City of Oakland
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the City’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individuality of employees.
Why join the City of Oakland Finance Department? The Finance Department’s Controller Bureau plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and excellence in the City’s financial management and reporting. It supports informed decision-making by City leadership, elected officials, and departments by providing reliable financial data that guides budgeting, policy development, and long‑term fiscal planning. By promoting strong financial stewardship and accountability, the Controller Bureau helps maintain public trust and ensures taxpayer dollars are invested responsibly.
As an Assistant Controller, you will oversee Accounts Payable operations, support the City’s annual financial reporting and external audit, and help ensure compliance with grant and single audit requirements. You will have an opportunity to work alongside experienced finance professionals and gain broad exposure to municipal accounting, reporting, and compliance. In this role, you will also have a chance to develop leadership and technical expertise in a collaborative environment that values innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth.
Click on the link below to see a video on what it’s like to work for the City of Oakland! Working for the City of Oakland
We are looking for someone who is:
An expert in governmental accounting principles:
You will need to show a solid understanding of GAAP/GASB, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Analytical and detail‑oriented:
You will be expected to review complex financial data, identify discrepancies, and ensure accuracy and compliance in reporting.
Dedicated to process improvement:
You will play a key role in continuously looking for ways to streamline procedures, enhance efficiency, and strengthen internal controls.
A collaborative leader:
You will supervise, mentor, and develop a small team who work together to ensure strong internal controls, audit readiness, and compliant financial reporting, so it’s important to foster a positive and inclusive team culture.
An excellent communicator:
You will need to clearly communicate financial concepts to non‑financial audiences and work effectively across departments and with external auditors.
Adaptable:
You will be expected to effectively manage multiple priorities and adjust to evolving deadlines, systems, and reporting requirements.
Ethical and accountable:
You will be expected to demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to transparency in public financial management.
What you will typically be responsible for:
Supervising and overseeing daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank statement reconciliation, general ledger posting, chart of account maintenance, and month‑end/year‑end close activities.
Assisting with preparing, reviewing, and analyzing the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) and Single Audit report (SEFA).
Supporting external and internal audits by preparing schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring the timely completion of audit requirements.
Assisting the Director of Finance and Controller with developing, implementing, and monitoring internal control policies and procedures.
Preparing and coordinating financial reports, analyses, and presentations for the City Administrator, City Council, and other stakeholders.
Providing responsive and high‑quality service to other City departments by answering financial and accounting inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate information.
Identifying opportunities to streamline accounting processes and enhance efficiency; supporting the maintenance and optimization of the City’s financial systems and reporting tools.
Providing guidance, training, and performance feedback to staff; preparing and maintaining procedure manuals.
A few reasons you might love this job:
Your work will be impactful and will help ensure transparency, accountability, and trust in how the City manages public funds.
You will grow and gain experience with financial reporting, audits, grants, and process improvements, which provides a strong foundation for advancement in government accounting and leadership.
You will have the opportunity to mentor staff and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
You will also get a chance to help modernize and improve systems and implement process efficiencies.
You will join a supportive and mission‑driven team that celebrates those who take initiative to improve how the City serves its residents.
A few challenges you might face in this job:
You will need to balance leadership and overseeing staff processes while performing hands‑on, complex financial analysis and reporting.
You will need to navigate complex compliance requirements and work with a variety of grants and audit requirements that demand precision and strong technical expertise.
You will be expected to collaborate across departments by building strong relationships and ensuring alignment among teams with different operational needs and priorities.
You will be expected to manage competing priorities, operational demands, and deadlines that often overlap and require flexibility, organization, and sound judgment.
Competencies Required:
Critical Thinking:
Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims.
Decision Making:
Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner.
Legal & Regulatory Navigation:
Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Adaptability:
Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires.
Attention to Detail:
Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
Displaying Ownership and Accountability:
Holding self and others accountable for measurable, high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective results.
Professional Integrity & Ethics:
Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
Oral Communication:
Engaging effectively in dialogue.
Presentation Skill:
Formally delivering information to groups.
Building & Maintaining Relationships:
Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.
