County of Sonoma, CA
Salary : $76,263.36 - $92,709.87 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25/08-0415-O
Department: Sheriff's Office (SHF)
Opening Date: 08/05/2025
Closing Date: 8/19/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 95
Position Information
Start your accounting career with the County of Sonoma and contribute to your community by supporting the Sheriff's Office!
Starting salary up to $44.42/hour ($92,709/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*
At this time, the Sheriff's Office Accountant position may be filled at the I or II level, depending on qualifications. If you are interested in applying at the II level, you must apply to the separate, concurrent recruitment being conducted for that level. This job class is eligible to promote to the next level in the series, up to Sheriff's Office Accountant II, once the minimum qualifications are met.
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
As a Sheriff's Office Accountant I, you will be working closely with staff throughout the Sheriff's Office and other County departments and will support the Sheriff's Office in the following areas, including but not limited to:
What You Bring As the ideal candidate for this position, you are a motivated problem solver who possesses:
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience & Education: Any combination of experience and education which would provide opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, either possession of a college degree in accounting, finance or business administration with at least 12 semesters or 16 quarter units of accounting, including Principles of Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Advanced Accounting, Governmental Accounting, Cost Accounting or Auditing;
OR
Possession of a Certified Public Accountant Certificate;
OR
Five years of Account Clerk experience including two years as an Accounting Technician or higher with Sonoma County and at least 9 semesters or 12 quarter units of college level accounting credit, would provide such opportunity.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: accounting theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of accounting transactions; modern office management procedures, practices, and equipment, particularly as they apply to accounting operations; data processing applications to accounting procedures.
Ability to: analyze and evaluate accounting data; learn the principles and procedures of governmental accounting; prepare financial reports; make mathematical calculations rapidly and accurately; properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and staff of other County departments; supervise and review the work of a clerical accounting staff; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; prepare clear and concise fiscal reports; adjust to workload changes and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
Additional Information
Being part of the Sheriff's Office and being expected to keep the public safe requires a thorough background investigation process. This process includes an assessment of prior work history, verifying educational experiences, court reports, public records searches, and understanding past patterns relating to drug usage, financial patterns, etc. This entails gathering a significant amount of information from job candidates and speaking to former employers, friends, family members, etc. Polygraphs, drug tests, and medical and physical examinations are also part of this process. Candidates must be honest and forthcoming about information that may arise during the background process. Deception during any portion of this process is grounds for disqualification, even after employment. This process can take anywhere from 3-5 months. Many factors are taken into consideration and one should not assume a credit issue or prior drug use is automatically disqualifying. Candidates will be given the opportunity to present mitigating information they feel should be considered. You are encouraged to be as responsive as possible while this process is taking place to help expedite the timeline, and we encourage you to stay patient and interested in this great career opportunity while this process is taking place.
You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
Please read the for further information.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: JL
HR Technician: RR
Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
County of Sonoma Benefits: General*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.
*Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
03
For this question, and all subsequent questions, please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.Please describe your experience and/or education in accounting, finance, or business administration that qualifies you for this position. In your response, please include:
04
Governmental accounting often involves working with multiple funding sources. Please describe your experience managing or reporting on complex funding streams, including grants or restricted funds. Your response should include:
05
This position functions as a lead worker within a small team. Please describe a time when you needed to mentor or support staff to address a complex or sensitive issue. In your response, please include:
Required Question
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25/08-0415-O
Department: Sheriff's Office (SHF)
Opening Date: 08/05/2025
Closing Date: 8/19/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 95
Position Information
Start your accounting career with the County of Sonoma and contribute to your community by supporting the Sheriff's Office!
Starting salary up to $44.42/hour ($92,709/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*
At this time, the Sheriff's Office Accountant position may be filled at the I or II level, depending on qualifications. If you are interested in applying at the II level, you must apply to the separate, concurrent recruitment being conducted for that level. This job class is eligible to promote to the next level in the series, up to Sheriff's Office Accountant II, once the minimum qualifications are met.
