Accountant II

The City of Berkeley is currently accepting applications for Accountant II in the Accounting division of our Finance Department. The Accounting division maintains the City’s general ledger, and prepares the City’s internal and external financial statements and reports. Accounting is responsible for all bank reconciliations, development of the indirect cost allocation plans, and quality control review on accounting transactions entered by all departments. Accounting also prepares all required State Controller, payroll, and sales tax returns.

This position is responsible for performing the full range of accounting duties and may have direct responsibility for performing one or more of the following activities: bank reconciliation; general accounting monthly closings; general accounting data entry; preparation of city-wide indirect cost allocation plans; accounting for the City’s investment transactions; coordination of the preparation of schedules and work papers for the City’s external auditors; preparation of the various required State Controller’s Office reports; preparation of quarterly payroll and sales tax returns; coordination of the timely remittance of debt service payments to the fiscal agent (s) or lessor(s); maintenance of the books of accounts for the Berkeley Redevelopment Agency (BRA); maintenance of accounting chart of accounts; preparation or review of the year-end grants and other receivable entries; reconciliation of the general ledger control accounts to the subsidiary ledgers; and assist in the preparation of the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

Required Qualifications:

EDUCATION

Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university in accounting, or a closely related field, which included at least 24 units total consisting of intermediate advanced governmental and cost accounting.

AND

EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of professional accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or public agency.

Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of: Generally accepted accounting principles and practices for municipal governments; Cost accounting; Budgeting principles and practices and the differences between budget-basis accounting (when the budget is not based on GAAP), and accounting based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); Principles and practices of business data processing and the applications to accounting and financial management; Laws regulating public finance and fiscal operations; Budgeting principles and practices; Modern office procedures, practices, methods and equipment including use of standard personal computer software programs such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel and basic automated data base applications; and How to perform revenue audits and compliance reviews/audits.

Ability to: Review and interpret financial statements, reports, transactions, and records; Verify the accuracy of accounting and financial data; Ensure proper authorization and documentation for disbursements and other transactions; Analyze, post, balance and reconcile financial data ledgers and accounts; Make accurate basic financial calculations; Direct and review the work of lower-level accounting personnel in specified work areas; Make sound independent judgments within established guidelines; Prepare clear, concise and complete financial reports and statements; and Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the course of work.

Application Process:

Applicants must submit the following:

1. CITY OF BERKELEY EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

2. RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

3. RESUME All materials must be received in our office no later than the closing date, at 5:00 p.m. PST. Postmarks, faxes and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

The examination process will consist of:

Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring department(s) will use to conduct final selection interviews. Hiring Department(s) will contact applicants directly if selected to participate in their hiring/selection process.

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background / reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver’s license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.

DISCLAIMER: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content. Components may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any particular assessment component or combination of components as needs dictate.

All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency / disaster.