Accountant/Analyst

Salary : $98,494.44 - $119,720.64 Annually Location : Novato, CA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2026-05 Department: Administrative Services Division: Finance Opening Date: 04/01/2026 Closing Date: 4/26/2026 11:59 PM PacificJob DescriptionCome Join Our TeamTHE CITY OF NOVATO IS RECRUITING FORACCOUNTANT/ANALYSTApplication Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2026The City of Novato is seeking a detail-oriented, analytical, and collaborative professional to join our Finance team as an Accountant/Analyst. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled accounting professional who enjoys working in a dynamic municipal environment and wants to play an active role in supporting sound financial management and responsible stewardship of public funds. Under general direction, the Accountant/Analyst performs a wide range of professional accounting and budget functions that support all City departments and funds. From maintaining and reconciling the general ledger to assisting in the preparation of the City's annual operating budget and supporting the annual financial audit, this position plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the City's financial operations. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in governmental accounting principles, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex financial information into clear and meaningful reports. Success in this role requires attention to detail, sound judgment, proficiency in financial systems and advanced spreadsheets, and the ability to work collaboratively with staff across departments. This position also provides the opportunity to contribute to long-range financial planning, compliance reporting, capital project monitoring, and revenue and expenditure analysis. Novato is a collaborative, service-oriented organization that values integrity, accountability, and excellence in public service. The Accountant/Analyst is a valued member of the Finance team and plays an important role in supporting informed decision-making and maintaining the City's strong financial foundation. If you are motivated by meaningful work in local government and are ready to contribute your expertise in a professional and supportive environment, we invite you to explore this rewarding opportunity with the City of Novato. Benefits9/80 work schedule - every other Friday off Accrue 80 hours of vacation to start Provided with 40 hours of sick leave upon hire 14 paid holidays per year Provided with up to 108 hours of Administrative Leave Free parking on site Office is within walking distance of terrific restaurants, shopping and the SMART Station Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. DEFINITIONUnder general direction, perform general accounting work, recording and reporting of financial transactions for all City departments and funds; assist in the preparation and maintenance of the City's annual budget, and assist in the administration of the City's financial computer system. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives general supervision from the Finance Director or Deputy Finance Director. May exercise supervision of technical and clerical staff. Example of DutiesESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTSEssential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Functions:Participate in the posting and reconciliation of the general ledger and subsidiary accounts, examine accounting transactions to ensure accuracy; and make corrections to the financial records as necessary. Reconcile property manager prepared financial statements to record appropriate financial transactions in the City's ledgers. Manage the centralized contract function through City selected software. Manage the City's purchase card program. Staff the Finance Commission to include; preparation of packets, meetings Assist in preparation of expenditures, revenue, and fund balance estimates and projections. Assist in the preparation of preliminary and final operating budgets and budget resolutions. Prepare various compliance and maintenance of effort reports such as the annual reports to the State Controller's Office and the annual gas tax report. Assist in monitoring budgets for various City departments and capital projects involving verifying that funds are available and expenditures are properly classified; research and analyze transactions to resolve budget problems; provide analysis of available funds. Prepare year-end schedules and analyses in connection with the annual financial audit. Prepare monthly revenue and expenditure reports and distribute to City staff. Other financial functions as may be assigned. Typical QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of:Generally accepted accounting principles. Principles, practices, methods and terminology used in governmental accounting and budgeting. Techniques and procedures used in analysis and financial research. Knowledge of financial systems and ability to use Microsoft Excel. Micro and minicomputer systems. Knowledge of IBM of AS/400 and associated HTE software applications, WordPerfect and Microsoft Excel. Ability to:Prepare a variety of financial statements, reports and analyses. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Create and maintain complex spreadsheets used for tracking and analysis. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including: Exercising sound judgment and making effective decisions Demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills Communicating clearly and effectively with others, both verbally and in writing Observing, interpreting, and processing information accurately Reading, analyzing, and preparing written materials Operating standard office equipment and technology relevant to the position Experience and Training GuidelineAny combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Three years experience in governmental accounting, preferably municipal accounting. Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited community college with major coursework in accounting or finance. Additional InformationWORKING CONDITIONSEssential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Physical SkillsAble to use standard office equipment, including a computer; sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist, and maintain sustained posture in a seated or standing position for prolonged periods of time; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the telephone, and to make public presentations; lift and carry up to 5lbs of files, and materials. Work EnvironmentMobility to work in a typical office and/or field setting. SELECTION PROCESSIt is important to complete all required application materials, including the supplemental questionnaire and any required additional documents. All applications will be screened for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications. Qualified applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to continue in the selection process which may consist solely of an application screening, or may include a written examination, skills assessment, oral appraisal interview, assessment center, or other activity selected by the Human Resources Department and the hiring department. As a result of the selection process an eligibility list of qualified candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies as long as the eligibility list remains active. Candidates who score the highest in the selection process will be required to pass a reference and background exam prior to receiving a conditional job offer. Candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment will be required to pass a pre-employment medical and drug screen examination prior to receiving a final job offer. APPLICATION PROCEDUREOnly Online Applications will be accepted. To be considered for this exciting opportunity, candidates must complete an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. The supplemental questionnaire is part of the application; please provide sufficient detail to enable your answers to be rated. APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59PM on Sunday, April 26, 2026Accommodation: Applicants who may require special assistance in any step of the selection process should advise Human Resources by emailing hr@novato.org upon submittal of application. The City of Novato is an Equal Opportunity EmployerSalary:Starting salary is generally the first step of the range listed; however, advanced step appointments may be approved based upon qualifications when warranted. Subsequent salary increases within the range are scheduled yearly and may be granted based upon satisfactory service. 9/80 work schedule with closures on alternate Fridays. Employees work nine hours per day and eight hours per day on the working Friday. Benefits:The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). In compliance with AB 340, CalPERS retirement formula is either 2% at 55; employee contributes 9.5% of salary, or 2% at 62; employee contributes 7.25% of salary, depending on eligibility. The City provides a specific dollar amount to each employee based on the employee's benefit enrollment level to apply to medical, dental, life and disability insurance. The dental program and life insurance policy are mandatory. Health, vision and disability options are available. Employees who do NOT enroll in a healthcare plan through the City will receive up to $250 per month as an addition to their gross earnings. Other Benefits Information:Employee Assistance Program: A City-paid EAP is available for employees and members of their household. Long-term Disability Insurance is provided as an optional benefit. Employee pays $9.78 per month if opting in. State Disability Insurance (SDI) is provided. Employee pays 0.6% of salary (pre-tax). Deferred Compensation Savings Plans (457) are available to employees through a deferred compensation program. Employee must pay an amount equal to 1.45% of salary toward Medicare. An equal amount is paid by the City. The City does not participate in Social Security. Leaves:The City offers 14 paid holidays; 80 hours of vacation after 1 year (graduates to 21 days for 20 years of service); Employees currently working for another agency (state, federal or local) will have their vacation rate adjusted to account for their years of service with that public agency. New employees will receive 40 hours of sick leave on their start date. (unused leave applied to service credit at retirement). 108 hours of Administrative Leave (prorated based on hire date) 01 I understand that this position requires that I successfully complete and pass a pre-employment physical, fingerprinting (LiveScan), and drug screen. YesNo02 I certify that all information provided on my application and supplemental questionnaire is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge; and I understand that all information is subject to verification; and that false or incomplete information will result in disqualification from the selection process or dismissal, if hired. YesNoRequired Question