Senior Accountant Auditor

About the Department

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under direction, the incumbent performs complex professional accounting work; maintains and audits accounts; and provides supervision and training to subordinate staff. Work involves supervising the day-to-day operation of a section or sections engaged in accounting, accounts payable or auditing of fiscal operations. Incumbents receive complex and varied accounting and/or auditing assignments requiring the application of judgment to work situations where standard procedure does not apply. 

The position conducts advanced accounting and financial analysis, develops and maintains internal controls to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, and supports City departments in the implementation of proper financial procedures. Building upon the foundational responsibilities of lower-level accounting staff, the Senior Accountant Auditor leads work involving the review and reconciliation of financial activity, evaluates and improves processes, resolves complex accounting issues, and ensures the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial records, systems, and reporting across the Accounting section. The role also facilitates the posting and review of key accounting transactions, oversees routine and specialized fiscal operations, and contributes to the preparation of required financial documentation to support the City’s broader reporting obligations.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

- Supervises and participates in the preparation of a variety of accounting and accounts payable reports and prepares complex financial reports on special assignments.

- Assists in completing the functions of the division by providing supervision and training for subordinate staff. 

- Performs difficult and special accounting and/or auditing work as part of normal work assignments and as directed by a superior; maintains general and subsidiary ledgers; and effects periodic reconciliations of a variety of machine reports. 

- Supervises and participates in the work of a section engaged in the maintenance of financial records for budgetary, revenue, payroll, accounts payable, and inventory accountability. 

- Reviews and analyzes the section’s workflow and recommends revisions to facilitate and expedite the accounting and accounts payable processes. 

- Prepares formal financial statements, financial statistical reports, and other reports related to accounts payable. 

- Prepares and reviews audit reports of findings and makes recommendations for improvements. Confers with department personnel, other agencies, government representatives and special districts on general and specific financial audit, accounting, and accounts payable matters. 

- Conducts financial reviews for analysis of capital projects, operations, and investment opportunities.

- Reviews changes in legal procedures for fiscal operations affecting accounting and accounts payable processes. 

Performs related duties as required. An incumbent may not be assigned all duties listed, nor do the examples cover all duties which may be assigned.

Full job specification available to be viewed at:

https://www.fresno.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/JS-Senior-Accountant-Auditor.pdf

The current vacancy exists in the Finance Department. However, this class exists in multiple departments and the list generated from this recruitment will be used to fill future vacancies. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.

THE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and does not assure placement on the eligible list. 

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration or a closely related field, which included, or was supplemented by, twenty (20) semester units of accounting course work 

-AND- 

Three (3) years of professional accounting or auditing work experience. 

Applicants MUST ATTACH A COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS for education verification (instructions below on how to attach documents). Applications lacking the attachment may be rejected. 

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Driver’s License may be required at the time of appointment. Applicants possessing a valid California Driver’s License must complete the License & Certificates section with their driver's license information. Candidates considered for hire may be required to provide proof of a valid driver's license and a current copy of their driving record.

The selected eligible candidates certified will be required to successfully pass a Department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint prior to employment with the City of Fresno. 

Eligibles certified for consideration to the Police, Fire or Airports Departments must successfully complete an extensive background investigation prior to employment.

SELECTION PROCESS 

The selection process may consist of a job-related written examination which may be conducted online and weighted 100% of your score in determining your eligibility and placement on the eligible list. 

The written examination is designed to test a candidate's knowledge of accounting principles, techniques and procedures, cost accounting and auditing of government functions, public finance, governmental budgeting and reporting, performing mathematical calculations and applying skills in judgment/interpersonal relations. Candidates must achieve a passing score to qualify for the eligible list.

The written exam is tentatively scheduled for the week of July 6, 2026. 

VETERAN PREFERENCE REGULATIONS

Qualified veterans who pass the examination may obtain five (5) additional points. 

Candidates applying for veteran's preference are required to submit a copy of their DD214 with their application during the specified filing period.  Evidence must be presented to indicate that the candidate was discharged honorably from the military service.  Veterans, including City employees, must resubmit proof of honorable service for every examination for which veteran's preference credit is requested.

Benefits

Bargaining Unit 13 Management Non-Confidential and Non-Management Confidential City of Fresno Profession Employees Association (CFPEA)
BENEFIT	DESCRIPTION
HEALTH INSURANCE	The City contributes toward monthly premiums for PPO medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT	IRS 125 Plan for health and dependent care expenses.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION	Voluntary 457 plan with Fidelity Investments to increase your retirement savings.
ANNUAL LEAVE	15.5 – 20 hours per month based on years of service with cash out provisions.
LIFE INSURANCE	Benefit equal to annual salary with a maximum of $150,000; premium paid by the City.
SUPPLEMENTAL SICK	40 hours per fiscal year.  80 hours lifetime maximum.
MANAGEMENT LEAVE	60 hours per fiscal year with cash out provisions, for exempt employees only.
HOLIDAYS	10 City-observed annual holidays, plus birthday and 2 personal days.
LONG TERM DISABILITY	Benefit equal to 66.66% of monthly salary up to $7,500 per month after 30 days of disability; premium paid by the City.
BUS PASSES	Provided to Supervisors in FAX Operations.
BILINGUAL PREMIUM	$100 per month upon approved certification
HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENT (HRA)  Eligible retirees can use the remaining Sick Leave balance, in excess of 240 hours, at 80% of hourly rate and other qualified leave balances, tax free, to reimburse health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses.
RETIREMENT -City of Fresno Retirement Systems, one of the best funded public systems in the state.  Reciprocity with other public California systems. Vested in Retirement benefits after 5 years of service. City employees do not participate in Social Security.
DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program):an optional, voluntary program that allows an employee to deposit retirement benefits in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno for up to 10 years.  Participation minimum is age 50 and vested.  Benefits include ownership of accumulated funds, compound interest earnings, and alternative distribution options.
Additional information regarding the City of Fresno benefits is available at  https://www.fresno.gov/personnel/human-resources-support/#tab-1

Please note that the benefits package described above is specific to permanent full-time employees. Employees engaged on a part-time, temporary, limited, or other basis may have different entitlements.

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCity of FresnoAddress 2600 Fresno St., Personnel Services Department

Fresno, California, 93721 Phone559-621-6950
Website https://www.fresno.gov/