Job Description

Description

About the Town
Los Altos Hills is primarily a residential community of approximately 8,000 residents within an 8.6-square-mile area. An additional 5.8-square-mile area of unincorporated land adjacent to the Town’s boundaries is within Los Altos Hills’ “sphere of influence.” The Town is home to Foothill Community College. The Town Hall was constructed in 2005 and provides a comfortable and modern work environment. The Town Hall is also within a short walking distance to charming downtown Los Altos. Town residents are known for their spirit of community volunteerism and are encouraged to become active in Town governance, serve on Town committees, and participate in local events. This inclusive, open style of governance is embraced by the citizens and is part of what makes Los Altos Hills a unique and progressive town.

Position Description

Under general supervision, the Accounting Technician provides technical assistance in the Administrative Services Department functions (e.g., accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipting, payroll, budget, etc.). They perform a variety of customer service duties as required for the efficient operation of Town services, including, but not limited to, receptionist duties; a variety of clerical assignments; cash collection and deposit for all incoming funds; processing invoices for payment; scheduling Town services; forwarding service requests and inquiries to the proper Town employee or official. The Accounting Technician also provides information on various public issues responsibly and courteously.

Example of Duties

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepares and processes invoices, purchase orders, requisitions, check requests, and other disbursements as required.
• Establishes and maintains accounts payable files. Maintains the Town's vendor file and prepares necessary annual reports, such as 1099-Misc.
• Maintains and orders all office and general supplies.
• Maintains the necessary accounting records to support processed transactions related to the area of assignment; prepares cash deposits, as necessary.
• Performs reconciliation of records of assigned functions; verifies accounting entries to determine the accuracy of each account or record.
• Processes, codes, enters, uploads, and verifies numerical or financial data related to the area of assignment into appropriate accounting/banking systems with accuracy; distributes data to appropriate departments upon completion of the assigned process.
• Responds to questions and concerns from operating departments and the public regarding the area of assignment; corrects errors in documents as necessary; explains processes and systems to Town employees, the public, and vendors.
• Monitors progress payments on contracts, accounts receivable, or related areas of assignment, and ensures all payments are consistent with the terms of the contract or agreement; ensures contracts are prepared according to Town policy.
• Researches and interprets rules and regulations, contracts, policies, and procedures, memoranda of understanding, or other documents as they are related to the assigned area of responsibility and accurately applies such interpretation in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
• Assists in preparation for the annual audit, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and the Operating and Capital Budget.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Finance Director.

Qualifications

Ability To:

• Post, check, balance, and reconcile accounts; make mathematical computations rapidly and accurately.
• Assist supervisors and accountants in more complex accounting projects.
• Compile complex data and records for accounting reports or as requested by departments.
• Provide information on departmental procedures to others.
• Operate automated office equipment and use a computer-based accounting system, downloading and uploading files accurately.
• Accurately and thoroughly complete assignments under deadlines while effectively handling several tasks at once.
• Work independently with minimal supervision; prioritize assignments; develop and maintain accurate record-keeping systems.
• Maintain confidentiality; use good judgment.
• Communicate clearly both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Knowledge Of:

• Public and governmental accounting principles, including budgeting and payroll processing.
• Relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Fund accounting and governmental accounting practices.
• Microsoft Office applications (Excel and Word) and database applications, INCODE preferred.

Education and Experience:

• Equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree in accounting or a related field.
• Three years of increasingly responsible accounting experience. Additional experience may substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid California Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.

Application Deadline

This is an ongoing recruitment, with the first application review by December 20, 2024, or upon reaching 100 applications, whichever comes first. Applications received after this date or the cap is reached will be reviewed as needed.

Benefits

• CalPERS Retirement
  • New employees with no prior CalPERS service or have a break in CalPERS service of 6 months or more: 2% @ 62. Employees are required by law to pay 50% of the normal cost, or 8.25%.
  • New employees who are classic CalPERS member and did not have a break in service for more than 6 months: 2% @ 60.  Employees are responsible for CalPERS member contribution, currently set at 7.0%.
• 401 (A) Plan- Defined Contribution - The Town contributes up to 4% of the employee's annual salary with a cap of the PEPRA salary maximum and based on the employees enrolled in the 457 Plan (flexible deferred compensation plan). 
• Retiree Health - Town employees hired after October 11, 2007, will receive retiree health from age 60 until the age of 65 years of age with the following qualifiers:
  • Must work with the Town for at least 5 years
  • Must retire from the Town.  Benefit will be effective at age of 60
  • Vesting schedule would be implemented based on CalPERS service and would determine the Town's contribution towards the retiree's health premium.
• Vacation Accrual - Based upon a schedule of 40 hours per week, you will earn vacation hours at a rate of 8 to 20 hours per month based on years of service. The Town will allow the employees to cash out up to their full annual accrual of vacation time at the end of the year to reduce the Town's liability.
• Health Insurance – Town provides a generous flexible spending allowance to employees at a rate that currently covers up to the Kaiser premium cost.  Should you elect a plan with a higher premium cost, you will pay the difference.  The Town covers 90% of the dependent coverage cost and provides $600 per month to full-time employees with alternative medical coverage.
• Dental Insurance – Town paid insurance through Metlife Dental Benefits for employee and eligible dependents.  Use of this benefit may require unreimbursed co-payments by the employee.
• Vision Insurance – Town paid insurance through VSP for employee and eligible dependents.
• Holidays - The Town presently offers 14 paid holidays per year.
• Sick Leave- Sick Leave is accrued at a rate equal to 12 days per year (3.69hrous per bi-monthly pay period).  There is no vested right to cash payment for unused sick leave.
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (ADD) Insurance – Town paid Life and ADD insurance for active employees to receive a lump sum amount up to the employee’s annual salary in the event of a qualified loss while employed by the Town.
• Other -  The Town offers a Wellness Reimbursement program that provides for payment up to $1,075.00 per year. A Town-paid Employee Assistance Program is available.

Special Instructions

How to Apply

To be considered for this career opportunity,complete the online application form and answer the supplemental questions. All application materials must be submitted online. Resumes may be attached but not accepted in place of a complete online application. Only complete applications and supplemental questionnaires will be accepted. Applications will be screened in relation to the criteria in this job announcement. Applicants with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to interview. The information in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute an express or implied contract. 

The Town of Los Altos Hills is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job opportunities will be considered regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under federal, state, or local laws. The Town of Los Altos Hills is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, email hr@losaltoshills.ca.govor (650) 941-7222.

Recruitment Contact

Contact phone extension: 

(650)941-7222

Contact email: 

hr@losaltoshills.ca.gov

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