Hybrid Accounting/Finance Specialist chez City of West Hollywood, CA

About the Department

Why WeHo

The City of West Hollywood is like no other city in the world. Located in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles and only 1.9 square miles, the City of West Hollywood was incorporated in 1984 by a unique coalition of people including LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer activists), older adults, and advocates for affordable housing. West Hollywood is an international tourism destination with a diverse population and is also the location of many entertainment, design, technology, and hospitality-based businesses. The City is a robust economic, arts, and cultural center instilled with idealism, creativity, and innovation and is home to iconic places such as the Rainbow District, the Sunset Strip, and the Design District. A spirit of community activism and civic pride thrives in West Hollywood for many of its approximately 36,500 residents. The City of West Hollywood has a strong progressive voice, is a leader among communities, and is filled with a rich history. The City prides itself on strong core values: Respect and Support for People; Responsiveness to the Public; Idealism, Creativity, and Innovation; Quality of Residential Life; Promotion of Economic Development; Public Safety; and Responsibility for the Environment – and is proactive in responding to the needs of its diverse community.

How We Serve

The General Accounting Division is responsible for maintaining the City’s general ledger and recording and reporting all financial transactions and records. It manages the monthly and year-end closing functions and provides support to staff in conducting financial transactions. The Division includes accounts payable and reporting, payroll processing and reporting, long-term debt, cash management, bank reconciliations and investment management of the City’s portfolio. It also ensures compliance with internal controls, the City’s financial policies and the budget, and prepares various financial reports for state and federal agencies. The Division also oversees debt service payments, interest earnings, and reimbursements for capital projects funded by long-term debt. The General Accounting Division assures integrity, stability, and transparency in the efficient delivery of public services through fiscal responsibility, financial analysis and reporting.

What You'll Contribute

The City of West Hollywood seeks an Accounting/Finance Specialist to perform a variety of duties in the General Accounting Division.  This position will be cross-trained to perform accounts payable and payroll functions. Therefore, it is essential that the incumbent have an understanding and experience in both.  In this role, you will be responsible for: reviewing, auditing, and processing invoices; monitoring and reconciling purchasing card transactions; and learning multiple general ledger accounts (department, division, expense accounts) to ensure proper coding of invoices. In addition, you will assist in maintaining and reconciling timekeeping records, reconciling benefits, processing a variety of payroll transactions, and assisting in regular compliance and payroll reporting.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be results-oriented and able to perform effectively in a deadline-driven environment.
• Have experience working in an environment with sensitive and confidential information, demonstrating sound judgment, personal initiative, and discretion.
• Be detail-oriented with exceptional accuracy in financial processing.
• Be a team-player who is committed to providing excellent customer service.
• Demonstrate problem-solving, professionalism, and strong organizational abilities.
• Be a quick learner who can master the City's financial policies and procedures.
• Effectively communicate city policies and address accounts payable and payroll related inquiries with professionalism and courtesy.
• Have knowledge of and experience in payroll reporting, such as filing W2s and 1099s, and CalPERS reporting.
• Have experience using a variety of financial and timekeeping software such as Excel, Acrobat, Eden, Tyler, and NovaTime.
• Experience with accounts payable and payroll in a municipal setting is highly desired.

This position is eligible to work remotely for up to 50% of its time, subject to approval and based on the ongoing operational needs of the City.

Reports to: Accounting Manager

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; and,
• Three to four years of progressively responsible related experience; or,
• Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.