City of El Cerrito
The annual salary range is $98,856 to $129,756. Placement within this range is dependent upon qualifications. A 3% Cost of Living Adjustment has been approved for each July 2026 and July 2027. Successful candidates are also eligible for annual merit increases upon excellent performance.
What's The Role? The City is recruiting to fill (1) vacancy as
Senior Accountant . The City is seeking a collaborative, motivated, and detail driven professional to join the City's Finance Department! This dynamic role is essential in providing necessary financial and accounting support to ensure the department's daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. The Senior Accountant supports the City's functions by performing critical accounting tasks such as month-end close, reconciliations, financial reporting, audit, ensuring compliance, and streamlining processes. The daily responsibilities will be diverse and fast‑paced, making this an ideal role for someone with strong technical accounting proficiency and sound analytical judgment. This role collaborates often with City staff and departments, the community, outside agencies, and plays an important role in how the Finance Department serves the public. Additionally, the Senior Accountant provides supervision to multiple professional and administrative staff within the Finance Department, serving as a subject matter expert and responsible for leading, directing and reviewing the work of staff.
The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of public‑sector financial regulations and ability to apply sound judgment in a highly regulated environment. The City is looking for a finance professional that can collaborate effectively in a team‑oriented environment, has a service‑first mindset, and commitment to the highest standards of financial accuracy and organizational accountability. A successful candidate will be adaptable and comfortable with change, evolving regulations, and new priorities. An ideal candidate will have the ability to balance competing deadlines and projects, especially during peak reporting periods. A standout candidate will be flexible, confident, curious, open‑minded, and detailed oriented. If you thrive in an environment where you can manage multiple priorities, solve problems, and provide meaningful contributions to the community, this position offers a rewarding and impactful opportunity!
City Perks
CalPERS Retirement:
CalPERS Classic members 2.7% @ 55 and PEPRA members 2% @ 62 retirement formula integrated with Social Security; 11% employee contribution.
Medical Insurance:
Fully paid health premiums for employees and dependents (up to the Kaiser family rate); cash in lieu option available at $350 per month.
Dental:
The City contributes full cost of family coverage under the Delta Dental Plan.
Life Insurance:
The City pays for basic life insurance up to $100,000.
Short‑Term/Long‑Term Disability Insurance:
2/3rds of salary up to the maximum monthly.
Voluntary Benefits:
Supplemental life insurance, deferred compensation plans and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
Holidays:
13 holidays per year, plus 3 floating holidays, and 1 birthday holiday.
Vacation:
Vacation ranging from 11 to 33 days per year based on years of service.
Sick Leave:
Accrued at 8.75 hours per month.
Administrative Leave:
Up to 75 hours per fiscal year (may be pro‑rated for the first year).
Tuition Reimbursement:
Tuition reimbursement up to the maximum of $3,500/fiscal year for work related studies.
Bilingual Pay:
The City pays $2,600 per year to employees who are bilingual and who have passed a proficiency test provided by the City.
Alternating Work Schedule:
This position typically works 37.5 hours per week with every other Friday off.
Wellness Program:
Access to an array of wellness programs offered by the City such as massage days, fitness and meditation classes, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Are We A Match?
You are adaptable, flexible, and offer solutions in ambiguous situations.
You are able to work in partnership with your colleagues and other Departments, to make sure their needs are met, also having great interpersonal skills!
You enjoy analyzing and resolving complex challenges; can problem solve and think “outside the box” to achieve results.
You are detail‑orientated and organized to keep track of multiple and varying projects the City is working on.
You enjoy contributing to a positive work environment that fosters motivation, collaboration, coaching, and engagement of division staff.
Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Provides complex professional and technical assistance in the administration and implementation of the City’s financial, auditing, and accounting programs, including financial statement preparation, periodic and ad‑hoc external and internal compliance reporting, budget preparation and administration, forecasting, and contracts and grants.
Supervises and participates in the maintenance of general ledger and subsidiary ledgers of various funds; performs year‑end review of accounts, prepares adjusting and closing entries, and prepares year‑end financial statements; reconciles information produced by automated reporting systems with accounting records.
Assists the Finance Director in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for the department; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures.
Attends and participates in meetings and represents the City to a variety regulatory agency, businesses, professional groups, and in meetings with the public; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues; may prepare and present information to a variety of groups or City Council.
