Senior Accountant (Temporary)

Job Description

ABOUT US

At the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do, and they are proud to tell people “I work for the County of Marin.” Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture on the Department of Human Resources website . Read on to find out more about this opportunity.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The mission of the Department of Finance (DOF) is to instill the public's trust and ensure the financial integrity of the County of Marin by safeguarding the County's funds and promoting the prudent utilization of resources.

The DOF maintains the accounts of County government, the County’s school districts, and many of the special districts within Marin County. The Department of Finance also administers the County’s major financial, budgetary, payroll, fixed asset, tax apportionment and revenue collection systems .

ABOUT THE POSITION

There is currently one (1) full-time On-Site Temporary Senior Accountant position with the Department of Finance in the Accounting Division. The initial assignment is up to six (6) months and may be extended an additional six (6) months depending on project need and funding availability.

The Senior Accountant performs advanced professional accounting work requiring technical expertise, independent judgment, and sound knowledge of governmental accounting standards, financial policies, and reporting requirements.

This position independently researches and resolves complex accounting issues, ensures the accuracy and compliance of financial transactions, leads process improvements and financial system enhancements, and supports audits and financial reporting activities. The position may also include providing lead direction, training, or supervision to assigned staff.

Examples of Duties:

• Accounting Operations: Performs complex accounting activities across the general ledger, subsidiary ledgers, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, cash and investments, capital assets, grants, and project accounting.
• Reconciliations and Financial Close: Prepares and reviews journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules; coordinates month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Financial Reporting and Audits: Prepares financial statements and fiscal reports in accordance with applicable governmental accounting standards; supports external audits by preparing audit schedules, providing supporting documentation, and resolving audit findings.
• Financial Analysis and Internal Controls: Analyzes revenues, expenditures, and financial trends; investigates and explains variances; and develops, implements, and maintains internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information.
• Compliance and Policy Development: Interprets and applies to governmental accounting standards, financial policies, laws, and regulations; develops, reviews, and updates accounting policies, procedures, and standard operating guidelines.
• Financial Systems and Process Improvement: Identifies and resolves accounting and financial system issues; assists with system enhancements, including testing, validation, and documentation; and collaborates with departments to improve operational efficiency, data integrity, and financial reporting.
• Technical Guidance and Oversight: Provides technical guidance, training, and assistance to staff regarding accounting procedures, financial systems, and reporting requirements; may assign, review, and oversee the work of assigned staff.
• Analytical Reporting and Related Duties: Prepares analytical reports, presentations, and other financial analyses; performs related duties as assigned.

ABOUT YOU

Our Ideal Highly Qualified Candidate: You are a results-oriented financial professional who combines technical expertise and sound judgment with a strong dedication to public service. Driven and self-directed, you excel at taking ownership of complex accounting assignments, analyzing discrepancies, meeting critical reporting deadlines, and translating intricate financial data into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders across all levels of the organization.

• Governmental Accounting & Reporting: Proven background in public sector accounting, financial statement preparation, and managing month-end and year-end closing processes.
• General Ledger & Reconciliations: Advanced experience maintaining general ledger accounts and resolving complex account reconciliations with precision.
• Audit & Internal Controls: Demonstrated skill in audit preparation, documentation, and designing or evaluating internal controls to safeguard public resources.
• Systems & Data Analysis: High proficiency with enterprise financial systems (ERP) and advanced spreadsheet modeling to analyze trends and support decision-making.
• Process Optimization: Proactive approach to identifying process gaps, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and driving continuous financial workflow improvements.
• Collaborative Leadership: Outstanding interpersonal skills with a passion for cross-departmental collaboration, staff mentorship, and delivering clear technical guidance.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic supervisory principles and practices.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and policies.

• Practices, methods, and procedures in bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing operations.

• Government accounting systems, procedures, and regulations.

• General purposes and functions of data processing equipment used in accounting activities.

• Computer applications related to accounting, including integrated ERP systems, department-specific legacy systems, and spreadsheet and database applications.

• Standard office practices and procedures, including the operation of standard office equipment.

• Professional knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and other professional guidelines.

ABILITY TO:

• Understand and interpret applicable principles, laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Understand transactions and reconcile them among accounting documents to ensure proper recording of accounting codes and classifications to detect errors rapidly and efficiently.

• Work closely with staff to maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality when dealing with sensitive and complex issues.
• Provide lead direction and training to subordinate staff.
• Audit, analyze, and evaluate complex financial and statistical data.
• Prepare, maintain, and reconcile a variety of complex accounting and financial records, documents, and reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to management and non-management personnel.

• Use various computer applications and software in support of accounting activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, business administration, economics, or a field related to the work, which has included a minimum of 12 semester (18 quarter) units in accounting and three years of professional accounting experience. Experience within a public agency is highly desirable. Additional professional or technical experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis, provided there is no substitution for the specific accounting education unit requirements as listed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If you have questions concerning this position announcement, please contact Dario Aguilar at dario.aguilar@marincounty.gov .

All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status in the recruitment process. Please be sure to check your spam settings to allow our emails to reach you. You may also log into your GovernmentJobs.com account to view these emails.

Open & Continuous Recruitment: This recruitment is Open and Continuous. Applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications as soon as possible. The filing period for an Open and Continuous recruitment may be closed at any time.

Testing and Eligible List: Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination may consist of a highly qualified review, application screening, online assessment, written examination, oral examination, performance examination, or any combination to determine which candidates' names will be placed on the eligible list. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill the current vacancy, and any future vacancies for open, fixed-term, full-time or part-time positions which may occur while the list remains active.

Disaster Service Workers: All County of Marin employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: If you have questions regarding equal employment opportunities, please contact Roger Crawford, Equal Employment Opportunity Director, at 415-473-2095.

PLEASE NOTE: The benefits described herein do not apply to temporary (contingent) or to part-time employees that work less than 50%.

COUNTY OF MARIN BENEFITS: GENERAL
Below are some of the excellent benefits the County offers. More information about our benefits can be found on the Marin County's Benefits Homepage .

Paid Time Off : Competitive vacation accrual; 12 holidays per year; and generous sick leave accruals. Additional types of paid leaves are available for some bargaining units.

Health Plan : Choice of four health plans (two Kaiser HMOs, Western Health Advantage HMO, and an Anthem Blue Cross PPO) along with dental through Delta Dental PPO, and vision through Vision Service Plan (VSP). There is a County contribution toward the premiums (the contribution amount varies depending on coverage tier elected such as employee only, employee + 1, employee + family). Plus, the County offers excellent Life Insurance, Disability, Flexible Spending Plans, a Dependent Care Assistance Program, professional development and more.

Retirement : Defined benefit plan under the County Employees Retirement Act of 1937. More information can be found online at www.mcera.org.

IRS 457 Plan : Choice of pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical : The County provides access to group health plan coverage to eligible retirees.

For specific questions regarding the employment process, please contact Human Resources at (415) 473-6104. For additional details about the benefits or retirement, please contact the Benefits Division at (415) 473-2197.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous