Accounting Specialist I/II

Accounting Specialist I/II

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Oceanside, CA, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2627-44

Department

Fire

Opening Date

10/12/2026

Closing Date

10/30/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Introduction

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

The City of Oceanside is accepting application for the position of Accounting Specialist I/II. This position will be assigned to Fire Administration and will review Fire staff time and attendance records before submitting to payroll, process accounts payable and receivables, purchase orders, vendor packets, processing of credit cards statements and a variety of reimbursements. The position will be filled at either an Accounting Specialist I or II, depending on qualifications.

Monthly Salary

Accounting Specialist I $3,747-$4,893

Accounting Specialist II $4,131-$5,375

Examples of Duties

Processes accounts payable, accounts receivable and/or payroll; enters data into computer; balances and reconciles cash drawer; identifies discrepancies; locates and corrects coding and posting errors; provides responsible customer assistance; answers questions from the public, other City employees and other agencies; processes financial transmittals from other City departments; audits City receipts and disbursements for errors and records entries; makes bank deposits; monitors departmental account balances; prepares bills; collects past due accounts; initiates collection proceedings with an agency; maintains accurate financial files; processes delinquent accounts; reviews computer runs for accuracy and corrects errors; reviews timesheets for payroll processing; composes and types routine correspondence; prepares a variety of fiscal and statistical reports; assists in training new employees in their assigned area of work; receives, sorts and distributes incoming mail; enters and updates journal entries; may create intelligent query reports; performs special data entry duties for special journals; and performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of clerical accounting;
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment;
• Principles and practices of customer service; and
• Data entry techniques.

Ability to:

• Learn to understand and analyze routine financial transactions and their related accounting codes;
• Learn pertinent Federal and State tax laws;
• Perform routine clerical accounting functions;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others; and
• Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Experience and Training Qualifications

Experience: One year of clerical accounting experience is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST II

In addition to the qualifications for Accounting Specialist I:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods used in double entry accounting systems;
• Office practices and procedures relating to the processing and recordkeeping of financial transactions;
• Advanced principles of mathematics; and
• Pertinent Federal and State tax laws.

Ability to:

• Understand a variety of financial transactions and their interrelatedness;
• Analyze financial data using established criteria and determine an appropriate course of action; and
• Prioritize a variety and high volume of transactions to ensure timely processing.

Experience and Training

Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible clerical accounting experience which must include reconciling and balancing accounts in a double-entry accounting system

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Working Conditions and Selection Process

Environmental Conditions: Office environment; exposure to computer screens.

Physical Conditions: Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Selection Process: All properly completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification from the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral interview, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an Eligibility List and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.

RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED

CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

CITY OF OCEANSIDE

Oceanside City Employees Association

Benefit Summary

The following is a highlight of benefits

Retirement

Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)

• Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of PEPRA in regard to retirement benefits. Each individuals benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
• Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
• Survivor Continuation option

Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options

• Buy additional Service Retirement Credit prior to membership
• Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
• Buy additional Military Service Credit

Health Insurance

Medical/Vision: (First of the month following 60 days)

• Kaiser plan provided through Teamster Medical Trust. For more information please contact #877-214-8928

Dental: (First of the Month following hire)

• Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
• Delta Care USA (DHMO)

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.

• Available to all members of your household
• 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
• Self-service support online or by phone

Disability and Life Insurances

The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Lincoln Financial premiums are paid for by City.

Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:

• First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
• Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
• All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used

Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability

Life and AD&D Insurance:

• 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life and AD&D

Voluntary Benefits

Benefits are employee paid.

Supplemental Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial:

• Premiums are determined by age
• Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
• Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
• Dependent coverage up to $10,000

Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:

• Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
• Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $3,400
• Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $7,500

Deferred Compensation - 457 through Empower:

• 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $24,500 for 2026; over age 50 may contribute an additional $8,000

MetLife Legal Plan

• Telephone and office consultations are available for an unlimited number for personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.

GotZoom Student Loan Relief

• Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.

ScholarShare 529

• An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.

Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $2,000 per fiscal year

Leave Benefits

Vacation:

1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours

6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours

11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours

16 + years: 8.19

Maximum accrual:

• 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
• 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after

Holidays:

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Jr Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year

Sick Leave:

Accrual: 12 days per year

Max accrual: Unlimited

Annual Sick Leave Pay Off:

Each calendar year an employee may elect to receive a 50% payment in lieu of accrued sick leave provided such employee has used 3 work days (maximum of 36 hours) or less of sick leave during the calendar year and has a minimum of 100 hours in their sick leave bank prior to the cash out request.

Sick Leave pay off at separation:

• Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates

Bereavement Leave:

• Three days for death of employees immediate family member
• Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval

Certification Pay

The City will provide certification pay up to $1.00 per hour for employees utilizing designated certifications in the performance of their duties.

Bilingual and Notary Pay

Bilingual: $1.73 per hour for eligible employees

Notary: $.58 per hour for eligible employees

Uniforms

The City will provide uniforms for any employee required by the City to wear such uniform in the course of their regular job duties.

Commercial Driver License

The City will reimburse the application cost of Commercial Class A or B Driver License to full-time employees in certain classifications.

Safety Shoes

The City will provide reimbursement up to $200 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.

Term of Compensation Plan

Effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2026

This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.

01

Have you completed the twelfth grade or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of direct accounting, finance or payroll experience do you have?

• 1 year or less
• 2-3 years
• 4+ years
• None of the above

03

Describe your experience working with payroll, such as multiple shift schedules, special compensation, FLSA, etc.

04

Describe your experience processing accounts payable transactions, including reviewing invoices, verifying documentation, and preparing payments.

05

Describe your experience with Excel or other spreadsheet software. Which functions or features have your used to reconcile, track, analyze, or report financial information?

06

How do you organize and prioritize a high volume of invoices, purchase orders, and reimbursement requests while meeting deadlines?

07

Have you completed any coursework or possess any certifications in accounting? If yes, please attach supporting documentation.

• Yes
• No

08

CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Oceanside

Address 300 North Coast Highway, City Hall South

Oceanside, California, 92054

Phone 760-435-3511

Website http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us