Accounting Manager
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Accounting Manager
Salary
$143,502.32 - $174,427.55 Annually
Location
Fairfield, CA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
2026-00005
Department
FINANCE
Opening Date
01/23/2026
Closing Date
2/17/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
MC
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
The City's Finance Department seeks an experienced and strategic Accounting Manager to lead its Accounting, Accounts Payable and Payroll divisions.
This key management position oversees Citywide accounting operations, safeguarding public assets and ensuring transparency, accuracy, and compliance across all City programs and related Joint Powers Agencies. The Accounting Manager establishes and maintains strong internal controls, directs financial reporting to City Council and other authorities, and serves as the City's technical accounting expert. In addition, this role provides leadership over all payroll operations-including CALPERS reporting, labor agreement compliance, and payroll system enhancements-ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Working with limited direction from the Finance Director, the Accounting Manager plays a critical role in maintaining the City's financial integrity while guiding professional, technical, and clerical staff in support of high-quality public service.
The City offers a robust benefits package featuring generous leave accruals and retirement contributions. Key benefits include:
Personal Leave: 100 hours annually (accrues at 3.85 hours/pay period)
Vacation: 10-20 days annually based on years of City service
401(a) Deferred Compensation: City contributes 10% of salary; employee contributes a minimum of 4%
457 Deferred Compensation: Optional employee-funded plan with pre-tax and/or Roth contribution options
CalPERS pension eligibility
City-paid life insurance and generous contributions to retirement health savings accounts
Tuition Reimbursement up to $4,000 annually
A 9/80 work schedule
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CITY USES AN ELECTRONIC REFERENCE CHECK PROCESS. REFER TO THE "REFERENCE CHECKS" SECTION AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS JOB POSTING FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity, and management of an accounting operation using a mainframe accounting system are required.
CPA licensure is desirable but not required.
Public sector experience is highly desirable.
Education:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting or closely related field is required.
LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License is required; possession of a valid equivalent is acceptable during the application process.
Examples of Duties
Key duties are summarized below; to access the complete job description, please click here (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fairfield/classspecs/newprint/999078) .
Direct and develop staff by recruiting, hiring, training, evaluating, and promoting employees; plan and assign work to maximize efficiency, employee development, cross-training, and alignment of skills with organizational needs.
Establish and maintain fiscal and operational policies and internal controls by developing Citywide and division procedures, implementing new or revised laws and accounting standards, and ensuring compliance across all programs.
Oversee City financial operations and reporting including complex reconciliations, transaction cycles, annual financial statements, cost allocation plans, labor rates, bond issuance support, and coordination with auditors for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Manage accounting and fiscal services for City programs and Joint Powers Agencies (JPAs) by establishing accounting systems, monitoring financial activity, resolving discrepancies, preparing budgets and financial statements, and presenting financial analyses to governing boards.
Direct payroll administration and regulatory reporting by overseeing payroll systems and benefit processing, ensuring compliance with labor agreements and CALPERS requirements, coordinating system changes with HR and IT, and managing testing, implementation, and year-end processes.
THE SELECTION PROCESS: Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination.
HOW TO APPLY: Candidates must submit an online application via NeoGov/Governmentjobs.com by 5:00 p.m. of the closing date. If you have any difficulties submitting your online application, please call NeoGov's Applicant Support Line at (855) 524-5627.
Mac users please note: To ensure compatibility, please use Google Chrome and ensure iOS settings are up-to-date.
If you feel you will need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the testing/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 428-7394 at least 1 week prior to the application deadline or examination date.
REFERENCE CHECKS:
The City utilizes an electronic reference check process to gather references of candidates once mutual interest is established. Please note that if you include your current supervisor in the "References" section of your application, they may be contacted once you have accepted a conditional job offer from the City.
Candidates are encouraged to notify anyone they list in the "References" section to help ensure a timely response. When listing references, please identify persons who can assess your professional qualifications in the @context of the workplace. Examples include former colleagues/supervisors, mentors, etc. If you have limited or no work experience, you may identify personal references familiar with your qualifications that correlate to workplace experiences. Examples include teachers, volunteer coordinators, mentors, etc.
The City of Fairfield is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism.
The City of Fairfield offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes City contribution toward the Public Employees' Retirement System and deferred savings; medical, dental and vision; life insurance; paid holidays, vacation, personal leave and sick leave.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This position is part of the Management Confidential group. Current employees receive a 2.7% or 2.5% @ 55 PERS retirement formula and are considered "classic" members. . Due to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 / Assembly Bill 340, effective January 1, 2013, the retirement formula for all new PERS miscellaneous members is 2% @ 62.
For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, please click on the following link Confidential Management Benefits (https://www.fairfield.ca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/13999) .*
*While this group is not represented by a bargaining unit, its benefits, terms, and conditions of employment may be amended or modified in connection with changes resulting from collective bargaining applicable to corresponding units.
01
The following questions are designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. Your responses to these questions will be used to determine whether you are among the most qualified of the applicants. The information provided in your application must support your answers. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions.
Yes, I understand.
02
Do you have a valid Class C California Driver's License or equivalent?
Yes
No
03
Which best describes your highest level of education?
Less than High School
High School Diploma or GED
Some College
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree or Higher
04
Do you have a CPA license?
Yes
No
05
How many years of progressively responsible accounting experience and management of an accounting operation using a mainframe accounting system do you have? Please note: your response must be validated by the information provided in the "Work Experience" section of your application.
Less than 6 years
More than 6 years but less than 7 years
7 years or more
06
Briefly describe your experience managing accounting functions, including establishing or overseeing internal controls and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Please limit your response to 250 words or less and note that your response must be validated by the information provided in the "Work Experience" section of your application.
07
Summarize your experience preparing annual financial statements and working with external auditors. Include your role in reviewing or resolving complex or unusual financial transactions. Please limit your response to 250 words or less and note that your response must be validated by the information provided in the "Work Experience" section of your application.
08
Please describe your experience overseeing payroll operations, including CalPERS reporting, labor agreement compliance and/or payroll system administration. Please limit your response to 250 words or less and note that your response must be validated by the information provided in the "Work Experience" section of your application.
Required Question
Employer
City of Fairfield
Address
1000 Webster Street 4th Floor Fairfield, California, 94533
Phone
707-428-7394
Website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fairfield/
