Senior Accountant

/by
  • San Diego, CA
  • $9,898.03 - $13,311.65/month USD / Year
  • Salary: $9,898.03 - $13,311.65/month
  • February 22, 2026

Website San Diego County Water Authority

JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!

We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County’s regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region’s $268 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.

The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region’s supplies, make major investments in the region’s water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region’s water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.

The Finance Department
The Finance Department is responsible for supporting the mission of the Water Authority, the Board of Directors, management, employees, and other stakeholders by providing innovative, proactive, and strategic financial management. Central to achieving this mission is ensuring adequate internal financial controls are in place and financial reports are accurate, timely, and in accordance with accounting standards.The Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate will bring a strong technical accounting background and demonstrated experience performing monthly close activities, preparing financial statements, and developing related schedules and footnotes. They will have thorough knowledge of capital asset accounting, including tracking, recording, and reporting capital assets and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) activities.A successful candidate will possess a solid understanding of municipal or comparable private-sector accounting practices, internal controls, financial reporting standards, and compliance requirements. They will demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements or comparable authoritative guidance.The ideal candidate will also have experience using PeopleSoft or a similar enterprise financial system and will be recognized for strong communication and interpersonal skills. They will be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team, manage multiple priorities, and meet critical deadlines through strong organization and time-management skills.
The Position:

The Senior Accountant performs complex professional accounting work involving the analysis, preparation, and maintenance of financial records and reports. This advanced journey-level position supports the Accounting Supervisor in coordinating monthly and annual close activities and plays a key role in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

The position works collaboratively with internal departments and coordinates with external auditors to ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and strong financial stewardship. Through this work, the Senior Accountant contributes to the Water Authority’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Employees in this class perform technical accounting and financial analyses of moderate difficulty and complexity to provide accurate and timely financial reports to Water Authority management to support sound decision making and ensure appropriate public disclosure and accountability. The work involves independent judgment, self-motivation, adherence to deadlines and requires a thorough knowledge of accounting principles and practices as applied in public utility accounting, as well as familiarity with Water Authority financial management practices and procedures.

Representative Duties
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.
  • Prepares comprehensive financial statements, including Statement of Net Position (Balance Sheet), Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Net Position (Income Statement), and Statement of Cash Flows
  • Performs complex accounting work, maintain revenue, and special fund records; prepare analyses, schedules, reconciliations, and financial reports
  • Prepares month-end and fiscal year-end closing journal entries
  • Prepares audit schedules and responds to auditor requests
  • Generates monthly financial statements and footnotes for the Board and management; analyzes expenditures; researches variances; prepares corrections
  • Prepares accounting and financial schedules for the ACFR, the State Controller’s Report and the Board.
  • Records debt issuances, pay downs and interest activities; maintains debt service schedules and performs calculations to determine compliance with the debt service coverage ratio.
  • Build and maintain financial data and spreadsheets; use financial software for analysis and reporting
For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following link: Senior Accountant
Work Schedule

Employees assigned to the Kearny Mesa office work a 9/80 schedule with the entire facility closed every other Friday.

The Water Authority has embraced a hybrid work schedule to offer employees flexibility and work-life balance. This position offers the option to telework 3-4 days per week, with an onsite presence required for 1-2 days each week.  Additional office time may be required during important periods such as month-end closing, interim and year-end audit field work, or to cover staff absences. Employees authorized to telework must be able to report to Water Authority facilities as needed based on management requests and operational requirements. The successful candidate may be required to work primarily onsite initially to learn the position’s responsibilities and ensure successful completion of work assignments according to established deadlines before transitioning to a hybrid schedule.
Qualification Guidelines:

The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration or a closely related field supplemented by two years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, preferably in a public utility or enterprise fund agency. A current license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is highly desirable.

Application Procedure:
To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.
Tentative Exam Schedule
Application Deadline: 02/22/2026
Exam: 03/05/2026
Tentative Interview: Week of 03/16/2026 
To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.

The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org.

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

To apply for this job please visit www.governmentjobs.com.