Analyzes, audits, and reconciles expenditure and revenue accounts; processes transfers of expenditures and appropriations; prepares, analyzes, and verifies statements of financial condition, including schedules of balance sheets, investments, cash balances, and fund balances. Also oversees auditing for business license fee collections, franchise fee collections, transient occupancy taxes, real property transfer tax receipts, and other revenues and fees.
Coordinates annual external audit; assists outside auditors and explains City policies and procedures.
Prepares various accounting and financial reports including redevelopment agency finances, debt service payments, Recognized Obligations Payments Schedules, and various revenue, expenditure, and statistical reports.
Oversees and participates in the annual budget process for assigned areas; assists the Finance Director in reviewing budgets with City departments; prepares quarterly budget reports and analyzes and resolves variances with department heads as needed.
Participates in and assumes responsibility for a computerized financial and information system; identifies, develops, and implements new automated applications as needed to facilitate effectiveness and efficiency.
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. A master’s degree is desirable. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate is desirable.
Experience
Four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional accounting experience. One (1) year of supervisory or lead experience is desirable.
Licenses and Certifications
Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a current and valid California Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record throughout employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties. *A current and valid out‑of‑state license may be used upon hire and a valid California Driver’s License must be obtained within six (6) months of appointment.
Registration as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is desirable.
Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of:
Modern principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental accounting and financing, including generally accepted accounting principles, governmental accounting standards, and other pertinent governmental accounting and auditing procedures.
Principles and practices of cost accounting, fund accounting, and financial reporting as it relates to municipal budget development and monitoring.
Principles and theories of internal control, including indicators of fraud and risk.
Organization and management practices as it relates to the development, analysis, and evaluation of financial and accounting policies, procedures, and operational needs.
Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning and reviewing, training, evaluation, and discipline.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Ability to
Supervise and mentor staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner. Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
Prepare, maintain, examine, analyze, and verify, clear, complete, and concise financial documents, audit records, and various reports.
Research and analyze complex data, identify discrepancies, develop accurate and concise summaries and tables, and draw logical and appropriate conclusions; make recommendations for effective problem solving, and project consequences of proposed actions.
Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, manage multiple projects and deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
Interviews are tentatively set for the week of February 9th.
For more information, please visit the City's Human Resources page and the Salary Schedules, Benefit Guide, and Physical Demands resources.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
What's The Role? The City is recruiting to fill (1) vacancy as
Senior Accountant . The City is seeking a collaborative, motivated, and detail driven professional to join the City's Finance Department! This dynamic role is essential in providing necessary financial and accounting support to ensure the department's daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. The Senior Accountant supports the City's functions by performing critical accounting tasks such as month-end close, reconciliations, financial reporting, audit, ensuring compliance, and streamlining processes. The daily responsibilities will be diverse and fast‑paced, making this an ideal role for someone with strong technical accounting proficiency and sound analytical judgment. This role collaborates often with City staff and departments, the community, outside agencies, and plays an important role in how the Finance Department serves the public. Additionally, the Senior Accountant provides supervision to multiple professional and administrative staff within the Finance Department, serving as a subject matter expert and responsible for leading, directing and reviewing the work of staff.
The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of public‑sector financial regulations and ability to apply sound judgment in a highly regulated environment. The City is looking for a finance professional that can collaborate effectively in a team‑oriented environment, has a service‑first mindset, and commitment to the highest standards of financial accuracy and organizational accountability. A successful candidate will be adaptable and comfortable with change, evolving regulations, and new priorities. An ideal candidate will have the ability to balance competing deadlines and projects, especially during peak reporting periods. A standout candidate will be flexible, confident, curious, open‑minded, and detailed oriented. If you thrive in an environment where you can manage multiple priorities, solve problems, and provide meaningful contributions to the community, this position offers a rewarding and impactful opportunity!
City Perks
CalPERS Retirement:
CalPERS Classic members 2.7% @ 55 and PEPRA members 2% @ 62 retirement formula integrated with Social Security; 11% employee contribution.
Medical Insurance:
Fully paid health premiums for employees and dependents (up to the Kaiser family rate); cash in lieu option available at $350 per month.
Dental:
The City contributes full cost of family coverage under the Delta Dental Plan.
Life Insurance:
The City pays for basic life insurance up to $100,000.
Short‑Term/Long‑Term Disability Insurance:
2/3rds of salary up to the maximum monthly.
