City of Orange, CA
Salary : $76,068.00 - $105,648.00 Annually
Location : City Hall - 300 E. Chapman Avenue Orange, CA
Job Type: Full Time Miscellaneous
Job Number: 01602
Department: Finance Department
Opening Date: 08/22/2025
Closing Date: 9/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
JOIN OUR TEAM AS OUR NEXT ACCOUNTANT/SENIOR ACCOUNTANT!
ACCOUNTANT: $76,068 - $97,548 Annually
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT: $82,380 - $105,648 Annually*
(*Salary range for Senior Accountant may increase to $84,048 - $107,772 on 8/29/2025 pending City Council approval)
Under general supervision, performs professional accounting work, including auditing, analyzing, and verifying fiscal records and reports, preparing financial and statistical reports, providing information to City staff regarding accounting practices and procedures, and reconciling general ledger accounts; assists in preparing the City's annual budgets; prepares year-end audit reports and schedules; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Accountant: Receives general supervision from the Accounting Manager. Exercises no supervision of staff.
Senior Accountant: Receives general direction from the Accounting Manager. May exercise direct supervision over staff. May exercise technical and functional direction over and provide training to lower-level staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey-level class in the professional accounting series. Incumbents perform the full range of routine and complex departmental accounting and record-keeping programs under only minimal supervision. Responsibilities require the use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment. Successful performance of the work requires thorough knowledge of governmental accounting practices and procedures, fund accounting, and fiscal management. The Senior Accountant is responsible for more complex and higher-level accounting functions and exercises a higher level of discretion and independent decision-making.
Examples of Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
As an Accountant:
Knowledge of:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical and preferred way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Accountant: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or a closely related field and one (1) year of responsible professional public accounting experience.
Senior Accountant: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field and five (5) years of responsible professional public accounting experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
Supplemental Information
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements:
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Disaster Service Worker: All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.
City Mission, Vision, and Values:
Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City's Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The City's values include Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.
BENEFITS FOR ORANGE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
The City of Orange provides a generous array of benefits to employees in addition to maintaining competitive salaries. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees working from 20 to 35 hours.
The following is a partial list of benefits:
Salary Range. Salary Ranges are composed of six (6) steps, each approximately five percent (5%) apart. Advancements through the steps are generally made yearly and based on performance.
Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), including the City's contribution toward the Fourth Level Survivor's Benefit.
Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are "New " CalPERS Members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at age 62 defined benefit plan with three year final compensation in accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New Members shall contribute half of normal cost of retirement as determined by CalPERS from their pensionable compensation, on a pre-tax basis, as set forth in California Government Code Section 7522.30.
An employee who is a "Classic " Member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired by the City of Orange on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% @ 55 benefit formula with one year final compensation. Employees contribute 8.00% of pension reportable salary on a pre-tax basis for this retirement benefit.
Social Security & Medicare. Employees do not pay into Social Security, however, do contribute 1.45% of salary towards Medicare.
Cafeteria Benefits Plan. The City pays up to $2,110 per month which can be applied towards CalPERS medical, dental, vision, health care reimbursement, and/or dependent care reimbursement. Under certain criteria, employees may elect to opt out of the City's medical plan altogether and receive $500 per month.
Vacation. Employees earn 92 hours of vacation during the first year of service, and an increasing accrual annually up to 232 hours per year after 30 years of service. The City also provides an annual unused vacation payout plan.
Life Insurance. The City provides a term life insurance policy of $75,000 .
Holidays. The City observes 10 paid holidays and provides 2 paid 9 hour floating holiday annually.
Administrative Leave. Employees receive 45 hours of administrative leave annually.
Sick Leave. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year. Employees are eligible to convert unused sick leave to vacation on an annual basis. A partial payment (up to 50%) for accumulated unused sick leave is available to City employees who retire from the City.
Other Benefits. Most employees work a "9/80" alternate work schedule with City Hall closures every other Friday. Long Term Disability, an Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement (up to $1,500/fiscal year), Trip Reduction Program incentives, optional Deferred Compensation programs and Credit Union membership are a few of the additional benefits provided and/or available to employees.
For more information, please click for the Orange Management Association Memorandum of Understanding.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
A Medical Examination, Police Records Check, and thorough Background Investigation are required of all prospective employees.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), all job offers made by the City of Orange are contingent upon establishing proof of your legal right to work in the United States.
All benefited employees shall be subject to a twelve (12) month probationary period as a condition of employment.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Orange.
The City of Orange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01
Do you understand that possession and maintenance of a valid CA Class C Driver's License is required for this position?
02
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
03
Have you taken any college-level coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related?
04
Please list any college-level coursework you have taken in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related. Be sure to mention the school's name.
05
Which of the following best describes your professional public sector accounting experience?
06
How many years of professional public accounting experience do you possess?
07
Briefly describe your professional accounting experience. Be sure to include the agency/company name and your duties.
Required Question
Location : City Hall - 300 E. Chapman Avenue Orange, CA
Job Type: Full Time Miscellaneous
Job Number: 01602
Department: Finance Department
Opening Date: 08/22/2025
Closing Date: 9/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
JOIN OUR TEAM AS OUR NEXT ACCOUNTANT/SENIOR ACCOUNTANT!
