Salary: $40.22 - $58.48 Hourly
Location : City Hall - 200 Civic Center Mission Viejo, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2526-01
Department: Administrative Services
Opening Date: 07/09/2025
Closing Date: 8/4/2025 3:00 PM Pacific
DescriptionCity of Mission Viejo Invites Applications for
Senior Accountant $40.22 - $58.48 per hour
Principal Accountant$56.11 - $83.69 per hour
APPLY BY: 3:00 P.M., MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2025SEARCH SCHEDULE: The first round of Zoom interviews is scheduled for August 13, 2025. Only one date will be available for an applicant to attend. The City will not accommodate applicant scheduling requests for alternate dates. It is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly when you apply.
The City of Mission Viejo is seeking a motivated professional to join our team as an Accountant in the Administrative Services Department to perform a variety of more difficult and complex professional accounting and auditing tasks. Appointment of an applicant to fill the one (1) vacancy may be made from either the Senior Accountant or Principal Accountant classifications and the selection will be based on the applicant that most closely meets the requirements of the position and best suits the particular needs of the City of Mission Viejo.
Currently, there is one (1) full-time vacancy in the Administrative Services Department assigned to City Hall. This position is scheduled to work Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The schedule may vary depending on the needs of the City. These classifications are FLSA exempt positions and not entitled to overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The eligibility list established for this position may be used to fill future full-time, part-time or temporary Senior Accountant or Principal Accountant vacancies.
Examples of Important and Essential DutiesYour ContributionsSenior Accountant is the advanced journey-level class in the professional accounting series. Under general direction, performs professional accounting work, including auditing, analyzing and verifying fiscal records and reports, preparing financial and statistical reports, providing information to City staff regarding accounting practices and procedures, reviewing and reconciling general ledger accounts; researching, implementing and applying GASB pronouncements; manage month-end, quarter-end and year-end close; assist in ACFR preparation, including ACFR builder, schedules, footnotes and statistical section; lead in agreed upon procedures and single audits; prepares year-end audit reports and schedules; accounts for complex financing transactions, projects and agreements; assists in preparing the City's annual and mid-year budgets; and evaluates, develops and implements processes.
Principal Accountant works under general direction and exercises a high level of discretion and independent judgment in performing the full range of routine and complex departmental accounting and record-keeping programs. Successful performance of the work requires thorough knowledge of governmental accounting practice and procedures, fund accounting and fiscal management. Principal Accountant differs from Senior Accountant in that the former is a secondary level supervisor and is responsible for the management of the department's fiscal activity, including the collection of revenues, grants, fees and various other revenue sources. This classification is distinguished from Administrative Services Manager by the latter's full management and supervisory authority in planning, organizing and directing the full scope of operations within the Division.
Applicants are encouraged to review the entire Senior Accountant and Principal Accountant job descriptions by visiting the City's website at https://cityofmissionviejo.org
Your TeamThe Administrative Services Department manages all of the financial, human resources and risk management affairs of the City. The overall goal of the financial management function is to preserve and promote the long-range fiscal health of the City. The Accounting Division controls and monitors the receipt and disbursement of public funds in compliance with statutory requirements and professional accounting standards. Accounting is responsible for the continuing development of financial accounting software and implementation of new technology to increase efficiency in accounting processes and to improve both internal and external reporting.
Ideal Candidate- Technical: Highly experienced and detail-oriented accounting professional with strong technical expertise in governmental accounting and auditing practices.
- Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor a team of accounting professionals.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to explain complex financial information to various stakeholders.
- Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve accounting issues.
- Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with other departments and stakeholders.
- Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Customer Service: Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience with Automation: A comfort level utilizing automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Job Related and Essential Qualifications Knowledge of:- Principles and practices of governmental accounting, public finance administration and budgeting, auditing, reconciliation; federal and state regulations and guidelines as they pertain to municipal finance; municipal taxation and revenue management.
- Federal, State and local financial reporting requirements relevant to departmental functions.
- Generally Accepted Accounting Practices for government entities and Governmental Accounting Standards Board statements. Practices and techniques of automated and manual financial and accounting document processing and record keeping.
- Financial research and report preparation techniques.
- General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
- Applicable laws, codes and regulations.
- Standard office support practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment.
- Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
- Records management principles and practices.
- Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with government agencies, community groups and various business, professional, regulatory, educational and legislative organizations.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
- Safe work practices.
Skill in:- Performing difficult, professional and technical accounting and financial support work accurately and in a timely manner.
