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City of Torrance, CA

ACCOUNTANT

City of Torrance, CA, Torrance, California, United States, 90504


Salary :

$6,683.73 - $8,534.93 Monthly

Location :

Torrance, CA

Job Type:

Permanent Full-time

Job Number:

24111242

Department:

Finance

Opening Date:

11/19/2024

Closing Date:

Continuous

DESCRIPTION

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENTIN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.

The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.

The is recruiting for an Accountant to join the Finance Department's Team! Be part of an agency that is recognized for outstanding leadership, fiscal responsibility and civic engagement!

Note: The most recent Memorandum of Understanding for Engineers and Torrance Fiscal Employees Association includes increases in pay ranges effective July 13, 2025, July 12, 2026, and July 11, 2027.

The DepartmentThe is responsible for the financial administration, from budgeting to auditing, of City fiscal resources and issuing of business licenses. The Finance Director assists the City Manager in the operation and capital improvement budgets, serves as advisor to the Land Management Team and presents to the City Council an annual audited statement of the City's financial condition prepared in accordance with governmental reporting standards promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

The PositionAn

Accountant

performs increasingly responsible professional accounting work including preparation and statistical analysis of a variety of This position is a full range of accounting and reporting for municipal enterprise operations and all governmental fund types; analyzes and verifies financial documents, City revenue receipts and other financial entries for accuracy and compliance with established accounting and auditing procedures; originates journal entries, reconciles bank and investment statements, prepares vouchers, billings, trial balances and maintains a variety of financial schedules, records and files; ensures proper accounting for fixed assets, revenue and expense accruals; and performs related work as required.

For more information about the duties of the position,

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, or a related field such as Business Administration or Finance which includes intermediate accounting

OR

possession of a Certified Public Accounting certificate from the State of California or governing agency;

AND

One year of experience involving the preparation or maintenance of financial records.

Successful candidates will possess the following:One year of on the job experience in preparing electronic journal entries, preparing and analyzing financial statements, preparing bank reconciliation and/or performing audits of financial records.

The ability to work independently, take initiative, and be proactive;Exceptional problem solving and critical thinking skills;A work history of reliability, dependability, and punctuality; andTechnical competence in accounting principles and concepts.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS

Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at

Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. First review of applications will be those received by Monday

, December 2, 2024,

at 11:59 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Note: If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.

Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:

Panel Interview: Weighted 100%

(Tentatively Scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2024)Note: The tentative test date will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.SPECIAL NOTES

A copy of your Certified Public Accounting (CPA) certificate, Bachelor's degree, and/or unofficial transcripts verifying the completion of Intermediate Accounting coursework may be requested during the hiring process.

Visit to find out information about our community.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements

must

contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

City of Torrance Inclusion StatementThe City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!

BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR ENGINEERS & TORRANCE FISCAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (TFEA)Note: Not all benefits listed may be applicable to all positions with in the unit. Please refer to the MOU for specifics.

Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

(sec.4.9)The City's monthly contribution for health insurance effective 1/6/19 is as follows:

EE Only EE +1 EE +2 or moreFull time EE's $597.68 $1,140.36 $1,595.96Part- time(hired prior to 1/1/08) $493.11 $924.91 $1,277.43Part-time(hired after 1/1/08) $362.57 $628.31 $847.19

The City's monthly contribution for vision insurance is $3.33The City's monthly contribution for dental insurance is $33.71/EE only and $67.42/EE +1 or moreThe City provides a Cash In-Lieu payment of $400 per month for eligible full-time employees for as long as the employee opts-out of medical coverageCity provides a $50,000 life insurance policy

Premium Pay

(sec. 3.1)Varies by position and assignment. (See section 3.1 and 3.2)

Night Shift Differential

(sec.3.2.1 and 3.5.1)Full time employees paid 5% above base hourly pay when ½ or more of the shift is scheduled to work after 5:00 p.m. or before 7:30 a.m.