ACCOUNTANT: $76,068 - $97,548 Annually
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT: $82,380 - $105,648 Annually*
(*Salary range for Senior Accountant may increase to $84,048 - $107,772 on 8/29/2025 pending City Council approval)
Under general supervision, performs professional accounting work, including auditing, analyzing, and verifying fiscal records and reports, preparing financial and statistical reports, providing information to City staff regarding accounting practices and procedures, and reconciling general ledger accounts; assists in preparing the City's annual budgets; prepares year-end audit reports and schedules; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Accountant: Receives general supervision from the Accounting Manager. Exercises no supervision of staff.
Senior Accountant: Receives general direction from the Accounting Manager. May exercise direct supervision over staff. May exercise technical and functional direction over and provide training to lower-level staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey-level class in the professional accounting series. Incumbents perform the full range of routine and complex departmental accounting and record-keeping programs under only minimal supervision. Responsibilities require the use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment. Successful performance of the work requires thorough knowledge of governmental accounting practices and procedures, fund accounting, and fiscal management. The Senior Accountant is responsible for more complex and higher-level accounting functions and exercises a higher level of discretion and independent decision-making.
Examples of Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
As an Accountant:
- Provides responsible professional and technical assistance in the administration and implementation of the City's financial, auditing, and accounting programs.
- Prepares a wide variety of financial and statistical reports, including year-end reporting, budgetary reports, assisting in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Finance Report (CAFR), and preparing other legal documents and management analysis.
- Monitors expenditures, revenues, and budget allocations to determine the City's financial status and prepares custom reports, graphs, and schedules as needed.
- Prepares journal entries and reconciles general ledger and subsidiary accounts related to postings from payroll, accounts payable, cash receipts, and accounts receivable; prepares monthly financial statements, including distributing monthly revenue and expenditure reports to departments; prepares numerous monthly financial reports.
- Interprets, explains, and applies general and governmental accounting/auditing principles and procedures, laws, and regulations affecting the financial operations of municipal government.
- Analyzes and reconciles expenditure and revenue accounts, including bond accounts; reviews and processes appropriation transfer requests between accounts; reconciles bond statements and bank statements to the general ledger.
- Participates in and assumes responsibility for various departmental programs including financial statements, general ledger, monthly statements, and special projects accounting; conducts and prepares special studies and reports.
- Records and maintains appropriate controls for fixed assets, including City-owned vehicles and land; assists in the City's purchase orders and accounts payable system, auditing and financial analysis, grant accounting, and special reports.
- Maintains and monitors the City's grant funds and ensures compliance with rules and regulations governing the use of each grant.
- Receives and tracks property tax payments; ensures that property tax bills are remitted to the proper City departments for payment authorization.
- Tracks Capital Improvement Program expenditures and allocates funds to the appropriate Capital Improvement Project account.
- Performs annual audit of the City's water inventories; conducts on-site inspections of inventories, records current levels, and reconciles any discrepancies.
- Assists in the coordination of the annual audits.
- Assists with investments, portfolio management, cash management, debt management, new financing, annexations and subdivisions, and revenue and expense projections.
- Participates in the compilation and preparation of the annual budget, including assisting other departments with budget preparation, providing personnel cost projections and estimated grant revenues and expenditures, monitoring expenditures to ensure compliance with adopted budget, and assisting in publication of the budget.
- Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the field of accounting.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Provides complex professional and technical assistance in the administration and implementation of the City's financial, auditing, and accounting programs, including financial report development, budget monitoring, forecasting, and collection of revenues.
- Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
- Analyzes financial data and prepares a wide variety of financial reports and statements, including the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, State Controller's Financial Transactions Report, etc.
- Analyzes and reconciles expenditure and revenue accounts, verifying availability of funds and classification of expenditures; researches and analyzes transactions to resolve problems; prepares monthly and year-end journal vouchers for a wide variety of financial programs.
- Coordinates and administers a wide variety of financial and accounting programs.
- Participates in the compilation and preparation of annual budgets, including assisting other departments with budget preparation, providing revenue and expense projections, monitoring expenditures, and preparing and updating cash flow and projections.
- Participates in the preparation of audit schedules and reports for external auditors and assists the Accounting Manager during the annual auditing process.
- Prepares payment requisitions for debt service transfers, fees, and agreements; maintains historical data on debt service requirements; projects costs and property taxes.
- Processes and reconciles revenues, expenditures, and technical transactions in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and City laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.
- Provides financial information to bond consultants, fiscal agents, investors, or consultants, as requested.
- Prepares and processes reports and records including cash flows, historical summaries, charts, graphs, and various memos and letters.
- Receives, reviews, and processes various reports and records including payment authorizations, computer reports, and fiscal agent bank statements, checks, and receipts.
- Refers to manuals, documents, and books including Auditing and Financial Reporting Manual and Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards.
- Prepares comprehensive financial and accounting activity studies, statistics, statements, and reports.
- Researches and analyzes technical transactions to resolve questions and validate data; ensures fiscal accountability and fund integrity for transactions and supporting documentation.
