Accounting Manager

Job Description:

Accounting Manager

Description

Position Description

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW - Come Grow with Us!

The City of Tulare is seeking a seasoned public sector finance professional to serve as our Accounting Manager. This pivotal position requires a leader who is an experienced supervisor, a successful mentor, and a meticulous accountant who excels in the complexities of governmental accounting.

The ideal candidate's experience will demonstrate proven leadership, mentorship, and supervisory capabilities. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a deep understanding of fund accounting, superb analytical skills, and a commitment to transparency.

As the Accounting Manager, you will be the engine behind our financial integrity. Reporting directly to the Assistant Finance Director and the Chief Financial Officer (Director of Finance/Treasurer), you will bridge the gap between high-level policy and daily operational excellence. You will manage the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), safeguard public assets through rigorous internal controls, and mentor a dedicated team of accounting professionals.

You’re and ideal candidate if you possess these key professional attributes:

• Master of GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) and GAAP principles.
• A proven track record of preparing the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and managing complex fund accounting structures (General, Special Revenue, Capital Projects).
• Are an experienced mentor who can plan and direct the work of professional and technical staff, excel at evaluating performance, assigning projects based on workload, and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Skilled at facilitating annual external audits and implementing rigorous internal controls to safeguard public assets and minimize financial risk.
• Proficient in modern ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) financial systems (such as Oracle or SAP) and advanced Excel for complex financial modeling and data analysis.
• Able to translate intricate financial data into clear, understandable reports for city management, community groups, and stakeholders.

ABOUT THE CITY OF TULARE

Tulare is a full-service Charter City with approximately 400 full-time employees. The City of Tulare is a supportive organization where people take pride in their work and in the community they serve. Tulare is a place where people can grow professionally, a place that values innovation and a place where people can make a positive and lasting change in the community.

APPLICATION PROCESS

This recruitment will remain open until filled. Our first review of candidates will occur on February 25 th . Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by that date.

To be considered for this position qualified applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work History, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills.

In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to respond to the supplemental questions associated with the application and attach the required certificates. Responses to the supplemental questions will be used to evaluate applicants' qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Supervises, manages, and plans the day-to-day activities of staff involved in the preparation, processing, and maintenance of a wide variety of accounting records and financial reports. Independently delivers highly complex work products in support of the Assistant Finance Director, Chief Financial Officer (Director of Finance/Treasurer), and City Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Assistant Finance Director and/or Chief Financial Officer (Director of Finance/Treasurer). Exercises direct and general supervision over assigned professional, technical, and clerical staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single-position professional accounting classification responsible for the supervision of assigned staff involved in the analysis, maintenance, and auditing of accounting records and the preparation of financial statements and a variety of reports and other work products. The incumbent oversees financial operations, ensuring compliance with accounting rules and standards set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) which are part of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) that aim to enhance clarity and usefulness of financial reporting. Successful performance of the work requires thorough knowledge of governmental accounting practices and procedures, fund accounting, financial reporting, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets, labor cost distribution, auditing, grants accounting, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

This class is distinguished from the Budget Finance Manager and Utility Billing Manager in that it is responsible for ensuring strict compliance with public sector accounting standards, managing distinct funds, and maintaining transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. This class is further distinguished from the Assistant Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer (Director of Finance/Treasurer) in that the latter have overall responsibility for all finance and accounting functions and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

Examples of Essential Functions

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Manages financial activities for various funds (e.g., general fund, special revenue funds, capital projects funds) to ensure resources are used for their intended, legally restricted purposes.
• Supervises, trains, and mentors accounting staff, ensuring efficient operations and adherence to established policies and procedures. Meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities and projects; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Prepares and reviews comprehensive financial reports and annual financial statements, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), for management, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Facilitates annual audits with external auditors and implements and monitors strong internal controls to safeguard public assets and minimize financial risk.
• Manages the general ledger and ensures timely and accurate monthly and year-end closing processes, including reconciliation of all asset and liability accounts.
• Performs a variety of complex professional accounting tasks involving the use of automated fund financial systems and governmental accounting procedures.
• Performs financial analysis, research, statistical analysis, cost analysis, and internal auditing.
• Analyzes and reconciles expenditure and revenue accounts, including bond accounts and reconciliation of bond statements to the general ledger, and reconciliation of bank statements to the general ledger.
• Participates in the development of policies, procedures, and practices.
• Implements and maintains effective internal controls.
• Identifies and resolves complex accounting issues and provides solutions to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepares a variety of routine and ad-hoc financial and statistical reports.
• Assists with investment portfolio management, cash management, debt management, bond financing, and other financing mechanisms.
• Develops and administers assigned program budget.
• Collaborates with other departments and stakeholders; provides financial expertise and support.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Municipal finance, revenue, fund accounting, and budget principles and practices.
• Applicable Federal and State accounting and financial reporting laws affecting municipal financial operations, including GASB.
• Integrated ERP accounting systems and financial analysis tools.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Apply professional accounting principles, knowledge, and skills to the maintenance of complex fiscal and accounting records.
• Prepare clear, complete and concise financial statements ad-hoc reports, and presentations using common software applications.
• Interpret and apply accounting and financial management laws, rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Present complex information orally and in writing in an easy-to-understand way for employees, community groups, and decision-makers.
• Work on multiple projects with competing priorities and organize and prioritize timelines for self and others in an effective and timely manner.
• Analyze situations and identify pertinent problems/issues, collect relevant information, evaluate realistic options, and recommend/implement appropriate courses of action.
• Plan, organize, direct, review, and supervise the work of staff.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies or methods.
• Understand and carry out a variety of complex instructions in a responsible and independent manner.
• Establish and maintain a variety of files and records.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, mathematics, economics, or a closely related field, and three (3) years of progressively responsible accounting experience including, at least one year of governmental accounting, auditing, and public finance experience in a lead, or supervisory role. Additional experience may supplement the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license.

Additional Information

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 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 work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers to retrieve and file items.Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

Environmental Elements

Employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55 formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
• Life insurance - Based on salary.
• Short and long term disability insurance.
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
• Management leave - 64 hours per year.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
• City sponsored clinic - Opening March 1, 2025. Services to include: general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 2/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$97,368.36 - $118,351.80 Annually