Job Description

The City of Ojai is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Accountant to join our dedicated Finance Department. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional to contribute to the financial health and transparency of our community. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in accounting and will be responsible for a wide range of accounting functions, including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, financial reporting, and audit preparation, all in compliance with governmental accounting standards. From mastering the general ledger to leading audit preparations, this role offers the rare opportunity to manage full-cycle municipal finance in a setting where your expertise is visible, and your contributions directly influence the well-being of our community.

This recruitment will remain open until Sunday, March 29, 2026.

COMPENSATION

Accountant I: $40.29 - $48.97 per hour

Accountant II: $44.46 - $54.05 per hour

BENEFITS

Deferred Compensation: City matches the greater of 3% of salary or $200/month.

Retirement: Participation in CalPERS and Social Security.

Health Insurance: Access to CalPERS health plans. City pays 100% of employee and 80% of dependent premiums (up to PERS Platinum rate).

Dental & Vision Insurance: City pays 100% of employee premium.

Disability Insurance: City paid short- and long-term disability.

Life Insurance:$30,000 City paid policy wtih AD&D.

Holidays: 13 paid holidays annually.

Vacation: Starts at 88 hours per year, with increases based on service.

Sick Leave: 96 hours per year.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Ojai is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Ojai will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the city.

ACCOUNTANT I

ACCOUNTANT II

Under direction, to perform professional accounting work including the primary responsibility for the generation of routine financial reports and statements and/or analysis requiring understanding and interpretation in the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the variety of work assignments.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Accountant I This is the first level of professional accounting work requiring general knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and practices. Under the direction of an experienced accountant, incumbents are given work assignments that are designed to expand practical experience and develop professional judgment in the application of accounting principles.

Accountant II This is the journey level class within the professional accounting series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Accountant I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including those requiring a thorough knowledge of governmental accounting systems and procedures. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II level are normally filled by advancement from the I level, or when filled from the outside, requires prior professional accounting experience.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Accountant I Receives direction from the Finance Director or higher level professional staff within the Finance Department. Exercises no supervision.

Accountant II Receives direction from the Finance Director or higher level professional staff within the Finance Department. May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower-level staff.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Accountant I

• Participate in the posting, balancing and reconciliation of the General Ledger and subsidiary accounts; prepare bank reconciliations.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual financial statements and State Controller's Report; prepare audit schedules for the annual audit.
• Maintain debt service funds; monitor and reconcile paying agents' accounts.
• Input journal entries to the general ledger for assigned funds.
• Perform comprehensive financial activity studies as directed; provide analysis of various funds at management request.
• Input journal vouchers and manual checks into the financial system.
• Assist and review with operating departments account posting.
• Monitor and maintain records on City's fixed assets.
• Assist departmental personnel and City staff with budget activity, proper expenditure coding, document preparation and other accounting related activities.
• Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable processing, including invoice coding, vendor entry, and documentation tracking.
• Support payroll preparation and related accounting functions, including payroll reconciliations and reporting to external agencies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Accountant II

• Participate in the posting, balancing and reconciliation of the General Ledger and subsidiary accounts; prepare bank reconciliations.
• Preparation of the annual financial statements, various Agency financial reports, and State Controller's Report; prepare audit schedules for the annual audit.
• Ability to read and deduct from granting agency instructions on accounting and reporting requirements.
• Maintain debt service funds; monitor and reconcile paying agents' accounts.
• Issue correcting and adjusting journal entries to update the general ledger for assigned funds.
• Perform comprehensive financial activity studies as directed; provide analysis of various funds at management request.
• Approve journal vouchers and manual checks into the financial system.
• Prepare fund balance projections and review with operating departments.
• Monitor and maintain records on City's fixed assets.
• Assist departmental personnel and City staff with budget activity, proper expenditure coding, document preparation and other accounting related activities.
• Oversee or assist with accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring compliance with internal controls and procurement policies.
• Assist with or perform payroll processing and reporting, including labor compliance requirements.
• Coordinate and reconcile grant funding, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting in accordance with grantor requirements.
• Assist with budget development, including preparing revenue and expenditure projections, and providing department support throughout the budget cycle.
• Contribute to the development and enforcement of accounting policies and internal controls.
• Prepare and present financial data to management and/or City Council as needed.
• May provide technical guidance to lower-level accounting personnel in accounts receivable and accounts payable.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Accountant I

Knowledge of:

Generally accepted accounting principles and practices.

Statistical and mathematical presentation of data.

Research and investigation procedures.

Basic preparation of presentations and creation and manipulation graphical presentations.

Business English, spelling and grammar.

Ability to:

Plan effectively in order to meet established deadlines.

Follow oral and written instructions.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to:

Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment, software, calculator, telephone, and copying machine.

Understand and respond to requests from the public and staff for assistance both on the phone and in-person.

Prepare detailed narrative reports, perform mathematical calculations and sort/file documents.

Interpret and follow instructions and policy guidelines.

Accountant II

In addition to the qualifications for Accountant I:

Knowledge of:

Generally accepted accounting principles and practices, including budgeting and reporting.

Principles of supervision and training.

Financial research, investigation procedures, and report preparation methods.

Ability to:

Direct and train clerical and technical personnel.

Prepare a variety of complex financial statements, reports, and analyses.

Analyze and reconcile payroll transactions and retirement reporting.

Administer and report on grant programs in accordance with federal and state regulations.

Assist in the implementation and optimization of financial software applications.

Apply Federal, State and local laws and regulations pertaining to accounting and auditing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Accountant I

Education

Equivalent to an associate's degree (AA or AS) from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting or business administration.

Experience

Two years of responsible accounting experience, preferably in the public sector.

Licenses or Certificates

Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Accountant II

Education

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting or business administration.

Experience

Four years of responsible governmental accounting experience comparable to that of an Accountant I in the City of Ojai.

Licenses or Certificates

Possession of a valid California driver's license.

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 and 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 and walking between work areas will be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.