Salary : $84,864.00 - $103,646.40 Annually
Location : City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Administrative Services Department
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Administrative Services Department (ASD) provides services to the Palo Alto community and internal city staff. With nine divisions, ASD is responsible for the management and administration of City financial matters such as accounting, budget, investments and treasury, as well as SAP program function, real estate, two city warehouses, and printing and mailing. Learn more about Administrative Services.

Career Opportunity

We are looking to fill an Accounting Specialist position within Administrative Services, Revenue Collections Division. The Account Specialist performs fiscal-accounting clerical duties requiring frequent use of judgment in resolving problems, preparing financial reports and summaries, and independently completing work processes for discrete accounting functions.

Essential Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Computes data or figures using arithmetic operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and fractions with use of business machines.
• Compiles, tabulates, verifies, interprets and adjusts data from a variety of source documents and arrays data in presentable or prescribed format
• Checks data in documents against source materials for accuracy, and reconciles errors.
• Records or posts information, data or figures, maintains a variety of manual and automated records.
• Prepares batch-entry materials for automated data processing of accounting or payroll-related systems by coding worksheets according to established processes.
• Prepares monthly or quarterly reports using prescribed formats.
• Provides training and guidance to other employees related to payroll or accounting processes.
• Types letters, memos, brief reports according to standard format.
• Discusses problems, conducts research in files and records to trace sources, and resolves problems using independent judgment.
• May interact with public or employees in resolving sensitive problems or issues.
• Handles money transactions, accepts payments, consolidates and prepares bank deposits, and responds to inquiries.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to use independent and sound judgment to resolve problems; communicate effectively and tactfully verbally and in writing; follow verbal or written instructions.
• Ability to operate office machines; prepare, adjust, and close journal entries.
• Ability to communicate with others and to assimilate and understand information, in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic, bookkeeping, accounting principles and practices; banking procedures; ten-key, calculator or adding machines.
• Ability to verify or post, compile, reconcile, balance, and interpret data.
• Ability to operate office machines; prepare, adjust, and close journal entries.
• Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting for extended periods of time and operating assigned office equipment.

See our Benefits at a Glance Bookletfor more details.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking