Principal Accountant

Position Description

Come Grow with Us!

The City is excited to announce the addition of a Principal Accountant position. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic and highly skilled professional to plan, organize, and lead various accounting functions within our finance department.

In this role, the selected candidate will perform a variety of complex governmental accounting functions and direct assigned staff involved in the analysis, maintenance, and auditing of accounting records, and the preparation of financial statements, a variety of reports, and other work products. The ideal candidate will have a thorough knowledge of governmental accounting practices and procedures. If you're ready to make an impact and grow your career in governmental accounting, we encourage you to apply!


RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW:

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 70,693 located in the heart of California's Central Valley. The organization, staffed with 400 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

To be considered for this position applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills. In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to respond to the supplemental questions associated with the application. Your responses to the supplemental questions will be used to help us evaluate your qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application or in lieu of detailed responses to the supplemental questions. Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications, will be invited to interview for the position.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under general supervision, plans, organizes, and provides lead direction to activities within various accounting practice areas.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED


Receives general direction from the Assistant Finance Director. Exercises direct and general supervision over assigned professional, technical, and clerical staff. Coordinates and monitors the work of independent auditors and consultants as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single-position professional accounting class responsible for lead work and direction of assigned staff involved in the analysis, maintenance, and auditing of accounting records and the preparation of financial statements and a variety of reports and other work products. Successful performance of the work requires thorough knowledge of governmental accounting practices and procedures, fund accounting, financial reporting, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets, labor cost distribution, auditing, grants accounting, and ERP systems. The incumbent exercises considerable independent judgement in implementing accounting procedures, practices, and policies.

Examples of Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides responsible professional and technical assistance in the administration and implementation of the City's financial, auditing, and accounting programs.
• Serves as a liaison between the independent auditors and City staff in preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report in compliance with audit requirements.
• Leads the preparation of journal entries and general ledger reconciliation; leads the preparation of monthly financial statements, including distributing monthly revenue and expenditure reports to departments; prepares numerous monthly financial reports including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. Oversees the maintenance of financial records for budget accountability, including revenue and disbursement accounts.
• Analyzes and reconciles expenditure and revenue accounts, including bond accounts and reconciliation of bond statements to the general ledger, and reconciliation of bank statements to the general ledger.
• Analyzes, reviews, and revises methods, procedures, and forms for financial recordkeeping; develops improved accounting systems, processes, and leverages technology in doing so.
• Trains, motivates, and coaches assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; and works with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities and projects; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Participates in the development of policies, procedures, and practices.
• Implements and maintains effective internal controls.
• Identifies and resolves complex accounting issues and provides solutions to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepares a variety of routine and ad-hoc financial and statistical reports.
• Assists with investment portfolio management, cash management, debt management, bond financing, and other financing mechanisms.
• Develops and administers assigned program budget.
• Collaborates with other departments and stakeholders; provides financial expertise and support.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental accounting and financing, including program budgeting and auditing and their application to municipal operations.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local ordinances, resolutions and laws affecting municipal financial operations.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Computer applications related to work, including financial management systems, word processing, and spreadsheet software.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Apply professional accounting principles, knowledge, and skills to the maintenance of complex fiscal and accounting records.
• Analyze complex financial data, identify trends, present and visualize data, and provide insights to support decision making.
• Prepare clear, complete and concise financial statements and reports.
• Interpret and apply accounting and financial management laws, rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Present complex information orally and in writing in an easy-to-understand way for employees, community groups, and decision-makers.
• Work on multiple projects with competing priorities and organize and prioritize timelines for self and others in an effective and timely manner.
• Analyze situations and identify pertinent problems/issues, collect relevant information, evaluate realistic options, and recommend/implement appropriate courses of action.
• Plan, organize, direct, review, and supervise the work of staff.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies or methods.
• Understand and carry out a variety of complex instructions in a responsible and independent manner.
• Establish and maintain a variety of files and records.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, business administration, mathematics, economics, or a closely related field, and three (3) years of progressively responsible accounting experience. Additional experience may supplement the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; ability to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers to retrieve and file items. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55 formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
• Life insurance - Based on salary.
• Short and long term disability insurance.
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
• Management leave - 64 hours per year.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
• City sponsored clinic - Opening March 1, 2025. Services to include: general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 7/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Tulare

• 559-684-4204

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