Voluntary Benefits:
Supplemental life insurance, deferred compensation plans and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
Holidays:
13 holidays per year, plus 3 floating holidays, and 1 birthday holiday.
Vacation:
Vacation ranging from 11 to 33 days per year based on years of service.
Sick Leave:
Accrued at 8.75 hours per month.
Administrative Leave:
Up to 75 hours per fiscal year (may be pro‑rated for the first year).
Tuition Reimbursement:
Tuition reimbursement up to the maximum of $3,500/fiscal year for work related studies.
Bilingual Pay:
The City pays $2,600 per year to employees who are bilingual and who have passed a proficiency test provided by the City.
Alternating Work Schedule:
This position typically works 37.5 hours per week with every other Friday off.
Wellness Program:
Access to an array of wellness programs offered by the City such as massage days, fitness and meditation classes, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Are We A Match?
You are adaptable, flexible, and offer solutions in ambiguous situations.
You are able to work in partnership with your colleagues and other Departments, to make sure their needs are met, also having great interpersonal skills!
You enjoy analyzing and resolving complex challenges; can problem solve and think “outside the box” to achieve results.
You are detail‑orientated and organized to keep track of multiple and varying projects the City is working on.
You enjoy contributing to a positive work environment that fosters motivation, collaboration, coaching, and engagement of division staff.
Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Provides complex professional and technical assistance in the administration and implementation of the City’s financial, auditing, and accounting programs, including financial statement preparation, periodic and ad‑hoc external and internal compliance reporting, budget preparation and administration, forecasting, and contracts and grants.
Supervises and participates in the maintenance of general ledger and subsidiary ledgers of various funds; performs year‑end review of accounts, prepares adjusting and closing entries, and prepares year‑end financial statements; reconciles information produced by automated reporting systems with accounting records.
Assists the Finance Director in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for the department; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures.
Attends and participates in meetings and represents the City to a variety regulatory agency, businesses, professional groups, and in meetings with the public; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues; may prepare and present information to a variety of groups or City Council.
Analyzes, audits, and reconciles expenditure and revenue accounts; processes transfers of expenditures and appropriations; prepares, analyzes, and verifies statements of financial condition, including schedules of balance sheets, investments, cash balances, and fund balances. Also oversees auditing for business license fee collections, franchise fee collections, transient occupancy taxes, real property transfer tax receipts, and other revenues and fees.
Coordinates annual external audit; assists outside auditors and explains City policies and procedures.
Prepares various accounting and financial reports including redevelopment agency finances, debt service payments, Recognized Obligations Payments Schedules, and various revenue, expenditure, and statistical reports.
Oversees and participates in the annual budget process for assigned areas; assists the Finance Director in reviewing budgets with City departments; prepares quarterly budget reports and analyzes and resolves variances with department heads as needed.
Participates in and assumes responsibility for a computerized financial and information system; identifies, develops, and implements new automated applications as needed to facilitate effectiveness and efficiency.
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. A master’s degree is desirable. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate is desirable.
Experience
Four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional accounting experience. One (1) year of supervisory or lead experience is desirable.
Licenses and Certifications
Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a current and valid California Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record throughout employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties. *A current and valid out‑of‑state license may be used upon hire and a valid California Driver’s License must be obtained within six (6) months of appointment.
Registration as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is desirable.
Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of:
Modern principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental accounting and financing, including generally accepted accounting principles, governmental accounting standards, and other pertinent governmental accounting and auditing procedures.
Principles and practices of cost accounting, fund accounting, and financial reporting as it relates to municipal budget development and monitoring.
Principles and theories of internal control, including indicators of fraud and risk.
Organization and management practices as it relates to the development, analysis, and evaluation of financial and accounting policies, procedures, and operational needs.
Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning and reviewing, training, evaluation, and discipline.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Ability to
Supervise and mentor staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner. Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
Prepare, maintain, examine, analyze, and verify, clear, complete, and concise financial documents, audit records, and various reports.
Research and analyze complex data, identify discrepancies, develop accurate and concise summaries and tables, and draw logical and appropriate conclusions; make recommendations for effective problem solving, and project consequences of proposed actions.
Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, manage multiple projects and deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
Interviews are tentatively set for the week of February 9th.
For more information, please visit the City's Human Resources page and the Salary Schedules, Benefit Guide, and Physical Demands resources.
#J-18808-Ljbffr