What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Technician - Accounts Payable position at City of Sunnyvale?
Regular, Full-Time Employment Opportunity
The City of Sunnyvale is recruiting for the position of Accounting Technician for the Finance Department. The current vacancy is in the accounting division. The eligibility list established will be used for the accounting division vacancies and may be used for future Accounting Technician vacancies.
The position opens Thursday, December 11, 2025, and the final filing date is Monday, January 5, 2026, at 5:00pm or after receiving 75 qualified applications, whichever is first.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The position of Accounting Technician is a fully qualified journey-level classification in the Accounting Technician series. The Accounting Technician series is distinguished by its focus on duties requiring knowledge of basic accounting procedures and practices. The Accounting Technician is distinguished from the higher-level classification of Senior Accounting Technician in that the Senior Accounting Technician performs more complex accounting duties.
- Performs a variety of technical accounting duties in the preparation, maintenance and processing of accounting records and financial transactions.
- Processes, codes, enters, and retrieves financial data, using computerized accounting systems.
- Verifies accounting entries; maintains and reconciles accounting or financial records related to assigned function such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, cashiering, auditing, revenue collections or related functions.
- Responds to inquiries from other departments and the public; researches discrepancies and follow-ups on outstanding issues related to areas of assignment.
- Coordinates with staff in resolving disputes
- Interprets rules, regulations, policies, ordinances and laws as it pertains to assigned job functions.
- Performs cashiering functions including processing checks, balancing cash drawer, and verifying daily cash receipts.
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of basic accounting and financial record keeping.
- Functions of accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, cashiering, auditing or revenue collections.
- Basic understanding of contracts, regulations, and laws specific to job functions.
- Office methods, procedures, software and equipment.
- Principles of customer service.
- Establish and maintain accurate records and files.
- Understand and apply laws and procedures.
- Use a computerized accounting system, including data input, data inquiry, and report generation.
- Make mathematical calculations, using a calculator and operating a 10-Key pad by touch.
- Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, public officials and the public.
- Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
- Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
- Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- College coursework in finance, accounting or related field
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & PROCESS
The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale. The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications. A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.
Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by Monday, January 5, 2026, at 5:00pm or after receiving 75 qualified applications, whichever is first.
Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026. (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)
SELECTION PROCESS
Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in an in-person selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of January 26, 2026.
Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION
Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). A candidate with education obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense to determine its equivalency in the United States. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA).
For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:
- How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job- YouTube (5:13)
The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 or recruitments@sunnyvale.ca.gov.
Salary : $38 - $49