• Job Description

  Req#: 4951198

  
  
  

  Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

  
  

  The deadline for the first review of applications is on Monday, June 23, 2025 .

  
  

  Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

  
  

  Under the general administrative direction of the Director of Administrative Services, the Accounting and Finance Manager plans, directs, manages, oversees the financial activities of the City including general accounting, accounts payable and receivable, audit coordination, grants compliance, payroll, financial reporting, and may support other departmental functions, including budget development. This position serves as the City’s Controller and ensures compliance with all applicable accounting standards and internal controls.

  
  

  Class Characteristics

  The Accounting and Finance Manager is responsible for the management and direction of all assigned finance activities.

  
  

  Supervision Received

  Works under the general administrative direction and supervision of the Director of Administrative Services.

  
  

  Supervision Exercised

  Exercises direct supervision over assigned Finance functions and staff.

  Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  
  Manage assigned finance functions including general accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, financial reporting, audit coordination, and grants compliance. May provide technical support for budget development, ERP implementation, and related departmental initiatives.

  
  

  Maintain the integrity of the City’s general ledger and ensure accurate month-end and year-end closing, account reconciliations, and journal entries in accordance with GAAP, GASB, and other applicable standards.

  
  

  Coordinate the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), State Controller’s Report, and other required regulatory filings; serve as lead liaison to external auditors and manage audit preparation and response.

  
  

  Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff; promote cross-training and consistent service delivery; provide coaching and professional development; address performance issues, implement corrective action when necessary, and ensure adherence to departmental procedures. May be required to attend evening meetings and work extended hours as needed.

  
  

  Develop and maintain internal control procedures; implement workflow improvements to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with labor contracts and applicable regulations.

  
  

  Support the development and monitoring of departmental and citywide budgets by preparing schedules, analyzing expenditures, and identifying variances; collaborate with the Budget Manager on fund forecasting and grant activity.

  Provide technical oversight for accounting and payroll operations, including processing, reporting, and reconciliation; ensure adherence to labor contracts and relevant federal/state regulations.

  
  

  Support the development and monitoring of departmental and citywide budgets by preparing schedules, analyzing expenditures, and identifying variances; collaborate with the Budget Manager on fund forecasting and grant activity.

  
  

  Oversee the preparation, audit, and disbursement of claims, accounts payable, payroll, and collections; maintain accurate and auditable records for all financial transactions and fixed assets.

  
  

  Monitor and report on fund balances, revenue and expenditure trends, and economic data to support operational and policy decision-making. Coordinate with revenue operations staff to ensure accurate revenue recognition and reconciliation.

  
  

  Provide technical guidance and routine financial reports to City departments; respond to internal and external inquiries regarding financial processes and interpretations; collaborate with the Budget Manager to support forecasting and budget development.

  
  

  Serve as the lead liaison to external auditors for year-end and single audits; coordinate the audit process and ensure timely delivery of required documentation.

  
  Oversee the preparation, audit, and disbursement of claims, accounts payable, and payroll transactions.

  
  

  Respond to inquiries from City staff, vendors, and external agencies regarding financial transactions, processes, and policy interpretation within established parameters. Provide routine financial reports and technical guidance to City departments to support informed decision-making.

  
  

  Support the Director of Administrative Services on special projects related to financial operations and may serve in an acting capacity during short-term absences.

  
  

  Respond to and resolve complex or sensitive inquiries from residents, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

  
  

  Perform other duties as assigned, including assignments across functional areas within the Finance Department, to support departmental operations and organizational objectives.

  Education/Training

  Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in government finance, accounting, public administration or a related field is required. Master’s degree, CPA or CPFO preferred.

  
  

  Experience

  Four years of increasingly responsible government accounting or finance experience, including two years of supervisory or management experience is required.

  
  

  License/Certificate Requirement

  Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and valid driver’s license is desirable.

  California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System

  An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent’s driving record and Driver’s License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

  Physical Demands and Work Environment

  The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perceptions, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderately loud when outdoors. The incumbent is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions and is regularly required to travel to different sites and locations throughout the City of South Gate.

  Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which:

  • Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience).
  • Responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
  • Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating See Resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
  • Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the application or selection process must advise Human Resources and make such a request during the application process. Every effort will be made to provide a reasonable accommodation where requested.

  
  Selection Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

  1. Application Review (Qualifying): The first phase will be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application. This phase is for qualifying purposes only. There is no weight assigned to this phase. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to the next phase.
  2. Oral Appraisal Interview: A minimum of 70% must be obtained to pass the oral appraisal interview.
  3. Employment Eligibility List: The Employment Eligibility List will be established after completion of the examination process. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Civil Service rules and regulations.

  Pre-employment Process

  • The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace.
  • All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).
  • New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.

  
  Hiring of Relatives: Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or morale problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employee's parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and step relationships.
  
  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.
  
  Equal Opportunity Employer
  The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.
  
  The City of South Gate
  The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 79th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

• About the company

  Official City of South Gate

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