Handling & Resolving Conflict:
Managing interpersonally strained situations.
Delegating:
Sharing responsibility, authority, and accountability.
Managing Performance:
Ensuring superior individual and group performance.
Teamwork:
Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
Leveraging Technology:
Applying technology for improvements in organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full‑time, permanent part‑time, or part‑time City and Port of Oakland employees who meet the minimum qualifications. The open list will be for all other applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, public administration, or a related field.
Experience:
Five (5) years of progressively responsible managerial experience in areas of budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, and management of financial operations in a government agency, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
License or Certificate / Other Requirements:
An incumbent in this position is expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties. Due to the nature of the assignment and the hours worked, public transportation may not be an efficient method for traveling to required locations. An individual appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver’s License throughout the tenure of employment, OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.
Desirable Qualifications:
Possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
Experience with Oracle Financial System.
Experience with Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) preparation and Single Audit in the public sector.
Experience working with other public agencies and elected officials.
The Recruitment Process The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and Human Resources staff review their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the “minimum qualifications” listed for each position.
Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job‑related areas.
Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.
In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.
For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be invited to the structured interview (sometimes referred to as an Oral Exam) (weighted 100%), which will be evaluated and rated by subject matter experts. The structured interview will be conducted as a one‑way video interview, where you will record your responses to a set of questions. You will have seven days from the time you receive the interview link to complete and submit your video responses. The tentative date that the oral exam will be sent to you for completion is the week of February 9, 2026. Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you’re applying to a “restricted” posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.
The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
What’s in it for you?
Work/Life Balance:
37.5‑hour work weeks, and a flexible/hybrid remote schedule
15 paid holidays
Vacation:
2 weeks per year minimum, with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
Retirement:
CalPERS with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre‑tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
Health:
The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
Dental:
Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Vision:
VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre‑tax plan and an after‑tax ROTH 401(k) plan
Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to 200k & Employee Training.
How to Apply Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm.
If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) 524‑5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday – Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238‑3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment‑specific questions, please contact Alanna Butler, HR Analyst, at abutler@oaklandca.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Why join the City of Oakland Finance Department? The Finance Department’s Controller Bureau plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and excellence in the City’s financial management and reporting. It supports informed decision-making by City leadership, elected officials, and departments by providing reliable financial data that guides budgeting, policy development, and long‑term fiscal planning. By promoting strong financial stewardship and accountability, the Controller Bureau helps maintain public trust and ensures taxpayer dollars are invested responsibly.
As an Assistant Controller, you will oversee Accounts Payable operations, support the City’s annual financial reporting and external audit, and help ensure compliance with grant and single audit requirements. You will have an opportunity to work alongside experienced finance professionals and gain broad exposure to municipal accounting, reporting, and compliance. In this role, you will also have a chance to develop leadership and technical expertise in a collaborative environment that values innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth.
Click on the link below to see a video on what it’s like to work for the City of Oakland! Working for the City of Oakland
We are looking for someone who is:
An expert in governmental accounting principles:
You will need to show a solid understanding of GAAP/GASB, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Analytical and detail‑oriented:
You will be expected to review complex financial data, identify discrepancies, and ensure accuracy and compliance in reporting.
Dedicated to process improvement:
You will play a key role in continuously looking for ways to streamline procedures, enhance efficiency, and strengthen internal controls.
A collaborative leader:
You will supervise, mentor, and develop a small team who work together to ensure strong internal controls, audit readiness, and compliant financial reporting, so it’s important to foster a positive and inclusive team culture.
An excellent communicator:
You will need to clearly communicate financial concepts to non‑financial audiences and work effectively across departments and with external auditors.
Adaptable:
You will be expected to effectively manage multiple priorities and adjust to evolving deadlines, systems, and reporting requirements.
Ethical and accountable:
You will be expected to demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to transparency in public financial management.
What you will typically be responsible for:
Supervising and overseeing daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank statement reconciliation, general ledger posting, chart of account maintenance, and month‑end/year‑end close activities.
Assisting with preparing, reviewing, and analyzing the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) and Single Audit report (SEFA).
