Financial Specialist - Accounting

JOB The City of San Luis Obispo Finance Department has an opening for a Financial Specialist. Although an eligibility list will be established for the Revenue, Accounting, Purchasing, and Infrastructure Financing specialty areas, the current vacancy is assigned to the Accounting function area.

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 so please hold that date. Successful Candidate StatementThe successful candidate is a detail-oriented and organized professional who can effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, structured environment. They are a collaborative team member with strong communication skills and a service-oriented mindset, able to work efficiently while remaining flexible and adaptable to changing priorities. Curiosity and a willingness to learn are essential for success in this role.

This candidate brings foundational accounting knowledge and some practical experience, including an understanding of general ledger concepts, trial balances, and debits and credits. Familiarity with reconciliations (particularly bank reconciliations), chart of accounts structures, and the annual closing cycle—including basic audit preparation—is ideal. An understanding of internal controls is also important.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated and capable of managing responsibilities independently while maintaining accuracy and accountability. They are also willing to support the broader Finance Department as needed, including assisting at the revenue counter and helping process accounts payable transactions.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other electronic processing systems is required, with the ability to use these tools to support efficient and accurate financial operations.

JOB SUMMARY

Performs a variety of paraprofessional financial activities dependent upon the assigned function, such as revenue, accounting, purchasing, and infrastructure financing. Interprets departmental and City policies, procedures, and functions, and performs related work as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This classification performs a variety of paraprofessional financial duties requiring the exercise of tact and confidentiality, a thorough knowledge of basic financial concepts, and an ability to think critically in order to formulate and implement specified activities. This classification is distinguished from Financial Assistant in that the latter performs the most routine financial support activities, which may include processing accounts payable, entering and retrieving data, reviewing credit card and travel-related expenses, answering questions from vendors and City employees.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from departmental management, supervisory, or professional staff.. May exercise technical or functional direction over lower-level or less-experienced staff.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Equivalent to two years of college coursework in accounting, business, finance, economics, or a related field;andThree years of increasingly responsible office administrative experience, including at least one year of experience in finance or related functions in the specialty area assigned. orAn equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in dealing with the public and work in a public agency setting is desirable.

BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE, CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE

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