Temporary Accountant (Special Project)

Department: Administrative Services

Position Summary

The Temporary Accountant will provide professional-level accounting support to the Administrative Services Department during the implementation of the City’s new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This position is intended to temporarily backfill essential accounting functions—specifically in the areas of audit preparation, grant compliance, and mandated reporting—allowing permanent staff to focus on ERP configuration, testing, and deployment.

This is a full-time, limited-duration position expected to last through the completion of the ERP project (anticipated to be two years 7/1/25-06/30/27).

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepare workpapers, schedules, and documentation for the City’s annual audit and other external audits, including Measure I, Art3, AB2766 AQMD, and grant compliance audits.
• Assist with the preparation and timely filing of mandated State Controller’s reports.
• Perform account reconciliations, general ledger review, and financial analysis as assigned.
• Monitor and track restricted funds and assist with fund reporting requirements.
• Maintain documentation to support financial transactions and compliance requirements.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes as needed.
• Support ongoing operational accounting tasks (e.g., journal entries, budget tracking) to relieve workload from permanent staff.
• Coordinate with external auditors, state agencies, and internal departments regarding requested financial information.
• Ensure accounting tasks are completed accurately, timely, and in accordance with City policies and applicable regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of recent, progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or public sector environment.
• Experience with audit preparation and governmental financial reporting is highly desirable.
  
  

Knowledge Of

• Principles and practices of governmental accounting and auditing.
• Fund accounting, financial reporting requirements, and internal controls.
• Applicable laws, regulations, and standards (e.g., GASB, GAAP, State Controller's requirements).
• Financial systems and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
  
  

Ability To

• Analyze financial data and prepare clear, accurate financial reports.
• Meet strict reporting deadlines and audit schedules.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Maintain attention to detail while managing multiple priorities.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with both internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

Work Schedule & Conditions

• Full-time, temporary position (40 hours per week). Monday through Thursday.
• Expected duration: up to 24 months from date of hire, based on project timeline and budget.
• Position is onsite at City Hall.
  
  

Reports To: Assistant Director of Administrative Services & Director of Administrative Services