Job Details

Senior Accountant

This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. The first review of applications is scheduled to occur for applications received before 5:00 PM on December 22, 2025, and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until filled. This recruitment may close at any time after that date, once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established. Here in Huntington Beach, we believe passionately that the key to becoming the best beach City in the world starts and ends with finding the right people to join our team. At this time, we have an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Senior Accountant in our Finance Department. Note: This job description is currently being updated and is under review for final approval.

Under general direction, reviews and analyzes financial transactions, prepares a variety of financial statements and reports, ensures proper recording and reporting of financial transactions and performs financial functions related to budget administration and annual audits; and performs other duties as required within the scope of the classification. The Senior Accountant performs journey level professional accounting for the City under the direction of the Principal Finance Analyst and/or Finance Manager. It is distinguished from the Principal Finance Analyst by the absence of supervisory responsibilities. Senior Accountant incumbents develop methods and procedures to solve problems encountered in the course of their work and may provide direction to Accountants.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Performs advanced professional level financial accounting duties in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards, including but not limited to general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll
• Takes an active role in the preparation of financial and statistical statements and reports, fixed assets, the implementation of GASB pronouncements and other accounting functions
• Prepares general journal entries (revenues, expenditures, depreciation, etc.) to generate fiscal month and fiscal year-to-date balance sheets, changes in fund balance and cash flow financial statements
• Analyzes and prepares financial statements related to debt service, property tax distributions and other transactions
• Performs year-end review of accounts and necessary adjusting and closing entries
• Assists in the maintenance of general ledger and subsidiary ledgers of various funds
• Reconciles information produced by automated financial reporting systems with accounting records
• Reviews requisitions, allocates interest to various funds or special accounts
• Assists in the preparation of information for auditors
• Provides information to other local, state, and federal agencies as requested
• Provides quality service to both internal and external customers; serves as Accounting liaison with assigned departments; provides accounting advice and training, reviews requests for appropriation revisions and departmental transactions; monitors budgets and compliance with internal controls, practices and procedures; performs research or furnishes assistance as required

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes: Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business or related field. Experience: Three (3) years of professional accounting experience, at least two (2) years for a municipality or similar agency. License/Certificate: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is preferred and may substitute for up to one (1) year of required experience. SPECIAL CONDITIONS. Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all Huntington Beach City employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

Application & Selection Procedure

• Application Review - An online application must be fully completed
• Examination - Applicants who BEST meet the City's needs will be invited to participate in the assessment process, which will include an oral exam (weighted 100%), to be scheduled once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received
• Selection Interview
• Background
• Appointment