- Maintaining accurate financial records and accounting records for special accounts and projects and preparing clear and accurate reports for informational, auditing and operational use.
- Reconciling accounts, records, reports and journals.
- Preparing financial and/or auditor statements, schedules and reports.
- Interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.
- Reviewing and verifying accuracy of data.
- Organizing own work, setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines.
- Training staff in work procedures.
- Entering and retrieving electronic data from various software applications / systems with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
- Providing exceptional customer service to coworkers, internal customers and the public.
- Directing the maintenance of and maintaining accurate records and files.
- Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
- Making accurate arithmetic, financial and statistical computations.
- Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
- Using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees and those contacted in the course of the work.
- Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
Experience and Training and License/CertificateAny 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:
Senior Accountant:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance or a related field and four (4) years of professional governmental accounting or auditing experience.
Principal Accountant:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance or a related field and four (4) years of professional governmental accounting or auditing experience, with a minimum of one (1) year in a lead or supervisory role.
For both positions: Experience in a public agency setting is required. Some experience and/or training in the use of Tyler Munis accounting software applications is highly desirable.
License:A driver's license is not required, but the employee must be able to arrange for reliable and timely transportation to offsite facilities and vendors to complete essential functions.
Benefits Overview
The following description is a general overview of the benefits provided to City of Mission Viejo benefit eligible employees. For specific details, please review the Human Resources Policies, Management and Budget Policies, Administrative Regulations, and official plan documents, or contact the Human Resources office at 949.470.3060.
Employees of the City are currently covered under the (CalPERS). While the City does not participate in the Social Security System, federal mandate requires new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare insurance coverage.
RetirementEmployees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are CalPERS Members -A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo within less than a six (6) month break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 60 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. Employees are required to contribute the full 7% member contribution, plus an additional 1.5% towards the employer rate.
A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo with a six (6) month or more break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.5%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.
Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are Not CalPERS Members -Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.5%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.
Employer's Contribution Rate -Beginning July 1, 2025, the employer's normal cost contribution rate is 11.96%, which reflects the employee pick-up of 1.5% of the employer rate.
Retiree BenefitsEmployees Hired On or After December 2, 2006 -The City's Retiree Health Savings Plan is a defined contribution health reimbursement plan, which is intended to help employees offset post-retirement healthcare costs by allowing employees to contribute pre-tax dollars from their current wages with an additional contribution from the City, into an account that can be accessed upon retirement. To be eligible for the full benefits of the RHS Plan, an employee must reach age 55 with a total of 15 years of service with the City of Mission Viejo.
The RHS Plan requires mandatory contributions from both the employee and the City. Contributions to the RHS Plan will commence for an employee beginning with the first pay period that occurs after the eligible employee's completion of one year of service with the City. Eligible employees will be required to contribute 1.5% of their salary. Deductions will be pre-tax and will be taken from each paycheck.
Starting the same date, the City contribution will be $100 per month ($50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time employees, $75 per month ($37.50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .750 to .999, and $50 per month ($25 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .500 to .749, after the completion of the waiting period. This program is administered by MissionSquare.
PaydayThe City issues paychecks on a biweekly basis (), every other Friday. Benefits are deducted from paychecks twice a month.
HolidaysThe City observes ten (10) paid holidays, including a Winter Closure at City Hall and the Corporation Yard between December 26th and December 31st. Effective July 2025, employees also have two (2) floating holidays per year, which is credited annually on January 1st (on the employee's hire date in the first year) and cannot be carried-over.
Comprehensive Annual LeaveProvides employees with paid time off for rest and relaxation, personal or family illness, bereavement, and personal business. For non-exempt classifications, 19 days annual accrual during the first year, increasing to 30 days beginning in year ten, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions. For exempt classifications, 24 days annual accrual during the first year, increasing to 35 days beginning in year ten, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions.
Jury Duty LeaveEmployees are granted up to 30 paid days for jury service.
Cafeteria PlanThe City offers a "cafeteria style" flexible benefits plan, with a provided by the City for all regular and probationary full-time and part-time employees. The benefits plan is covered under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code allowing employees to pay monthly benefit premiums on a pre-tax basis. Benefit coverage begins the first day of the month following thirty-days (30) of continuous regular employment.
Medical InsuranceThe City contracts with to employees, plus their qualified dependents. Employees are required to participate in the City group medical plan.
Dental InsuranceThe City contracts with Delta dental for dental coverage for employees, plus their qualified dependents. There is a choice among two plans, Delta PPO and Delta Care PMI.
