Accounting Manager

Salary : $141,406.30 - $171,879.97 Annually
Location : Fountain Valley, CA
Job Type: Exempt FLSA
Job Number: 2026-43
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 10/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description
MORE THAN A JOB - AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE, GROW, AND MAKE AN IMPACT!

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT MAKES FOUNTAIN VALLEY A NICE PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK! Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately as recruitment may close at any time upon receiving enough qualified applications.
First Review of Applications: Week of November 16th.
Tentative Interview Date: Week of December 14th.

THE CITY OF FOUNTAIN VALLEY: The City of Fountain Valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County. With approximately 57,000 residents, the City is only 7 miles from the beach with countless restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and Disneyland within a 15-mile radius of the City, providing many options for a rich work-life balance.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The City of Fountain Valley is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking municipal finance professional to serve as its next Accounting Manager a key leadership role for someone who is passionate about fiscal integrity, operational excellence, and developing high-performing teams.

Working under the general direction of the Finance Director, the Accounting Manager provides leadership and oversight of the City's core accounting and financial reporting functions, helping ensure the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the City's financial operations. This position plays a vital role in safeguarding public resources, strengthening internal controls, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and promoting sound financial management practices throughout the organization.

Beyond overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, the Accounting Manager will lead and develop staff, foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and identify opportunities to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and strengthen financial systems and procedures. The position also contributes to the City's long-term financial sustainability through budget development support, financial analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning. A key responsibility is overseeing the preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), ensuring timely, accurate, and transparent financial reporting in accordance with applicable standards and requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to bring both technical expertise and a collaborative leadership approach to a high-impact role. With a balance of operational independence, direct partnership with executive leadership, and the opportunity to shape financial practices and processes, the Accounting Manager will help support the City's long-term fiscal health and its commitment to delivering effective, responsible public services.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• 4/10 Work Schedule
• An incredible retirement / pension: CalPERS (2%@60 for Classic or 2%@62 for PEPRA)
• Flex dollars for CalPERS medical HMO/PPO plans
• Matching deferred compensation contribution (up to $75 per month)
• City-paid long-term disability insurance
• Generous leave accruals, including 80 hours of Administrative Leave
• 11 paid holidays, including one floating holiday

Job Overview

• Assist in the development and implementation of the Department's goals, policies and priorities relating to accounting and revenue.
• Coordinate and assist with preparation of the City's Tax Measure Oversight Committee, City Council reports and presentations.
• Supervises the City's accounting, accounts payable and receivable functions.
• Develops, maintains, and evaluates accounting systems and internal control procedures and recommend improvements.
• Coordinate and conduct the fiscal year end closing, including reviewing general ledgers, revenues, expenditures, grant funds, capital asset additions and deductions, accruals in proprietary funds and long-term debt additions and reductions, prepare the Governmental Accounting Standards Board adjustments and close general ledgers.
• Research, analyze and prepare reports with recommendations on a variety of matters pertaining to the Finance Department.
• Prepare the City's monthly, quarterly, and annual County, State, and Federal financial reports.
• Project cash flow; forecast revenues; anticipates debt service payment; estimates fund balances; maintain pooled investment and long-term debt records.
• Coordinate the preparation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Assist with the preparation of the City's annual operating budget, mid-year budget, and 20-year fiscal forecast; transfer of funds; review budget expenditures and revenues.
• Coordinate annual audits with external auditors.
• Oversee and approve journal entries recorded in the accounting system.
• Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for staff; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate employee performance evaluation and work product, methods and procedures.
• Attends leadership, management, supervisory and financial training to stay abreast of industry best practices
• Respond to inquiries from other City staff, other agencies and the public concerning regulations, procedures, records, fees, rules, rates, vendors and accounts.

Qualification Guidelines
An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical combination includes the following:
EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, business or a related field is required. A Master's degree in Business or Public Finance is desirable.


EXPERIENCE: Five years of progressively responsible professional accounting and finance experience in a governmental or non-profit environment, which includes three years with primary, responsibility for budgeting, cost analysis and audit functions and at least two years at a supervisory level.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: The incumbent will be required to prepare for and attend meetings after normal work hours as required.
To access the full class specification, including a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required, please click on the following link:
Recruitment Information:

To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure that all required documents are attached to the application. After documents are scanned and saved as a file on your computer, click on the "Add Attachments" link in the Job Application step of the employment application in order to upload the files. Documents must be entirely legible. Faxes, postmarks and hand delivery will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete your application and consider having your profile created and/or updated before applying for the position. Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. If you require technical assistance, please review the Government Jobs or contact their toll-free Applicant Support line at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer, or browser used to submit the application.


QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RECRUITMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO .

SELECTION PROCESS:
The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, written test, performance exam, and/or oral interview examination. The employment application and supplemental questions will be evaluated based on the employment standards and minimum qualifications listed above.
IMPORTANT RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:
All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully completing all components of the pre-employment process which may include but is not limited to: reference checks, background investigation, credit check, California Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting), and pre-employment medical examination.

The City of Fountain Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Candidates with a disability who may need accommodations during the selection process must notify the Human Resources Department at least 72 hours in advance of the test date.
NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required.
Individually Represented Professional and Technical (IRP&T) Employees: The classification, compensation, and terms and conditions of employment for this classification are established in City
Flexible Work Schedules: Most IRP&T employees are offered the option to work a flexible work schedule, including either a 4/10 or 9/80 work schedule.
Compensation:

• Base Salary Adjustments: None Scheduled

• Merit Increase: IRP&T employees shall be eligible for merit increases annually on the first day of the pay period closest to their anniversary date, until they reach the fifth step.

• Deferred Compensation Matching Contribution: Employees in regular positions may voluntarily participate in the City's deferred compensation plan. This plan is provided by Empower. The City will match up to a total amount of $75 per month into each employee's deferred compensation account for each IRP&T employee who contributes to the City's deferred compensation plan.

Retirement: All full-time employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) - a defined benefit program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.

• New Members / PEPRA: As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), "New Members" have never been a member of any California public retirement system, were hired by a CalPERS agency after January 1, 2013, moved between public retirement systems lacking reciprocity, or moved between employers in the same public retirement system with a break in service of more than six months. New Members are enrolled in the 2% at age 62 retirement formula and pay a contribution rate of 50% of the total normal cost of the PEPRA member benefits for their retirement pension. This rate is determined annually based on the actuarial valuation of the retirement benefits provided to active PEPRA employees. For Fiscal Year 25/26, employees pay a mandatory 7.75% pre-tax contribution for this retirement benefit. Note: In 2026, the pensionable compensation limit for PEPRA is $191,679 (pursuant to GC § 7522.10). This limit is adjusted on an annual basis.

• Classic Members: New employees who joined CalPERS or a reciprocal public retirement system before January 1, 2013, without a break in service longer than six months, are considered "Classic" members and will be enrolled in the 2% at age 60 retirement formula. Employees pay a mandatory 7% pre-tax contribution for this retirement benefit. To determine if you are eligible for reciprocity, please click on the following link: Note: In 2026, the pensionable compensation limit for Classic Members is $360,000 (pursuant to IRC section 401(a)(17)). This limit is adjusted on an annual basis.

For both Classic and PEPRA Members, the City contracts for the three-year average for final compensation, a 2% Cost-of-Living adjustment in retirement, and service credit for unused sick leave. The City also contracts for the Fourth Level Survivor Benefit ($2 per member per month). Please refer to the IRP&T Resolution for additional CalPERS contract provisions.
Health Insurance: The City will contribute towards the cost of health premiums for full-time employees as follows (Tier 3):
Enrollment Tier

Flex Dollar Monthly Allowance

Employee Only Coverage

$825.00

Employee +1 Dependent Coverage

$1,325.00

Employee + Family Coverage

$1,600.00
The Flex Dollar Allowance may be used for medical (optional), dental (mandatory), life insurance (mandatory), vision insurance (optional), and AFLAC (optional) premiums. All health benefits are effective on the first of the month following date of hire.

• Medical

Employees have a choice to select a medical plan under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. Please visit for more information regarding the various plans offered under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program, as well as the current premium rates.

• Dental

Enrollment in a City dental plan is mandatory for all eligible employees. Coverage is managed under the cafeteria plan, and premiums are paid by the employee (Flex Dollars may be used).

• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (ADD)

Enrollment in a City life and ADD plan is mandatory for all eligible employees. The policy amount is $50,000. Coverage is managed under the cafeteria plan, and premiums are paid by the employee (Flex Dollars may be used).

• Vision

Enrollment in a City vision plan is voluntary for all eligible employees. The City will pay the employee only premium for the voluntary vision program. If the employee chooses to add dependents to the plan, dependent premiums shall be paid by the employee.

• AFLAC

Employees have the option to enroll in a variety of voluntary insurance plans including accident, short-term disability, hospital confinement indemnity, cancer/specified-disease, lump sum critical illness, and whole or term life insurance. Employee is responsible for the entire cost of the premium if they elect coverage.

Note : City employees do not participate in California's Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) programs through the Employment Development Department (EDD). While this saves employees 1.3% in payroll tax, it's important to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to enroll in the AFLAC short-term disability benefit.

• Flexible Spending Account

Employees may contribute pre-tax earnings into a flexible spending account for health ($3,400 maximum in 2026) and dependent care expenses ($7,500 maximum in 2026).

• Long-Term Disability

The City provides long-term disability insurance for all P&T employees at no cost. The City pays 100% of the policy premiums.

• Medical Opt-Out

Employees who provide proof of alternate group health insurance may waive the employer's medical coverage and receive a monthly taxable cash payment of $162 (the PEMHCA minimum in 2026). Mandatory dental and life insurance premiums are deducted from this cash payment, with the remaining balance paid to the employee.

• Retiree Medical

Employees who retire from the City of Fountain Valley may be entitled to a monthly employer contribution towards health insurance if they meet certain criteria. In 2026, this monthly employer contribution is $162 (the PEMHCA minimum).
Time Off From Work: The City offers a generous leave package!

• Holidays

IRP&T employees shall be entitled to 11 paid holidays per calendar year (including a "floating holiday" that can be used at the employee's discretion).

• Vacation

Employees accrue 80 hours of paid vacation leave per year. Accruals increase based on time in service with the City of Fountain Valley, beginning after completion of 1 year of service (increases to 120 hours per year). IRP&T employees may elect to receive a cash payment for up to 80 hours of accrued vacation at the end of the calendar year if certain criteria are met.

• Sick

Sick leave accrues bi-weekly based on the employee's work schedule:

Work Schedule

Bi-Weekly Accrual

Monthly Equivalent

5/8 or 9/80

3.69 Hours

One 8-Hour Day

4/10

4.62 Hours

One 10-Hour Day

• Administrative Leave

All classifications within the IRP&T group are classified as exempt in accordance with the FLSA and not eligible for overtime. IRP&T employees shall be eligible for eighty (80) hours of Administrative Leave per calendar year. Administrative Leave which is not taken is forfeited and may not be carried over into the next calendar year. Administrative Leave will be pro-rated on a monthly basis for newly hired or promoted employees after January 1st.
Tuition Reimbursement: Eligible employees may receive up to $3,000 per fiscal year for actual tuition expenses.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The City provides a confidential, no-cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help you and your household members navigate personal challenges. This third-party service offers support for personal counseling, financial guidance, legal advice, and more.
Social Security: City employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.
Medicare: Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare.
This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Compensation Plan, Memoranda of Understanding, Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, Retirement Contract, Insurance Policy Contract, or any other official document of the City of Fountain Valley. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the City of Fountain Valley's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.
Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Division at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
01


Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education?

• Master's degree (or higher) in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Finance, or a closely related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Associate's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• None of the above.

02


How many years of progressively responsible professional accounting and finance experience do you possess within a governmental (municipal/county) or non-profit environment?

• Over 10 years
• 7 to 10 years
• 5 to 7 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 1 to 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

03


If you indicated having experience in a governmental or non-profit environment in Question #2, please provide the name of the agency, your job title, and a brief description of the specific public sector accounting workflows you managed (e.g., revenue forecasting, capital assets, long-term debt). If no experience, type "N/A".
04


Describe your experience preparing or coordinating an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and managing annual audits with external auditors. Include your exact role in the process and the size/complexity of the agency. If no experience, type "N/A".
Required Question