Educational Incentive Premiums

(sec. 3.6.1)ENGINEERS : (Premiums paid above base pay, per hour. Total educational premiums not to exceed 12% combined)

International Code Council (ICC) certificate: 4%2% for each additional certificate, maximum of 12%Loss of 2% for each year's delay for failure to maintain certificationLEED AP certificates (LEED AP, LEED AP BD+C, LED AP Homes, LEED AP ND): 2.5%Build It Green Certification (Green Point Advisor, Green Point Rater): 2.5%

Holidays

(Sec 4.1)13 paid holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday directly following Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve)

Vacation/Annual Leave

(Sec. 4.2)Engineers

(Accrual rate per month):Year 1: 6.58 hours; Year 2: 7.21 hours; Year 3: 7.87 hours; Year 4: 8.54 hours; Years 5-6: 10.54 hours; Years 7 -9: 11.21 hours; Years 10 -20: 14.56 hours; Years 21 - 24: 15.88 hours; Year 25+: 18.54 hoursTFEA

(Accrual rate per month):Year 1: 6.57 hours; Year 2: 7.51 hours; Year 3: 8.17 hours; Year 4: 8.84 hours; Years 5-9: 10.84 hours; Years 10 -20: 14.19 hours; Years 21 - 24: 15.51 hours; Year 25+: 16.17 hours

Sick Leave/ Personal Leave

(sec.4.3)Accrual rate is 6 (six) hours per month to a maximum of 600 hours accrued sick leave. *Two work shifts of sick/vacation leave may be used for personal leave.

Bereavement Leave

(sec 4.6)Three (3) working shifts with pay (Additional leave, up to 2 additional working shifts for travel 300 miles or more for eligible family members)

Disability Insurance

(sec 4.9)Employee receives 2/3 base pay after elimination period (14 consecutive days for STD and 180 consecutive days for LTD)

Retiree Insurance

(Sec. 4.9)TFEA only : City will pay $51/month for retirees who continue health insurance coverage in one of the PERS health insurance plans

Retirement

(sec. 4.10)PERS 2%@55 ,Employees hired before 1/11/2011, City pays 7% EPMC*Employees hired on or after 1/11/2011 pay 7% EPMC**Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC)PERS 2@62"New members" hired on or after January 1, 2013, pay (50%) of normal cost with three year average final compensation.

Uniform Allowance

(sec. 4.11.1)FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER & SENIOR FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER ONLY:$107.50 every 6 months (Paid June and December).

Tool and Educational Materials Allowance

(sec.4.12.1)ENGINEERS ONLY:$175 per year (Paid in February).

Licenses and Certificates

(sec. 4.14.1)ENGINEERS ONLY:$220/year for license/certificates with recurrent fees: Registered Professional Engineer, Licensed Land Surveyor, and American Institute of Certified Planners.

Shoe Allowance

(4.15.1)ENGINEERS ONLY:$135 per year (Paid in September) for employees required to wear safety shoes or boots

Deferred Compensation Plan

(Sec. 4.13.B)A voluntarily 457 plan is available to all employees.Employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(a) plan upon completion of one year service.

Retirement Health Savings Plan

(sec 4.13.C)Any hours under or equal to 600 (sick) and 600 (vacation) will be deposited into the ICMA-RC RHSP Plan, for retiring and separating employees. The remaining balance up to limits allowed by law will be disbursed into the City's 457 plan or be paid in cash.

01

The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?

YesNo

02

I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history.I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job.I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application.I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application.I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.

YesNo

03

Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related field?

YesNo

04

Can you provide proof of degree?

YesNo

05

Can you provide a copy of your transcript or proof of completion of intermediate accounting courses?

YesNo

06

Do you possess a California Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification?

YesNo

07

Can you provide proof of your California Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification?

YesNo

08

How much experience do you have preparing electronic journal entries?

Less than 6 monthsMore than 6 months but less than 1 yearMore than 1 year but less than 2 yearsMore than 2 years

09

Describe your experience in preparing electronic journal entries.

10

How much experience do you have preparing and analyzing financial statements?

Less than 6 monthsMore than 6 months but less than 1 yearMore than 1 year but less than 2 yearsMore than 2 years

11

Describe your experience in preparing financial statements.

12

How much experience do you have preparing bank reconciliation?

Less than 6 monthsMore than 6 months but less than 1 yearMore than 1 year but less than 2 yearsMore than 2 years

13

Describe your experience in preparing bank reconciliation.

14

Have you organized financial data using computerized spreadsheets such as excel, word, access, etc.?

YesNo

15

Describe your experience in organizing financial data using computerized spreadsheets such as excel, word, access, etc.

16

What is your level of proficiency using automated accounting systems?

BasicIntermediateAdvanced

17

Describe your experience using automated accounting systems.

18

Describe your knowledge and experience performing financial and/or accounting analyses. What tools did you use to perform the analysis and who did you provide the resulting information to? How was this information used?

19

Describe the most complex accounting assignment/project that you have worked on.

20

I certify that the information I have provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that this information is subject to verification with my former employers, and that misrepresentation may cause me to forfeit all opportunities to be considered for employment with the City of Torrance.

YesNo

Required Question