Senior Accountant

Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site:
www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs. Submissions through other websites or methods will not be accepted.

Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be accepted on a continuous basis. Applications will be reviewed weekly, and candidates are encouraged to apply early for immediate consideration. This recruitment is open until filled.

Pay & Benefits

• $97,963.43 - $131,272.34 Annually (DOQ)

• Benefits

  • Medical Insurance (HMO, PPO options)

  • City Paid Dental and Vision Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • Vacation & Holiday Compensation

  • Deferred Compensation

  • CalPERS Retirement

  • Wellness Program (access to gym facility and fitness classes)

  • Tuition Reimbursement & Bilingual Pay

About the Opportunity

The City of Ventura is seeking an experienced accounting professional to join our Finance team as a Senior Accountant. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the City’s financial operations and overseeing complex accounting functions, ensuring compliance with auditing standards, and supporting key financial reporting and analysis.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned accounting professional who thrives in a collaborative environment, enjoys problem-solving, and is ready to take on a senior role within municipal finance.

What You’ll Do

As a Senior Accountant, you will perform a full range of professional accounting functions across multiple areas while providing guidance and oversight to staff.

Key responsibilities include:

• Accounting Operations & Oversight – Oversee and review accounting processes for compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Evaluate complex transactions and develop internal controls to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Financial Reporting – Lead the preparation of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including drafting financial statements, notes, and required supplementary information, coordinating supporting schedules, and ensuring timely, accurate reporting.

• Governmental Accounting & Auditing Compliance – Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, managing all phases of the financial statement audit, Single Audit, and Transportation Development Act (TDA) audits, prepare and review audit schedules, SEFA, and related reports, and ensure timely resolution of audit inquiries and findings.

• General Ledger Management – Oversee monthly and fiscal year-end close processes, including preparing, reviewing, and posting complex journal entries, maintaining the chart of accounts, performing detailed account reconciliations, and analyzing variances.

• Grant Accounting & Regulatory Compliance – Oversee grant accounting, reporting, and reimbursement processes, ensure compliance with GAAP, grant agreements, and OMB Uniform Guidance, and review transactions for proper classification and eligibility.

• Program Area Oversight – Provide technical oversight and review of key functional areas, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, treasury/revenue services, and fixed assets, ensuring accurate financial reporting and integration with the general ledger.

• Systems & Financial Analysis – Use Workday Financials, Excel, and other business applications to perform advanced financial analysis, reconcile data across systems, and support reporting and process improvements.

• Supervision & Leadership  – Provide lead direction to accounting staff, including assigning and reviewing work, resolving complex accounting issues, and guiding staff on the application of accounting standards and procedures.

• Interdepartmental Coordination – Work collaboratively with City departments to resolve complex accounting issues, perform analysis, and implement compliant, effective solutions.

• Communication & Compliance Support – Respond to technical accounting inquiries from staff and auditors, interpret and communicate complex financial information while ensuring adherence to established policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.

The Ideal Candidate – Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a knowledgeable and proactive accounting professional who brings both technical expertise and leadership capability, demonstrates the ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment, and maintains a strong commitment to accuracy, accountability, and public service.

Key attributes include:

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and governmental accounting and auditing standards, including experience with government auditing and accounting practices

• Experience preparing or supporting the ACFR (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report) and working with external auditors through the audit process

• Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify issues, and recommend appropriate, compliant solutions

• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience, with the ability to mentor, train, and support staff in a collaborative team environment

• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with a strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, compliance, and deadlines

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain and simplify complex financial information for non-finance audiences

• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team, serving as a reliable team leader when needed

• Experience with Workday Financials or similar ERP systems is highly desirableBottom of Form

Minimum Qualifications – Required

A combination of training, education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration, or an equivalent field, and three years of increasingly responsible accounting experience in the assigned program areas related to general ledger accounting, revenue/treasury services, accounts payable, and payroll. Lead or supervisory experience is highly desirable. Public sector accounting experience is highly desirable.

License: Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required.

Certificate: Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), and/or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is preferred.

How to Apply

Submit an online City job application and supplemental questionnaire at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs.

• It is important that your city job application show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess. Resumes, CVs, and cover letters may be attached to your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application or supplemental questionnaire. Submitting an incomplete application or supplemental questionnaire may disqualify you from further consideration in the recruitment process.

• After you apply, all future correspondence from the city will be via E-Mail.  Please check your messages regularly and keep your contact information up to date using your on-line application.

Selection Process

• All applications and supplemental questionnaires submitted will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed, and only those candidates determined to be most qualified based on experience, training, and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Candidates will be notified about their status after the filing deadline.

• Those candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position will be invited to a qualifying panel interview process. Candidates will be notified of specifics after the examination process has been completed. Initial panel interviews may be conducted in-person or via video teleconference. Candidates will be notified of specifics at the appropriate time.

The Eligibility List

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

Additional Information

For additional information on the duties and responsibilities of the position, refer to the job descriptions located on the City’s Career Page at  City of Ventura Jobs or by viewing here Senior Accountant.

To learn more about the City’s hiring process, visit the City of Ventura Hiring Process page.

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team at:

[email protected] or (805) 654-7802.