VisionThe City contracts with Vision Service Plan (VSP) for vision coverage for employees, plus their qualified dependents.
Life InsuranceThe City contracts with Voya to provide term life insurance for employees in an amount equal to two (2) times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $400,000. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium. If you need more than the Basic Life insurance the City provides, you may purchase additional coverage by enrolling in the Supplemental Term Life (STL) and AD&D insurance programs.
Short and Long Term DisabilityThe City contracts with Voya to provide both short and long-term disability insurance coverage to the employee, in a benefit amount up to 66% of the employee's salary. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium.
Flexible Spending Account You can set up one Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health care expenses and another to pay for the cost of caring for your dependents while you are at work. The Health Care Spending Account is a tax-free way to pay any qualified out-of-pocket expenses associated with medical, dental, and vision care for yourself and any family members who are legal dependents. You may contribute up to the IRS allowed maximum, pre-tax, annually to this account. The Dependent Care Spending Account allows you to pay for child or elder care expenses on a tax-free basis. You may contribute up to the IRS allowed maximum annually towards this account. Both types of accounts are administered through
Employee Assistance ProgramThe City contracts with CONCERN to provide short term counseling benefits, as well as life management services and referrals, to employees, their dependents, and any other members within their household. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium.
Deferred CompensationA voluntary deferred compensation plan is available through Voya. The City matches contributions up to $150 per month.
College Savings PlanThe City offers payroll deductions to a qualified 529 plan. This voluntary managed by ScholarShare, is a flexible college savings program that helps make saving for a child's higher education easier.
Wellness ProgramThe City offers free membership, with some restrictions, to the City's Recreation and Tennis Centers for employees and their resident family members.
Tuition ReimbursementOnce probation has been successfully completed, the City offers tuition reimbursement to employees for qualified classes and/or programs up to $1,250 per fiscal year, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions. Pre-approval by the employee's supervisor and the City Manager is required.
Technology Loan ProgramOnce probation has been successfully completed, an interest-free technology loan is available to employees in an amount up to $3,500, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions.
Flexible Workplace ProgramThe Flexible Workplace Program allows an employee to enter into an agreement to schedule portions of their work week away from their regular worksite. Participating employees will work a full workday, but program participation allows times and number of hours in the office to be scheduled differently between individual days of the week. The City Manager must approve all Flexible Workplace Program applications. Program participation is a benefit and not an entitlement and is approved on a case-by-case basis.
01
Your responses to the following supplemental questions and your ability to follow instructions will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position and will be used in conjunction with your application to evaluate your experience, knowledge and skills. Do not refer to your application and/or resume when completing these questions. Do you understand and acknowledge these instructions?
02
The first round of Zoom interviews is scheduled for August 13, 2025. Only one date will be available for an applicant to attend. The City will not accommodate applicant scheduling requests for alternative dates and it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly. Further, if you are invited to an interview, you will receive an email from the City of Mission Viejo with instructions to self-schedule yourself for an interview time on August 13, 2025. Failure to self-schedule an interview on time and/or to show up for the interview on time is an automatic fail for this recruitment.Do you understand and acknowledge these instructions?
03
Describe your background, training and work experience and the qualities identified for an ideal candidate.
04
Describe your management responsibility and your technical work experience in the following areas. Specifically include in each program the number of years experience, the number of employees supervised, and any awards received for financial reporting. Lack of experience in areas listed below will not necessarily disqualify an applicant.1. Financial Reporting2. Audits and Audit Findings3. GASB Implementation4. Internal Controls5. General Ledger6. Grant Management7. Accounts Payable8. Cash Receipts9. Fixed Assets10. Payroll11. Other related Accounting/Finance Experience
05
Describe your experience using Tyler Munis or comparable financial information software. Include the name of the program, numbers of years used, your level of expertise with the software, and the reports you generated from the software.
06
Briefly describe your experience supervising and leading accounting staff.
07
Describe your experience assisting customers. What is your definition of excellent customer service?
08
Briefly describe your experience preparing the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report; highlight any sections you have been directly responsible for.
09
How do you stay up to date on laws and regulations? How do you ensure compliance with governmental financial reporting standards like GASB?
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Please tell us about a work project where you had primary responsibility, from first involvement to completion. Include a differentiation between the work you personally completed and the work that you delegated or managed.
11
How do you handle situations where you need to explain complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
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What are your long-term career goals, and how does this role fit into your overall career plan
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