Accounting Manager Job at City of Garden Grove in Costa Mesa

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Deadline to apply: Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST. Under the direction of the Finance Director or Deputy Finance Director, the Accounting Manager leads the Fiscal Services Division of the Finance Department, plan, manage, and coordinate complex accounting functions. This position oversees supervisory and professional-level staff and performs advanced accounting work in areas including general accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, debt, fixed assets, grants, and capital improvement project accounting. The Accounting Manager is responsible for internal and external financial reporting and compliance, annual and special program audits, and the review and maintenance of internal controls. Responsibilities Plan, organize, and direct the City’s accounting operations, including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, grants, capital projects, fixed assets, and cash management. Establish, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices, California Government Code, grant requirements, and debt covenants. Manage and optimize the City’s ERP/financial systems. Lead system enhancements and process improvement initiatives. Ensure accurate, timely financial reporting across all City funds. Oversee preparation of Financial Reports, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Coordinate and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors; manage audits and implement corrective actions. Manage banking activity and monthly reconciliations. Oversee grant accounting, capital asset accounting, and long‑term debt accounting, including pensions and other post‑employment benefits (OPEB). Provide financial analysis, specialized reports, and technical accounting guidance to City departments and external agencies. Coordinate and participate in the development and administration of the City’s operating and capital budgets. Assist with revenue forecasting and financial analysis. Supervise, train, and evaluate accounting staff. Establish performance standards, provide coaching, and administer discipline as necessary. Perform other duties as assigned. Education and Experience A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Management, Commerce or a closely related field is required and must include successful completion of coursework in advanced accounting, auditing, cost accounting, EDP accounting, and governmental accounting. Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional-level accounting experience are required, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity. Experience in government agencies is highly desirable. Possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is highly desirable. Other Requirements Subject to a review of personal finance and credit history. A valid California class "C" driver’s license is highly desirable. Knowledge of Public agency finance principles, including governmental and fund accounting, GASB standards, auditing, and financial reporting; Governmental accounting operations such as general ledger, fixed assets, debt and investment accounting, grants and compliance, and internal controls; Public agency budget development and administration, and sound financial management policies and procedures; Financial systems and ERP implementation and operations; advanced analytical, reporting, and Excel/financial systems; Recordkeeping principles and procedures; Employee supervision and training, including work planning, assignment, performance evaluation, and staff development; Operational and strategic planning as applied to fiscal services; and Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and requirements governing municipal financial operations. Ability to Prepare complex financial statements and reports in compliance with GAAP, GAAS, and applicable standards; Develop, implement, and evaluate internal controls and ensure compliance with federal, state, GASB, and local laws, regulations, and policies; Manage complex projects, process improvements, and system evaluations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness; Analyze operations and recommend improvements to procedures, policies, and methods; Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively in a fast‑paced environment; Communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, including presentations to senior leadership, elected officials, and external stakeholders; Exercise independent judgment, initiative, discretion, and high ethical standards while handling confidential and sensitive matters; Provide high‑level customer service practices in interactions with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff; and Supervise, train, and develop staff, set goals, measure performance, and lead collaboratively under pressure. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification sit, speak clearly, hear normal voice conversation, see small details, use a 10 key or calculator, and work on a personal computer. Work Environment Incumbents in this classification work in an open office environment. How to Apply Online applications can be completed by visiting: www.ggcity.org/hr. Questions regarding this position may be sent via email to ggjobs@ggcity.org. Application requirements Completed online employment application Completed supplemental questionnaire Unofficial transcripts An attached resume and cover letter The job application must be completely filled out. A resume must be attached but cannot substitute for the information required on the application. Include any relevant education, training, or coursework that would make you a particularly strong candidate. Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing. Selection Process Written test and oral panel interview – tentatively scheduled for February 3, 2026. Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org at least one week prior to any test dates. Applicants will receive communication through email only. Check email and spam mail for all notices. If there are any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org. Nepotism Policy The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate’s application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non‑disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law. Disaster Service Worker Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly. #J-18808-Ljbffr