Accountant I/II

Alameda County Water District

$112K — $137K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 1-2 years of professional accounting experience (for Accountant I) or 3-5 years (for Accountant II).
  • Strong understanding of general ledger accounting principles and practices.
  • Experience with capital asset management and reporting.
  • Proficiency in using computerized financial systems and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain accurate general ledger records and accounting information.
  • Prepare journal entries for financial close processes.
  • Reconcile capital asset records and provide management oversight.
  • Research and resolve technical accounting issues when they arise.
  • Assist in annual audit preparations and support documentation.
  • Analyze and investigate discrepancies in accounts and prepare reconciliations.
  • Provide guidance on accounting processes to District employees.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage through CalPERS Health program with a flex dollar allowance.
  • Fully paid dental and vision coverage for employee and dependents.
  • Retirement plan through CalPERS with various benefits based on membership status.
  • Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses up to $5,250 annually.
  • Long term and short term disability insurance coverage.
  • Flexible vacation (10 days rising to 25) and holiday (12 days) policies.
Full Job Description
Salary : $112,958.56 - $137,300.80 Annually
Location : Fremont, CA
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26-03
Department: Finance
Division: Accounting and Treasury
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Accountant 1: $112,958-$137,300 annually plus great benefits.
Accountant 2: $125,511-$152,559 annually plus great benefits.

This position will be filled at one of the two levels, not both, depending on the outcome of the recruitment.

The Accountant I/II position performs professional accounting work with a primary focus on general ledger accounting and capital asset management. The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented professional with strong analytical skills, technical accounting knowledge, and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic public agency environment.

The Position
Accountant I - Entry Level Professional Accountant
The Accountant I is the entry-level classification within the professional Accountant series. Under general supervision, the Accountant I performs a variety of professional accounting assignments while developing knowledge and proficiency in District accounting practices, policies, and procedures.
This position provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with:
• General ledger accounting
• Capital asset management
• Account reconciliations
• Financial reporting
• Audit preparation
• Technical accounting research
As experience and proficiency are gained, assignments become increasingly complex and employees take on greater responsibility and independence.

Accountant II - Journey-Level Professional Accountant
The Accountant II is an experienced professional-level classification responsible for performing the full range of assigned accounting duties with greater independence and technical expertise.
The Accountant II applies advanced knowledge of accounting principles and practices while supporting accurate financial reporting, complex reconciliations, and specialized accounting functions.

Career Growth Opportunity
The Accountant I and Accountant II classifications are flexibly staffed, providing employees with a pathway for professional growth.
Employees in the Accountant I classification may advance to Accountant II after a minimum of two years at the first level, upon recommendation of the immediate supervisor and approval by the department manager, when they demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the Accountant II classification.
Examples of Duties

What You'll Do

As an Accountant I/II, you will:
* Maintain accurate general ledger records and accounting information.
* Prepare journal entries, including entries supporting year-end financial close.
* Maintain and reconcile capital asset records and related systems.
* Research technical accounting issues and recommend solutions.
* Analyze accounts, investigate discrepancies, and perform reconciliations.
* Prepare schedules and supporting documentation for annual audits.
* Assist with disclosures and reporting requirements for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
* Maintain technical accounting records, reports, and documentation.
* Interpret and apply accounting policies, regulations, and procedures.
* Provide technical assistance and information to District employees regarding accounting processes.
* Support additional Finance functions, including cash management and payroll processes.
* Utilize computerized financial systems and complex spreadsheets to analyze and report financial information.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an accounting professional who brings technical expertise, sound judgment, and a commitment to accuracy and service.
The successful candidate will:
Have Knowledge and Experience With:
• General ledger accounting principles and practices.
• Capital asset accounting and management systems.
• Governmental accounting practices and financial operations.
• Financial reporting requirements and audit processes.
• Accounting research, reconciliations, and discrepancy resolution.

Demonstrate the Ability To:
• Interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Exercise independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Prepare accurate financial records, reports, and schedules.
• Analyze problems and develop effective solutions.
• Communicate technical information clearly and professionally.
• Manage multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
• Learn and support additional accounting functions.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Selection Procedure
To be considered for this opportunity, applications must be submitted by Friday, July 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Applicants must complete an online application, including the required supplemental questionnaire, at www.acwd.org/jobs.

The selection process may include the following:
  • Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Review: Applications will be evaluated based on the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in the job announcement and official job description.
  • Supplemental Questionnaire Evaluation: Candidates with the most competitive job-related qualifications will advance in the selection process.
  • Online Accounting Assessment: Qualified candidates may be required to complete an online examination designed to evaluate accounting knowledge and technical skills.
  • Virtual Panel Interview: Candidates who successfully pass the supplemental review and any required assessment will be invited to participate in a virtual panel interview.

The District reserves the right to modify the selection process as needed to best evaluate candidates.
Health Insurance: Coverage is provided through the CalPERS Health program. Under the Cafeteria Plan, employees will receive a flex dollar allowance to purchase healthcare coverage, and qualifying voluntary products.

Dental and Vision: Coverage for the employee and eligible dependents is fully paid by the District.

Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) benefit depends on whether the employee is a "new" member or "classic" member under state law.

Classic member: Employee who is a member of PERS or reciprocal agency within six months of hire at ACWD. 2.5% @ 55 with 8% employee contribution. $5000 Retired Death Benefit, 3% Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance Increase, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance to Continue After Remarriage, Pre-Retirement Death Benefits to Continue After Remarriage of Survivor, Additional Opportunity to Elect 1959 Survivor Benefits, 1959 Survivor Benefit Level 4, Unused Sick Leave Credit, Public Service Credit for Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, or AmeriCorps Service, Military Service Credit as Public Service, Final Compensation 1 Year, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, Prior Service. The District picks up 2.5% of the CalPERS retirement contribution.

New member: Employees hired after 12/31/12 who were not members of PERS or a reciprocal agency within the last six months of hire at ACWD. 2% @ 62 with 7% employee contribution. Effective 7/1/23 PEPRA employee contributions will increase to 7.75%. $5000 Retired Death Benefit, 1959 Survivor Benefit Level 4, 3% Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance Increase, Additional Opportunity to Elect 1959 Survivor Benefits, Final Compensation 3 Years, Military Service Credit as Public Service, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance, Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance to Continue After Remarriage, Pre-Retirement Death Benefits to Continue After Remarriage of Survivor, Pre-Retirement Option 2W Death Benefit, Prior Service, Public Service Credit for Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, or AmeriCorps Service, Unused Sick Leave Credit.

Social Security/Medicare: The District does not participate in Social Security, but provides a 1.45% matching Medicare contribution.

Retiree Health Benefits: Coverage is provided through the CalPERS Health program. The District's contribution for retiree coverage shall be the PEMHCA minimum contribution as determined by CalPERS on an annual basis. Please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for various eligibility and plan details.

Employees hired on or after January 1, 2019 will receive a defined-contribution benefit into a retiree health savings account.

Life Insurance: The District provides you with Basic Life Insurance and Basic AD&D Insurance of one and one half times your annual salary to a maximum of $250,000. There is no cost to employee for this insurance.

Long Term Disability: The District provides you with Long Term Disability Income Insurance of 66 2/3% of monthly earnings with a maximum monthly benefit of $15,000.

Short Term Disability: Coverage is provided through the District for employees working more than 20 hours per week at 66 2/3% of base weekly earnings for the first 12 weeks up to a weekly benefit maximum of $2,350.

Deferred Compensation: The District has two (2) Deferred Compensation Plans in which employees may participate: a. 457 Plan - Allows employees to specify a dollar amount to contribute toward retirement, up to an annual maximum. Employees may begin or stop making contributions to this plan at any time. b. 401(a) Plan - Provides a one (1) time, irrevocable opportunity for employees to contribute a percentage (1% - 20%) of their salary toward retirement, up to an annual maximum. Employees may also irrevocably elect upon enrollment to defer a percentage of vacation or management leave balances (1% - 20%) on an annual basis, and/or to defer a percentage (1% - 100%) of their final compensation. The 401(a) Plan is also designed to accept the District's matching of employees' contributions. Beginning April 13, 2025, the District will match Classic Member contributions of up to $2,250 per year in the 401(a) plan. Beginning April 13, 2025, the District will match PEPRA members contributions of up to $6,250 per year in the 401(a) plan, on behalf of the employee. Effective with the calendar year 2030, District matching contributions will be $1,000 for Classic Members and $5,000 for PEPRA Members. The employee must make contributions to the 457 plan to receive the District's matching contribution.

Vacation: 10 days first year, increasing to 25 days after 20 years

Holidays: 12 days per year

Sick Leave: 12 days per year

Management Leave: 80 hours to 96 hours of Management Leave per calendar year (depending on classification)

Employee Assistance Program: Up to 6 sessions for employees and family members for professional consultation and short-term counseling for personal problems

Tuition Reimbursement: The District will reimburse 100% of the total tuition and textbook costs incurred in taking courses outside of normal working hours related to District employment up to an annual maximum of $5,250

Disaster Service Worker: All ACWD employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3102). Employees are required to complete related training and may be assigned to assist with emergency response activities, including disaster-related duties that may differ from their daily work, in the event of a natural, man-made, or war-caused emergency.
01

IMPORTANT NOTE (applies to all questions): Following an assessment of minimum qualifications, the determination as to whether candidates should be invited to the hiring interview will be based only on evaluation of responses to this Supplemental Questionnaire. The District will evaluate responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire individually and separately from the employment application and any submitted resume or other materials (such materials will not be available to those evaluating responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire). Therefore, your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire should be comprehensive, should demonstrate any proficiency in those areas highlighted in the announcement, and should NOT reference or rely on any information provided in the application or other submitted materials.Be sure to additionally include the name(s) of your employer(s), your dates of employment with that employer, and your job title(s) in your responses to each question as applicable.Do you agree to answer each supplemental question completely, and in your own words (without the use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools, including but not limited to Chat GPT, Microsoft AI, or any other AI tool), and that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?
  • Yes
  • No

02

Please indicate which level you are applying for: (Note: the HR Analyst will verify you meet the qualifications)
  • Accountant I
  • Accountant II
  • Both

03

Describe your experience with business and fiscal management responsibilities: general ledger, account reconciliations, capital projects and capital assets, and cash management.
04

Please describe your experience:a. Utilizing a computerized financial management software application. Please be sure to include the systems you have used, your specific responsibilities within those systems, the types of transactions or reports you handled, and any involvement with system testing, upgrades, or implementation.b. Utilizing word programs, spreadsheets and/or database software tools. Please be sure to include examples-such as creating formulas, organizing

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