Accountant

Salary : $110,480.64 - $137,975.11 Annually
Location : 500 Laurel Avenue, Menlo Park, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00036
Department: Administration
Division: Finance
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Definition
The start date would be no sooner than February 1, 2027
First Round Interviews will be scheduled for November 17, 2026
Second Round Interviews are tentatively being scheduled for week of December 7 or 14, 2026
Under general direction, performs professional accounting work in support of the District's financial operations, including general ledger maintenance, financial reporting, budget support, revenue accounting, audit support, and compliance with governmental accounting standards. The Accountant ensures the accuracy, transparency, and timeliness of financial information related to wastewater utility operations, sewer service charges, capital programs, and other District financial activities.

Examples of Duties
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General direction is provided by the Finance Manager or designee.
Responsibilities do not typically include direct supervision of staff; however, the position may provide technical guidance, training, and assistance to administrative or accounting support staff, as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides quality control review of annual Sewer Service Charge calculations to support accurate billing, reporting, and revenue collection.

• Accounts for tax and non-operating revenues, including Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) fees, Multi-Family Residence (MFR) fees, infrastructure compacity fees, recycled water billing, and other District revenue sources.

• Maintains and reconciles the general ledger, including preparation and review of journal entries, account analyses, and supporting schedules.

• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, reports, and schedules in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.

• Supports the annual budget process by preparing financial data, tracking expenditures, reviewing budget activity, and performing variance analysis.

• Tracks and accounts for capital assets and infrastructure projects; maintains fixed asset records, depreciation schedules, and related documentation.

• Monitors and reconciles cash, investments, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll-related accounts, and other assigned financial accounts.

• Provides support for the annual independent audit and Single Audit, including preparation of schedules, research of accounting issues, and timely response to auditor requests.

• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, District policies, accounting standards, and internal control requirements.

• Prepares and files required financial, statistical, regulatory, and governmental reports.

• Assists with grant accounting, cost tracking, reimbursement requests, and related financial documentation, as applicable.

• Identifies and recommends process improvements to enhance accounting efficiency, reporting accuracy, documentation, and internal controls.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

• Assists with payroll, special financial studies, cost analyses, rate-related data, and other financial projects as assigned.

• May provide staff support to District committees, consultants, auditors, or outside agencies regarding financial matters.

• Supports the development, maintenance, and documentation of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Desirable Qualifications
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of governmental, fund, and enterprise accounting, including generally accepted accounting principles and GASB standards.

• General ledger systems, financial reporting tools, account reconciliation methods, and journal entry preparation.

• Budgeting practices, expenditure tracking, variance analysis, and financial forecasting techniques.

• Internal control principles, audit processes, accounting documentation standards, and financial record retention practices.

• Capital asset accounting, infrastructure asset tracking, depreciation schedules, and capital project cost accounting.

• Revenue accounting practices, including sewer service charges, property tax revenues, connection fees, ADU fees, and other non-operating revenues.

• Applicable federal, state, local, and District laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing public agency financial administration.

• Principles and practices of accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, payroll-related accounting, grant accounting, and financial reporting.

• Modern office practices, financial software applications, spreadsheet tools, and data analysis techniques used in governmental accounting.

Ability to:

• Prepare accurate, complete, and timely financial statements, accounting reports, reconciliations, schedules, and analyses.

• Analyze financial data, identify discrepancies, research accounting issues, and prepare appropriate corrections or recommendations.

• Communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing, with District staff, management, auditors, consultants, and outside agencies.

• Interpret, explain, and apply accounting standards, financial regulations, District policies, and internal control procedures.

• Maintain complex accounting records and financial data with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.

• Use financial management systems, spreadsheets, databases, and other software to prepare reports and analyze financial information.

• Support audits by preparing documentation, responding to requests, and assisting with implementation of audit recommendations.

• Organize work, manage multiple priorities, meet established deadlines, and exercise sound judgment within established guidelines.

• Prepare financial information for budgets, capital projects, sewer service charges, grants, required filings, and management reporting.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, internal controls, documentation, and reporting practices.

• Exercise tact, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive financial information.

• Follow all District policies and procedures.

• Work well independently and in a team environment.

