Senior Accountant

Salary : $133,806.40 - $162,635.20 Annually
Location : Cupertino, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: 11/17/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Description

The Senior Accountant performs advanced professional accounting duties requiring expertise in governmental accounting systems, practices and principles. The Senior Accountant assists in managing financial records, preparing complex financial reports, overseeing major accounting functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivables, payroll, and business licensing, and supports year-end close, audits, and budget maintenance. The Senior Accountant also assists the Finance Manager with Audit Committee reports and presentations, provides technical guidance to staff, and supervises staff in the Finance Manager's absence or as needed.
Class Characteristics
This is the advanced journey-level classification within the accounting series. Positions in this class differ from those in the immediately lower class of Accountant II by the scope, diversity, and complexity of assignments and by its role in supporting divisional leadership. The Senior Accountant may step in to supervise staff or handle management responsibilities in the absence of the Finance Manager and is expected to exercise significant independent judgment and technical expertise.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives direction from the Finance Manager. May supervise Accountants, Accounting Technician, and Account Clerks in the absence of or to support the Finance Manager.

Essential Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Establish and maintain a variety of ledgers and other financial documents ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
Supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
Assist in the preparation of the City's annual budget.
Prepare and submit internal and external reports, including annual financial statements, State Controller Reports, and claim statements for state-mandated costs.
Conduct comprehensive financial studies and analyses, including projections for expenditures, revenue, and other fiscal activities.
Assist the Finance Manager in preparing reports and presentations for the Audit Committee, including analysis of financial data and updates on audit findings and resolutions.
Issue correcting and adjusting journal entries and review audit journal entries prepared by staff for accuracy.
Interpret and implement financial policies, procedures, and regulations related to accounting systems and operations.
Provide technical accounting expertise and support to other Finance Department functions.
Oversee payments to paying agents for City bonds.
Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
Support audit processes by coordinating with external auditors, providing necessary documentation, and resolving inquiries.
Develop and recommend improvements to financial systems, policies, and procedures to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Prepare materials for presentations to the City Council and other stakeholders as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Advanced governmental accounting principles, practices and standards (e.g., GAAP and GASB).
Financial reporting and budget preparation.
Supervisory principles and techniques, including training and performance evaluation.
Application of data processing and accounting systems to financial management.
Regulations and best practices for municipal finance and accounting.
Audit processes, including preparation of schedules and working with external auditors.
Ability to:
Provide technical guidance and supervise accounting staff when needed or in the absence of the Finance Manager.
Analyze and evaluate financial data and fiscal operations, recommending and implementing improvements.
Assist in preparing Audit Committee reports and deliver effective presentations to committees and stakeholders.
Prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive financial reports, statements, and projections.
Interpret and implement financial policies, regulations, and accounting standards.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to convey complex financial information.
Education and Experience
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. Four years of recent, progressively responsible experience in the field of professional Accounting. Supervisory experience is desirable. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is highly desirable.
Licenses and Certificates

Possession, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License may be required.
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
Working Conditions
May be required to attend Commission/Committee meetings outside of regular work hours.

Supplemental Information
Application and Selection Process

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your City of Cupertino employment application to Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m., November 17, 2026. Oral interviews tentatively scheduled for the week of November 30, 2026. Applications must be filled out completely. Failure to complete the supplemental application will disqualify the applicant from the recruitment process. Failure to list work experience or stating "See Resume" in the work experience section of the application will be considered an incomplete application and subject to rejection. Resumes may be attached separately. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at , or application materials may be submitted to: Human Resources, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications will be screened according to the qualifications outlined in this job announcement. Applicants possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which may include a written examination and/or panel interview. An eligible list will be established as a result of this process and will remain in effect for 3 months from the date established.

City of Cupertino offers excellent Click HEREfor a description of benefits.
01

A completed supplemental application must be submitted along with a completed City of Cupertino application to be considered further. Your application will be disqualified if the supplemental questions are not answered. Please provide a response to each question and limit your responses to each question to no more than 300 words. "See Resume" responses will not be accepted. Please select "Yes" below to confirm you have read these instructions and continue to the supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

02

Describe a specific accounting discrepancy, reconciliation issue, or complex financial transaction you personally worked on. What was the issue, how did you identify and resolve it, and what was the outcome? Include the accounting principles, procedures, or resources you relied upon.
03

Describe your direct involvement in preparing, reviewing, or auditing financial statements, year-end closing entries, or audit schedules. Identify the specific tasks you were responsible for, any challenges you encountered, and how you ensured the accuracy and completeness of your work.
04

Provide an example of a time when you had to explain a complex accounting issue, financial process, or policy to someone with less accounting knowledge. Who was your audience, how did you communicate the information, and how did you determine whether your explanation was effective?
05

Describe a specific accounting process, procedure, or internal control that you helped improve or believe could have been improved. What issue or opportunity did you identify, what actions did you personally take or recommend, and what was the outcome? If your recommendation was not implemented, explain what you learned from the experience.
Required Question