role in our Finance Department. In this critical position, you will oversee and participate in the day-to-day accounting operations of the City, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting. Your work will help ensure the integrity, transparency, and accuracy of the City's financial systems.
We're looking for candidates who are experienced, analytical, and committed to public service excellence.
Why Join Us?
Under general direction, performs advanced complex, professional financial analysis and accounting functions involving the preparation and maintenance of financial records and reports for various City accounts and funds in conformance with general and governmental accounting practices, policies, and procedures; supervises, trains, and evaluates the work of other accounting staff; and performs other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Director of Finance or designee. Exercises direct and general supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
Class Characteristics
This is the supervisory-level in the Finance Department. Incumbents are responsible for supervising programs, projects, and staff within the Finance Department. Incumbents are also expected to independently perform the full range of duties, including financial reporting, general accounting, fixed assets, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts and disbursement, procurement, and budget. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities and operations of assigned area. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background in finance and accounting as well as skill in coordinating work with other City divisions and departments.
Examples of Typical Job Functions
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, government accounting, or related field, two (2) years of supervisory, administrative and/or lead experience.
Municipal finance and general accounting experience is highly desirable, possession of a CPA or CPFO certification is preferred.
Licenses and Certifications: None.
The City of Palm Desert offers a competitive benefits package to all employees. These benefits include:
01
Instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire: Responses to the questions below will be used to determine your eligibility to advance in the recruitment process. An attached resume is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Please do not type "see resume" or "see application" in your responses. Incomplete responses, false statements, or omissions may result in disqualification in the selection process. By continuing in the process, you are certifying that all information provided in the application and supplemental questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.
02
Please describe your experience with governmental accounting. Please include your familiarity with fund accounting, GASB standards, and any experience preparing, assimilating, or reviewing Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs).
03
What is your approach to supervising and mentoring staff in a finance or accounting environment? Please include an example of how you've helped a team member improve their performance or develop professionally.
04
Why are you interested in working in local government accounting, and how does your background align with public service values?
05
Describe a time when you identified a weakness in internal controls. How did you address the issue, and what was the outcome? If you have not identified a weakness, please tell us what you see as one are that may have the most potential for internal control issues.
06
What financial systems or ERP platforms have you worked with (e.g., Tyler Munis, Finance Enterprise, Workday, Oracle)? Describe how you've used them to support financial reporting or process improvements.
07
City accounting often involves coordination across multiple departments. How do you ensure accurate and timely communication when working with non-financial staff on revenue or expenditure issues?
08
Describe your role in the year-end close process and external audit preparation. What timelines and deliverables were you responsible for?
09
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA EMAIL: I understand that it is my responsibility to check my email, including junk mail or spam folders, for any communication from the City of Palm Desert. Communication will be sent via email to the email address I have provided on my application. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read, understand, and agree to this statement.
Required Question
Location : Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-0016
Department: FINANCE
Division: Finance
Opening Date: 07/29/2025
Closing Date: 8/12/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Definition
The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities. When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other. We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say "yes," while not compromising the City's or our own integrity.
Our efforts are guided by our core values:
- Integrity
- Stewardship
- Service
- Community
- Innovation
- Teamwork
THE OPPORTUNITY
The City of Palm Desert is looking for an Accounting Supervisor to play a key leadership role in our Finance Department. In this critical position, you will oversee and participate in the day-to-day accounting operations of the City, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting. Your work will help ensure the integrity, transparency, and accuracy of the City's financial systems.
We're looking for candidates who are experienced, analytical, and committed to public service excellence.
Why Join Us?
- Lead with impact - Supervise a talented team of professionals and help shape financial operations that serve the Palm Desert community.
- Advance your career - Gain valuable leadership experience in a dynamic and supportive municipal environment.
- Be part of something bigger - Contribute to sound financial management that supports city services, infrastructure, and long-term community goals.
Under general direction, performs advanced complex, professional financial analysis and accounting functions involving the preparation and maintenance of financial records and reports for various City accounts and funds in conformance with general and governmental accounting practices, policies, and procedures; supervises, trains, and evaluates the work of other accounting staff; and performs other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Director of Finance or designee. Exercises direct and general supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
Class Characteristics
This is the supervisory-level in the Finance Department. Incumbents are responsible for supervising programs, projects, and staff within the Finance Department. Incumbents are also expected to independently perform the full range of duties, including financial reporting, general accounting, fixed assets, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts and disbursement, procurement, and budget. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities and operations of assigned area. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background in finance and accounting as well as skill in coordinating work with other City divisions and departments.
Examples of Typical Job Functions
- Provides direction and supervision to accounting staff in the budget, payroll, accounts payable and general ledger functions including bank reconciliations, month-end close, year-end close, and financial or payroll reporting.
- Prepares year-end adjustments including but not limited to, adjustments for General Accounting Standard Board (GASB) compliance, fixed asset acquisition and disposition, debt service, accruals and deferrals, transfers, etc.
- Reviews and reconciles subsidiary ledgers and makes adjustments to the general ledger involving a variety of accounts.
- Coordinates, participates, and assists auditors with investigation and verification of data and records; creates financial statement audit schedule, reports, and spreadsheets.
- Conducts special accounting analyses and prepares a range of supporting schedules and reports; performs complex analyses of accounting transactions and schedules involving fund accounting and grant accounting.
- Assists Finance Department with year-end closing and analysis for year-end journal compliance and preparation of reports to a variety of agencies, including the State Controller's Report.
- Researches and interprets accounting fiscal policies in accordance with Government Financial Reporting Standards; ensures compliance with Federal, State, County, and City financial reporting statutes.
- Oversees the City's chart of accounts to ensure proper mapping and support the integrity of the City's budget and financial reporting.
- Recommends and participates in the analysis, development, and preparation of the City's accounting policies, accounting and reporting manual, and procedures; evaluates current processes to analyze and improve efficiency; and accesses internal controls and recommends modifications as needed.
- Plans, manages, and completes a variety of special projects. Prepares and analyzes budgets for assessments, City utility charges, fleet expenses, postage, information services, and building maintenance.
- Strategizes and implements accounting procedures and internal controls; participates in the set-up and testing of new financial systems and applications/upgrades; evaluates and recommends system modifications as needed. Participates, trains, coordinates the implementation of new financial systems and applications.
- Supports the development of the mid-year budget report, including financial analysis, staff reporting, and public presentations.
- Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates the work of assigned staff.
- Provides service to internal and external customers; as needed, investigates complaints to recommend corrective action and to resolve issues.
- Attends and participates in professional organizations and external or interdepartmental committees; assists staff with questions related to automated financial systems and financial policies and procedures.
- Provides personnel data and costing analysis to City management for use in budgeting and labor relations.
- Identifies and implements new and different payroll requirements when new Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), pay plans, CalPERS mandates, or benefit adjustments are adopted.
- Performs duties of a disaster services worker in event of an emergency.
- Performs other related duties/projects as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, and budget and contract development and administration.
- Public agency budgetary, contract administration, administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
- Principles of financial analysis and accounting; Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), General Finance Officers Association (GFOA), general ledger and subsidiary ledger accounting procedures and cash management practices; bank statement reconciliation procedures
- Principles and practices of accounting and finance program development, implementation, and management in a municipal setting.
- Principles and practices of business data processing particularly related to the processing of accounting and financial information
- Capital improvement and fixed asset accounting procedures; internal auditing methods and techniques; budgeting practices and standards; Regulations governing payroll and accounts payable functions
- Organization and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration.
- Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
- Practices of researching issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
- Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to assigned programs and services.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and City policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
- Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
- English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
- Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
- Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department.
- Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
- Organize, prepare, and balance accounting records, financial statements and accounting reports using professional accounting methods; conduct various financial and accounting analyses; develop and implement financial procedures and controls.
- Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures.
- Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
- Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative, financial, and technical information and data in an effective manner.
- Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
- Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; Keep abreast of relevant changes in municipal budgeting and accounting trends
- Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
- Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
- Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
- Effectively use computer systems, software, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. Speak effectively before groups and employees
- Perform public speaking and/or present training to a large audience
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, government accounting, or related field, two (2) years of supervisory, administrative and/or lead experience.
Municipal finance and general accounting experience is highly desirable, possession of a CPA or CPFO certification is preferred.
Licenses and Certifications: None.
The City of Palm Desert offers a competitive benefits package to all employees. These benefits include:
- Competitive salary ()
- Medical, dental and vision coverage for employee and dependents (up to 100% paid by employer)
- 12 paid holidays annually
- 12 paid sick days annually
- Two weeks of annual paid vacation, additional vacation available for Management positions
- The City does not participate in the Social Security program, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution.
- 2% @ 62 CalPERS retirement, 2% @ 55 for Classic Members
- IRC 125 Cafeteria Plan (flexible spending plans)
- Life insurance (equal to annual salary)
- Longterm Disability Plan
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage
- Retiree Health Savings Plan: 1% Employee Contribution, 1% Employer Match
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Rideshare Incentive Program
- Qualified employer for PSLF Program eligibility
01
Instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire: Responses to the questions below will be used to determine your eligibility to advance in the recruitment process. An attached resume is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Please do not type "see resume" or "see application" in your responses. Incomplete responses, false statements, or omissions may result in disqualification in the selection process. By continuing in the process, you are certifying that all information provided in the application and supplemental questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.
- Yes
- No
02
Please describe your experience with governmental accounting. Please include your familiarity with fund accounting, GASB standards, and any experience preparing, assimilating, or reviewing Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs).
03
What is your approach to supervising and mentoring staff in a finance or accounting environment? Please include an example of how you've helped a team member improve their performance or develop professionally.
04
Why are you interested in working in local government accounting, and how does your background align with public service values?
05
Describe a time when you identified a weakness in internal controls. How did you address the issue, and what was the outcome? If you have not identified a weakness, please tell us what you see as one are that may have the most potential for internal control issues.
06
What financial systems or ERP platforms have you worked with (e.g., Tyler Munis, Finance Enterprise, Workday, Oracle)? Describe how you've used them to support financial reporting or process improvements.
07
City accounting often involves coordination across multiple departments. How do you ensure accurate and timely communication when working with non-financial staff on revenue or expenditure issues?
08
Describe your role in the year-end close process and external audit preparation. What timelines and deliverables were you responsible for?
09
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA EMAIL: I understand that it is my responsibility to check my email, including junk mail or spam folders, for any communication from the City of Palm Desert. Communication will be sent via email to the email address I have provided on my application. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read, understand, and agree to this statement.
- Yes
- No
Required Question