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
- Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
- Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Sheriff's Office Accountant II (Up to $106,651.83 annually)
- Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
- County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
- Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
- Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
- Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
- Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education
As a Sheriff's Office Accountant I, you will be working closely with staff throughout the Sheriff's Office and other County departments and will support the Sheriff's Office in the following areas, including but not limited to:
- Gathering, organizing, and compiling data from various sources, ensuring accuracy and completeness
- Producing reimbursement claims
- Generating reports for operations and management staff
- Processing vouchers for County-internal fund transfers
- Managing reconciliations
- Coordinating the annual escheatment of monies
- Collecting information for State Mandates
- Overseeing fiscal year-end entries
What You Bring As the ideal candidate for this position, you are a motivated problem solver who possesses:
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of people
- Organizational and time management skills
- Efficiency and the ability to multitask
- Comfort working in a law enforcement environment
- The ability to work independently as well as part of a team
- A positive and easygoing attitude while remaining professional
- Openness to changes and challenges
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience & Education: Any combination of experience and education which would provide opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, either possession of a college degree in accounting, finance or business administration with at least 12 semesters or 16 quarter units of accounting, including Principles of Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Advanced Accounting, Governmental Accounting, Cost Accounting or Auditing;
OR
Possession of a Certified Public Accountant Certificate;
OR
Five years of Account Clerk experience including two years as an Accounting Technician or higher with Sonoma County and at least 9 semesters or 12 quarter units of college level accounting credit, would provide such opportunity.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: accounting theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of accounting transactions; modern office management procedures, practices, and equipment, particularly as they apply to accounting operations; data processing applications to accounting procedures.
Ability to: analyze and evaluate accounting data; learn the principles and procedures of governmental accounting; prepare financial reports; make mathematical calculations rapidly and accurately; properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and staff of other County departments; supervise and review the work of a clerical accounting staff; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; prepare clear and concise fiscal reports; adjust to workload changes and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
Additional Information
Being part of the Sheriff's Office and being expected to keep the public safe requires a thorough background investigation process. This process includes an assessment of prior work history, verifying educational experiences, court reports, public records searches, and understanding past patterns relating to drug usage, financial patterns, etc. This entails gathering a significant amount of information from job candidates and speaking to former employers, friends, family members, etc. Polygraphs, drug tests, and medical and physical examinations are also part of this process. Candidates must be honest and forthcoming about information that may arise during the background process. Deception during any portion of this process is grounds for disqualification, even after employment. This process can take anywhere from 3-5 months. Many factors are taken into consideration and one should not assume a credit issue or prior drug use is automatically disqualifying. Candidates will be given the opportunity to present mitigating information they feel should be considered. You are encouraged to be as responsive as possible while this process is taking place to help expedite the timeline, and we encourage you to stay patient and interested in this great career opportunity while this process is taking place.
You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
Please read the for further information.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: JL
HR Technician: RR
Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
County of Sonoma Benefits: General*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.
*Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
- Careers in Government
- College or University
- County of Sonoma Human Resources Office
- Craigslist
- DiversityJobs
- Employee of Sonoma County
- Glassdoor
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Handshake
- Indeed
- Job Fair
- La Voz
- Latino Service Providers
- Los Cien
- sonoma-county.org/
- Start Here!
- X (Twitter)
- Veterans Services Office
- Women's Organization or Group
- Other Internet Site
- Other Publication
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
- I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
- I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
- I am only interested in full-time positions
03
For this question, and all subsequent questions, please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.Please describe your experience and/or education in accounting, finance, or business administration that qualifies you for this position. In your response, please include:
- Your relevant work experience including your job title(s), employer name(s), dates of employment (mm/yr to mm/yr), and a description of your primary responsibilities
- Your relevant academic background, including your degree(s), relevant names of courses you completed, and the number of semester/quarter units earned
04
Governmental accounting often involves working with multiple funding sources. Please describe your experience managing or reporting on complex funding streams, including grants or restricted funds. Your response should include:
- The types and volume of claims you have managed
- The methods and systems you used for reporting
- Entities or agencies to which you submitted reports
- The level of responsibility you held in the process
- Accounting, spreadsheet, and/or financial software programs you used to generate your report(s)
- The impact of your report
05
This position functions as a lead worker within a small team. Please describe a time when you needed to mentor or support staff to address a complex or sensitive issue. In your response, please include:
- The steps you took to assist and support the staff to address the issue
- Your strategies used to foster collaboration and maintain a positive team environment
- How you resolved challenges or conflicts within the team
- The outcome of your approach to leadership on the team's development and performance
Required Question