Senior Accountant

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently hiring a Senior Accountant in the Accounting and Treasury Department.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the deadline, 5:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the deadline.

The District:

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position

Perform accounting and analytical duties with responsibility for one or more of the following areas: General Ledger, Accounts Payable and iExpense, Accounts Receivable, Payroll Administration and Accounting, Project and Grant Management, Fixed Assets, Year End Processing and Financial Reporting.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey level classification in the professional accounting series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of accounting duties assigned to classes within this Accountant series including serving as a lead worker over assigned staff, managing projects and initiatives, serving as a subject matter expert in specific accounting and finance functions, and performing the most complex professional accounting duties which require a thorough understanding of governmental financial practices and regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs and oversees the general ledger period end closing processes, including subledgers.
Prepares and reviews analysis of general ledger accounts.
Prepares, reviews, and approves journal entries including proper supporting documentation.
Understands and resolves issues on subledger(s) / general ledger interfaces and provide recommendations.
Prepares and reviews complex accounting transactions such as debt-refunding, pension, other post-employment benefits, swaps and capitalized interest.
Completes year-end processing of relevant accounting functions including preparation and review of lead audit schedules for the annual external audit.
Coordinates with auditors as appropriate.
Prepares, reviews, and completes the relevant annual report (ACFR) sections.
Understands and applies current knowledge in GAAP, FASB, and GASB.
Researches accounting issues and determine/recommend proper accounting treatments and make recommendations.
Ensures activities are in accordance with District policy, procedures, regulations, and guidelines.
Identifies issues and make recommendations for business process improvements.
Formulates, establishes, and maintains processes and procedures to maintain appropriate internal controls.
Oversees and administers the payroll processing functions; perform all payroll functions for the District including deductions, adjustments, analytical review and audit and reconciliation.
Prepares, processes and reviews all payroll related quarterly and year-end reporting such as State Controller’s Report and Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting requirements.
Coordinates with all internal District departments as needed; provide superior service to internal and external customers.
Prepares and reviews outside reports as appropriate.
Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

Education:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.

Experience :
Three (3) years of experience in a general accounting environment, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable and iExpense, Accounts Receivable, Payroll Administration and Accounting, Project and Grant Management, Fixed Assets, Year End Processing and/or Financial Reporting is required. Experience in governmental accounting environment preferred.

Licenses/Certificates Required:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
Certified Payroll Professional preferred.

Knowledge of :

• Advanced principles and practices of governmental accounting and public finance administration.
• Government accounting, GASB regulations, and GAAP.
• Complex accounting functions including payroll, capital asset management, debt compliance, and project accounting.
• Methods and techniques of coding, verifying, balancing, and reconciling accounting records.
• Principles and practices of fiscal, statistical, and administrative record keeping and reporting.
• Standards and regulations governing public sector financial reporting.
• Methods and techniques of analyzing general ledgers and preparing journal entries.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems; ability to evaluate and improve system processes.
• Basic knowledge of SQL queries preferred.

Ability to :

• Create and maintain spreadsheets, amortization schedules, databases, and flowcharts including the use of financial functions.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees and management. Represent District in a professional manner when dealing with outside customers and suppliers.
• Explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others.
• Effectively listen and communicate with customers.
• To add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate percentages. Ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (G.A.A.P.) and Governmental Accounting Standards (G.A.S.) to all analytical duties.
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions. Ability to use good judgment in decision making with customers. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Lead, train, and support other finance staff in achieving departmental goals.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 20 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing. Occasional travel may be required to other worksites or conferences for meetings, training, or other work-related activities. The job may require sustained concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain. The employee should be able to manage work-related stress in a fast-paced environment. These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions. Occasional visits to construction sites where noise level may be higher than typical office environment. Ability to work in an environment which may expose employee to hazardous materials and environment.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District's online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Excel Assessment (tentatively scheduled for January 20, 2026), and Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for February 2, 2026) : will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive, and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWD does not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Eligible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in a deferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidays plus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: 1/2/2026 8:01 AM Pacific

• 

• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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