Supporting external and internal audits by preparing schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring the timely completion of audit requirements.
Assisting the Director of Finance and Controller with developing, implementing, and monitoring internal control policies and procedures.
Preparing and coordinating financial reports, analyses, and presentations for the City Administrator, City Council, and other stakeholders.
Providing responsive and high‑quality service to other City departments by answering financial and accounting inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate information.
Identifying opportunities to streamline accounting processes and enhance efficiency; supporting the maintenance and optimization of the City’s financial systems and reporting tools.
Providing guidance, training, and performance feedback to staff; preparing and maintaining procedure manuals.
A few reasons you might love this job:
Your work will be impactful and will help ensure transparency, accountability, and trust in how the City manages public funds.
You will grow and gain experience with financial reporting, audits, grants, and process improvements, which provides a strong foundation for advancement in government accounting and leadership.
You will have the opportunity to mentor staff and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
You will also get a chance to help modernize and improve systems and implement process efficiencies.
You will join a supportive and mission‑driven team that celebrates those who take initiative to improve how the City serves its residents.
A few challenges you might face in this job:
You will need to balance leadership and overseeing staff processes while performing hands‑on, complex financial analysis and reporting.
You will need to navigate complex compliance requirements and work with a variety of grants and audit requirements that demand precision and strong technical expertise.
You will be expected to collaborate across departments by building strong relationships and ensuring alignment among teams with different operational needs and priorities.
You will be expected to manage competing priorities, operational demands, and deadlines that often overlap and require flexibility, organization, and sound judgment.
Competencies Required:
Critical Thinking:
Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims.
Decision Making:
Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner.
Legal & Regulatory Navigation:
Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Adaptability:
Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires.
Attention to Detail:
Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
Displaying Ownership and Accountability:
Holding self and others accountable for measurable, high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective results.
Professional Integrity & Ethics:
Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
Oral Communication:
Engaging effectively in dialogue.
Presentation Skill:
Formally delivering information to groups.
Building & Maintaining Relationships:
Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.
Handling & Resolving Conflict:
Managing interpersonally strained situations.
Delegating:
Sharing responsibility, authority, and accountability.
Managing Performance:
Ensuring superior individual and group performance.
Teamwork:
Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
Leveraging Technology:
Applying technology for improvements in organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full‑time, permanent part‑time, or part‑time City and Port of Oakland employees who meet the minimum qualifications. The open list will be for all other applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, public administration, or a related field.
Experience:
Five (5) years of progressively responsible managerial experience in areas of budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, and management of financial operations in a government agency, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
License or Certificate / Other Requirements:
An incumbent in this position is expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties. Due to the nature of the assignment and the hours worked, public transportation may not be an efficient method for traveling to required locations. An individual appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver’s License throughout the tenure of employment, OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.
Desirable Qualifications:
Possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
Experience with Oracle Financial System.
Experience with Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) preparation and Single Audit in the public sector.
Experience working with other public agencies and elected officials.
The Recruitment Process The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and Human Resources staff review their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the “minimum qualifications” listed for each position.
Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job‑related areas.
Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.
In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.
For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be invited to the structured interview (sometimes referred to as an Oral Exam) (weighted 100%), which will be evaluated and rated by subject matter experts. The structured interview will be conducted as a one‑way video interview, where you will record your responses to a set of questions. You will have seven days from the time you receive the interview link to complete and submit your video responses. The tentative date that the oral exam will be sent to you for completion is the week of February 9, 2026. Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you’re applying to a “restricted” posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.
The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
What’s in it for you?
Work/Life Balance:
37.5‑hour work weeks, and a flexible/hybrid remote schedule
15 paid holidays
Vacation:
2 weeks per year minimum, with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
Retirement:
CalPERS with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre‑tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
Health:
The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
Dental:
Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Vision:
VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre‑tax plan and an after‑tax ROTH 401(k) plan
Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to 200k & Employee Training.
How to Apply Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm.
If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) 524‑5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday – Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238‑3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment‑specific questions, please contact Alanna Butler, HR Analyst, at abutler@oaklandca.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr