Salary : $103,491.00 - $155,238.00 Annually
Location : Millbrae, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Division: Finance
Department: Accounting Administration
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

General

The Accountant Ill reports to the Director, Accounting/Accounting Manager and is responsible for performing and reviewing complex financial reporting activities in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). These activities will be performed for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain), the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA), and the San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority (ELJPA).
Essential Functions & Duties

• Oversee the month-end and year-end close, including review of general ledger account analyses and reconciliations and review and approval of journal entries.
• Review and evaluate accounting processes and procedures to ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, Federal Transit Administration requirements, and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Act as a liaison between departments, organizations, and agencies and communicate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve complex accounting issues.
• Prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs).
• Hire, mentor, and supervise professional and technical staff. Take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action.
• Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed.
• Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives; monitor and evaluate employee performance.

Examples of Duties

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, including financial statements, board reports, and other required financial and compliance reports.
• Prepare and submit the National Transit Database report.
• Prepare and submit the Financial Transaction Report to the State Controller's Office.
• Prepare Popular Annual Financial Reports (PAFRs).
• Perform capital project accounting, manage the capital asset system, and prepare/submit monthly and quarterly funding claims.
• Evaluate job performance of staff, which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of full-time accounting experience.
• One (1) year of supervisory or team leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CPFO designation.
• Experience in governmental accounting, GASB, enterprise fund accounting, grants, capital assets, payroll, or accounts payable.
• Full-time experience preparing and reviewing financial statements.
• Experience utilizing Tier 1 ERP databases, with a strong preference for PeopleSoft.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to explain complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.
How to Apply

• Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that applications are completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references and/or other information).
• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits:

• Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
  
• Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
  
• Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.

Retirement Medical Benefits:

• Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
  
• Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.

Holidays and Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours). As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
  
• Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  
• Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.

Financial Planning Benefits:

• Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.

• CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
  
• Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
  
• Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
  
• Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.

Growth and Education Benefits:

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County's professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
  
• Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.

Other Amazing Benefits:

• Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
  
• Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
  
• Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee's Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.
01

Which of the following best describes your completed education?

• Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, finance, or a related field
• Bachelor's degree or higher in an unrelated field
• No bachelor's degree

02

How many years of full-time accounting experience do you have?

• Less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 7 years
• 7 years or more

03

How much full-time experience do you have in a dedicated supervisory or team leadership role?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more

04

Which statement best describes your experience using Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications?

• I have advanced Excel experience, including regular use of pivot tables, complex formulas, lookups, data analysis, and large datasets, along with strong proficiency in other Microsoft Office applications.
• I have intermediate Excel experience, including formulas, sorting, filtering, charts, and basic data analysis, along with working knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications.
• I have basic experience using Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• I have little or no experience using Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.

05

How many years of full-time experience do you have preparing and reviewing financial statements?

• No experience or less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

Required Question