Posting number: 2A23-20260817-35-00
Department: FIN Finance
Job classification: Chief Accounting Officer
Posting type: Department Only Promotional
Categories: Accounting and Finance
This is accounting management work directing all sections and activities of the City's central accounting agency through subordinate managers and supervisors. The employee in this class provides high level strategic thinking to the Director of Finance, advocates for key outcomes and strategies to improve the city’s financial health and recordkeeping; provides oversight, leadership and direction to central Finance accounting staff, as well as sets policy and direction for, and gives guidance on, all accounting matters to departmental accounting staff citywide and high-level city officials. The employee is responsible for establishing and implementing City-wide accounting policy and for setting overall goals, objectives and priorities within the Accounting Bureau. Significant to the work is the overall responsibility for implementing financial mandates set forth by the Director of Finance and oversight of all comprehensive financial reporting for the City. Working with administrative, legislative and departmental officials to implement fiscal policies and testifying at City Council and before other boards and hearings, and providing information on the financial state of the City to media, legislators, government agents, and representatives of the financial and economic community are significant to the work. The employee reports to the Director of Finance.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is
Melanie M Chalmers
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone: 215-686-2690
Fax: 215-686-0861
Email: Melanie.M.Chalmers@phila.gov
For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov
ELIGIBLE LIST: DEPARTMENTAL-ONLY PROMOTIONAL
Only a departmental promotional eligible list for the City of Philadelphia's Department of Finance will be established as a result of this examination.
Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.
PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other people receiving an identical test score.
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence on this application. This response will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.
If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.
Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.
An Eligible List will be established the week of 09/21/2026. Please note that this date may change.
TEST REVIEW
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.
College
The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.
ANTICIPATED ELIGIBILITY
Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within 6 months of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.
1. CIVIL SERVICE STATUS:
Presently employed by the City of Philadelphia with permanent Civil Service status in the Finance Department with a performance rating of Satisfactory or higher.
AND
2. EDUCATION:
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting.
AND
3. GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Nine years of accounting experience, five of which includes supervisory accounting experience.
AND
4. SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
One year of managerial accounting experience as the Accounting Director.
Equivalency Statement
Any equivalent combination of experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources that has included the bachelor’s degree with major coursework in accounting and specific experience described above.
TRANSCRIPT, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates MUST submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s) indicating completion of the educational requirement and all required licenses, registrations or certifications at the time of application. Transcripts MUST indicate conference of the appropriate degree. Candidates with a degree from foreign colleges or universities must submit proof of degree as certified by a professional evaluation service.
Candidates MUST submit a copy of their license, registration or certification.
If you have ever submitted a paper transcript, license, registration or certification for any City of Philadelphia civil service examination, you must submit another document
Option 1 - Upload a paperless transcript, license, registration or certification – One time only!
You may upload documents into your account and attach a document with this application. Once the document is uploaded to your account, it may be attached to all future applications. Attaching your document will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future, and you will be assured that your transcript cannot be misplaced.
Your documents should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. They cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.
Option 2 – Submit a paper transcript, license, registration or certification – Separate document required for each application
If you submit a paper copy of a transcript, license, registration or certification, the document will be used for this application only. You will have to submit documents again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Paper documents will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.
Mailing address for paper transcript and other required materials
Melanie M Chalmers
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
This city will never settle for good enough. We’re fueled by passion and connection and backed by talent and potential. It’s that drive that sets us apart nationally and unites us locally. If you want to create a better Philadelphia, start here!
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