- Coordinates technical and financial information and communications between the division, other departments, and external agencies regarding allocations and accounting issues.
- Interprets, explains, and applies general and governmental accounting/auditing principles and procedures, laws, and regulations affecting the financial operations of municipal government; provides professional and technical guidance and training to other staff in accounting processes and procedures.
- Assists in writing and reviewing the Recommendation and Fiscal Impact sections of staff reports; prepares reports taken to the City Council and various other committees and boards.
- Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in accounting.
- Reviews, reconciles and analyzes financial data including inter-fund transfers, bank reconciliations, accounts receivable and payable, bank notes and loans, leases and other financial contracts and/or agreements; prepares various statements and evaluations, formulating recommendations based on findings; develops and maintains catalogues of data to include subsidiary accounts and general ledgers.
- Assists the Accounting Manager with special projects as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- Modern principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental accounting and financing, including program budgeting and auditing and their application to municipal operations.
- General principles and practices of data processing and its applicability to accounting and municipal operations
- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to municipal financial operations.
- Principles and practices of business organization and public administration.
- Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
- Technical report writing and preparation of correspondence.
- Principles and procedures of record keeping.
- Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to work, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
- English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
- Analyze financial data and draw sound conclusions.
- Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
- Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
- Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
- Conduct research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
- Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
- 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.
- Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
- Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical and preferred way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Accountant: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or a closely related field and one (1) year of responsible professional public accounting experience.
Senior Accountant: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field and five (5) years of responsible professional public accounting experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
Supplemental Information
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements:
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Disaster Service Worker: All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.
City Mission, Vision, and Values:
Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City's Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The City's values include Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.
BENEFITS FOR ORANGE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
The City of Orange provides a generous array of benefits to employees in addition to maintaining competitive salaries. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees working from 20 to 35 hours.
The following is a partial list of benefits:
Salary Range. Salary Ranges are composed of six (6) steps, each approximately five percent (5%) apart. Advancements through the steps are generally made yearly and based on performance.
Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), including the City's contribution toward the Fourth Level Survivor's Benefit.
Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are "New " CalPERS Members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at age 62 defined benefit plan with three year final compensation in accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New Members shall contribute half of normal cost of retirement as determined by CalPERS from their pensionable compensation, on a pre-tax basis, as set forth in California Government Code Section 7522.30.
An employee who is a "Classic " Member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired by the City of Orange on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% @ 55 benefit formula with one year final compensation. Employees contribute 8.00% of pension reportable salary on a pre-tax basis for this retirement benefit.
Social Security & Medicare. Employees do not pay into Social Security, however, do contribute 1.45% of salary towards Medicare.
Cafeteria Benefits Plan. The City pays up to $2,110 per month which can be applied towards CalPERS medical, dental, vision, health care reimbursement, and/or dependent care reimbursement. Under certain criteria, employees may elect to opt out of the City's medical plan altogether and receive $500 per month.
Vacation. Employees earn 92 hours of vacation during the first year of service, and an increasing accrual annually up to 232 hours per year after 30 years of service. The City also provides an annual unused vacation payout plan.
Life Insurance. The City provides a term life insurance policy of $75,000 .
Holidays. The City observes 10 paid holidays and provides 2 paid 9 hour floating holiday annually.
Administrative Leave. Employees receive 45 hours of administrative leave annually.
Sick Leave. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year. Employees are eligible to convert unused sick leave to vacation on an annual basis. A partial payment (up to 50%) for accumulated unused sick leave is available to City employees who retire from the City.
Other Benefits. Most employees work a "9/80" alternate work schedule with City Hall closures every other Friday. Long Term Disability, an Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement (up to $1,500/fiscal year), Trip Reduction Program incentives, optional Deferred Compensation programs and Credit Union membership are a few of the additional benefits provided and/or available to employees.
For more information, please click for the Orange Management Association Memorandum of Understanding.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
A Medical Examination, Police Records Check, and thorough Background Investigation are required of all prospective employees.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), all job offers made by the City of Orange are contingent upon establishing proof of your legal right to work in the United States.
All benefited employees shall be subject to a twelve (12) month probationary period as a condition of employment.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Orange.
The City of Orange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01
Do you understand that possession and maintenance of a valid CA Class C Driver's License is required for this position?
- Yes
- No
02
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
- Did not graduate high school / did not obtain GED
- Graduated high school / obtained GED
- Completed some college-level coursework or obtained Associate degree
- Obtained Bachelor's degree
- Obtained Graduate degree
03
Have you taken any college-level coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related?
- Yes
- No
04
Please list any college-level coursework you have taken in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related. Be sure to mention the school's name.
05
Which of the following best describes your professional public sector accounting experience?
- I possess public sector accounting experience
- I possess accounting experience, but in the private sector (NOT public sector experience)
- I do not possess any accounting experience
06
How many years of professional public accounting experience do you possess?
- None
- Less than one (1) year in public sector accounting
- At least one (1) year, less than five (5) years in public sector accounting
- Five (5) or more years in accounting in public sector accounting
07
Briefly describe your professional accounting experience. Be sure to include the agency/company name and your duties.
Required Question