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to staff regarding accounting procedures and financial documentation, as assigned.

Experience:

• Minimum Two (2) to five (5) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience.

• Public sector, special district, enterprise fund, capital project accounting, grant accounting, or utility accounting experience is desirable.

Education:
Requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field; and a minimum two (2) to five (5) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience. Experience in a public agency, enterprise fund, wastewater utility, capital project accounting, or governmental accounting environment is highly desirable.

Additional Requirements
License:

Required Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain prior to appointment, a valid California driver's license with the ability to maintain insurability under the District's Vehicle Insurance Policy may be required. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), or similar professional certification is desirable, but not required.

Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
Ability to work in a standard office environment; sit for prolonged periods of time; operate a computer, calculator, and standard office equipment; read, interpret, and prepare detailed financial documents; and communicate in person, by telephone, and in writing.
Employees of West Bay Sanitary District are by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. In

the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee may be assigned activities which promote the

protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property either at the District or

within the locale, or your own community.
West Bay Sanitary District Benefits Summary
The following information is a partial list of the District's benefits. A complete description of benefits is provided in the District's Personnel Policy.

• Annual COLA (3-5% based on CPI) increase until MOU contract expires (June 30, 2030).
• $325 Boot Allowance twice a year | $220 allowance for Safety Glasses every other year
• Performance Merit Pay Program (PMPP) - up to $6,500 per eligible employee.
• Commuter Benefits Programs - two programs are offered to eligible staff
  • 2/3 of public commuting costs reimbursed
  • Allocate pre-tax dollars for transportation - up to $340 monthly for tickets and parking, each.

Medical:

• The District contributes 100% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan
• Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the Districts health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis
• Medical insurance plans through CalPERS. Dental, Vision through Principal Insurance. As enrolled, benefits commence the first of the month following hire date.

Other Benefits:

• 100% paid by District through Reliance Matrix Life Insurance: Group Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) and Long Term Disability (LTD) insurances
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan - See the District's Personnel Policy.
• Paydays are on a bi-weekly basis (every other Friday unless otherwise advised).
• Hours of work: 40 hours a week between Monday through Friday or 9 days, 80 hours per 2-week schedule. Certain staff also work on-call and overtime basis as approved.
• 8 paid holidays per calendar year.
• 40 hours of floating holidays each calendar year beginning on the 1st of January.
• Vacation accrual - 2 weeks per year for the first 5 years worked for exempt and non-exempt employees. After 5 years, see the District's Personnel Policy.
• Sick Leave accrual - one day (8 hours) per elapsed month of service.
• CalPERS Retirement Pension Plan - The District has two options for new hires:

1. The District offers the PEPRA 2% @ 62 defined benefit retirement plan to new hires with no prior membership in CalPERS or those who have been separated from PERS for 6 months.
2. The District offers 2% @ 60 defined benefit retirement plan for eligible current Classic CalPERS members. The District will verify eligibility with CalPERS.

• Mission Square 457 Deferred Compensation Program - Employees have the option to designate pre-tax dollars per calendar year per IRS regulation.
• Education Assistance and Employee Assistance Programs - see the District's Personnel Policy.

01

Do you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least two (2) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have professional experience with governmental accounting, a public agency, enterprise fund, utility, or special district?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have professional experience preparing financial statements, account reconciliations, journal entries, budgets, or financial analyses?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have professional experience using accounting/financial management software and Excel or other spreadsheet tools to analyze and report financial information?

• Yes
• No

06

Describe your experience with governmental accounting, including any experience with GASB standards, fund accounting, enterprise funds, or financial reporting for a public agency.
07

Describe your experience maintaining and reconciling general ledger accounts. Provide an example of a discrepancy you identified, how you researched it, and how you resolved it.
08

Describe your experience preparing financial reports, supporting the annual budget process, and performing budget-to-actual or variance analysis. Provide an example of how your analysis assisted management in making a financial decision.
09

Describe your experience with any of the following: capital project accounting, fixed assets and depreciation, utility or other revenue accounting, sewer/utility billing, grant accounting, or reimbursement requests. Please describe your specific responsibilities.
10

Describe your experience supporting an independent financial audit or other regulatory review. Also provide an example of an accounting process, internal control, or reporting procedure y