Accounting Technician

DEFINITION

Under general direction of the Accounting Supervisor and/or Finance Director, performs advanced technical accounting and financial operations work in support of the City’s Finance Department. The position supports a broad range of municipal finance functions, including accounting operations, payroll, revenue administration, utility billing, business licensing, cashiering, purchasing support, grants, closing activities, financial reporting, reconciliations, and customer service.

This is an advanced journey-level technical accounting classification in a small-staff environment. The position performs assigned work independently within established policies, procedures, internal controls, and review and approval requirements. The classification is designed to provide meaningful crossover with higher-level accounting and analytical work.

This classification does not exercise formal supervision but may provide technical guidance, training, and workflow support in assigned processes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs advanced technical accounting and financial operations support.
• Processes and maintains AP, AR, payroll, billing, cashiering, and revenue records.
• Administers City revenue programs, including utilities and business licenses.
• Processes payments, deposits, permits, fees, taxes, rents, and miscellaneous revenue.
• Supports payroll, benefits, deductions, regulatory reporting, and reconciliations.
• Prepares payroll, tax, retirement, and other recurring regulatory reports.
• Performs account reconciliations and supports general ledger maintenance.
• Participates in month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Prepares journal entries, schedules, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
• Assists with grant tracking, reimbursements, reporting, and compliance records.
• Prepares financial, audit, budget, and management reports for review.
• Supports budget preparation, forecasts, revenue tracking, and analysis.
• Supports purchasing, vendor, contract, warrant, and procurement processes.
• Supports delinquency monitoring, collections, adjustments, and write-offs.
• Provides customer service for payments, billing, licenses, and account inquiries.
• Maintains financial records in accordance with retention requirements.
• Uses financial systems, spreadsheets, and databases to maintain records.
• Assists with procedures, workflow improvements, cross-training, and backup coverage.
• Performs duties within established controls, approvals, and audit standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Advanced technical accounting and financial operations knowledge
• Accuracy, attention to detail, and accountability for work product
• Ability to manage multiple finance functions and deadlines in a small-team environment
• Independent problem-solving, judgment, and initiative within established procedures
• Customer service orientation and professional communication
• Ability to learn, document, and improve financial processes
• Ability to support analytical work and higher-level accounting assignments

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of governmental accounting, financial recordkeeping, and municipal finance operations
• Accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cashiering, revenue collection, utility billing, business licensing, purchasing, and related financial processes
• Payroll laws, benefits processing, tax reporting, retirement reporting, and related reconciliation practices
• Financial reporting, audit support, grant documentation, budget support, and account reconciliation practices
• Internal controls, segregation of duties, cash handling controls, confidentiality requirements, and record retention practices
• Financial software systems, spreadsheets, databases, and standard office software; Tyler ERP Pro 10 experience is desirable

Ability to:

• Prepare accurate financial transactions, reconciliations, schedules, reports, and workpapers
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, agreements, fee schedules, regulations, and accounting guidelines
• Analyze financial data, identify discrepancies, research issues, and recommend corrections or process improvements
• Use Microsoft Excel and other financial tools to organize data, prepare reports, and support analysis
• Communicate effectively with staff, departments, vendors, auditors, and the public
• Work independently while following review, approval, and internal control requirements
• Maintain organized records and protect confidential information
• Provide effective customer service and resolve routine financial inquiries or issues
• Provide technical guidance or training in assigned processes without exercising formal supervision
• Communicate in English and, where applicable, Spanish; bilingual English/Spanish skills are desirable for public-facing duties

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, payroll, utility billing, municipal financial operations, or a closely related field is desirable. Public sector experience is highly desirable.
• Experience preparing reconciliations, financial reports, payroll-related reports, grant documentation, budget support schedules, or audit workpapers is highly desirable.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• Valid California Driver’s License may be required.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

The City of Guadalupe provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment as required by federal, state, and local law.

Pay: $37.98 - $50.90 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person