Accounting Manager

Description

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Full-Time, Regular Employment Opportunity

4% pay increase effective July 6, 2025
The City of Sunnyvale is currently recruiting for an Accounting Manager to join the Finance Department. The Accounting Manager leads a team of 10.5 Full Time Equivalent positions and plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the activities of the accounting division which includes functions such as all aspects of accounting services, accounts payable, accounts receivable and debt and investment management. This position is also responsible for regulatory federal and state reporting, acts as the staff liaison with external auditors, leads the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and provides highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Finance.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The position of Accounting Manager is a management classification in which the incumbent is responsible for the management of the Accounting Division performing a wide range of administrative functions including overseeing and safeguarding the City's accounting records, preparation of financial reporting, supervising staff and performing the most complex work of the division. This classification differs from the higher-level classification of Assistant Director of Finance in that the Accounting Manager has responsibility over one division whereas the Assistant Director is responsible for several divisions and functions.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to the following):
• Develops and implements divisional goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Plans, organizes, and directs Accounting Division activities such as accounts payable, general ledger, debt service, cashflow and investments, performance and fiduciary/compliance auditing, and external and internal financial reporting.
• Acts as primary liaison to the City's external auditors and ensures that all audit requests are addressed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ensures the accurate and timely preparation of financial reporting, including but not limited to the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the Single Audit report, annual debt reporting, State Controller's City Financial Transactions Report, and various special revenue and grant reporting requirements.
• Directs, oversees, and participates in the development of the Division workplan; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Prepares the Division budget; assists in budget implementation; participates in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administers approved budget.
• Provides oversight of financial systems including maintenance and upgrade, as required.
• Recommends the appointment of personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; conducts performance evaluations; implements discipline procedures as required.
• Maintains high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
• Analyzes and recommends strategies to improve effectiveness of operations and implement City and departmental policies and initiatives.
• Represents the division and department to outside agencies and organizations; participates in outside community and professional groups and committees; provides technical assistance as necessary.
• Manages complex projects by coordinating work with other City departments as well as other agencies or financial institutions.
• Provides information to and advises the public of departmental and City policies and regulations.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading reports and work-related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 10 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in economics, accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, social sciences or a related field; AND
Five years of increasingly responsible financial management and/or administrative analytical work experience which includes a minimum of three years of accounting experience and two years of supervisory experience.

Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations, and laws.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Principles and practices of governmental accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Internal controls.
• Advanced customer service principles and practice.
• General applications of information technology systems to financial operations.
• Concepts and techniques of financial control systems and methodology.
• Office methods, procedures, software, and equipment.

Ability to:
• Design and implement operational procedures.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Prepare and present technical and administrative reports, correspondence, and other documents.
• Work in a multi-task environment and coordinate several assignments simultaneously.
• Compile and analyze financial data and reports.
• Apply principles and practices of accounting and financial operations to municipal government.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate personnel.
• Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment including financial software.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
• Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

License/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
• Public sector accounting experience.
• A Master's degree in accounting, business administration, public administration or a related field.
• California Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION PROCESS
The application period closes on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 5:00pm (postmarks or faxes are not accepted). Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at https://sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on 'City Jobs'. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Tuesday, June 24 . (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS
Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of July 7.

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION
Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Managers Association (SMA) .

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job - YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.

Summary of Management SMA Benefits

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 6/4/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Sunnyvale

• 408-730-3017

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