About Orinda
The beautiful City of Orinda is a family-oriented community of approximately 20,000 residents who enjoy a semi-rural setting surrounded by majestic tree-studded hillsides within its 12.8 square miles. It is bordered by the cities of Lafayette, Moraga, Berkeley, and Oakland. Orinda is located in Contra Costa County, within 20 minutes of downtown San Francisco. A BART station is situated in the center of the community allowing a convenient commute within the Bay Area.
Orinda incorporated as a City in 1985, after more than 100 years of gradual development and has a reputation as a well-managed and stable municipal government. The City operates under a Council/Manager form of government, with five elected city council members who serve at-large, each for a four-year term. The City of Orinda has a dedicated and professional staff of approximately 40 budgeted employees supplemented with part-time and seasonal staff.
Location
Description
Ensure Accuracy. Strengthen Accountability. Support Smart Decisions.
The City of Orinda is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative accounting professional to join our Administrative Services team as a part-time Accountant working approximately 20 hours per week. This position provides key support to the Senior Accountant and plays an important role in maintaining the City’s financial integrity through accurate recordkeeping, reporting, and analysis.
This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled professional seeking a flexible, part-time role in a high-performing, service-oriented municipal environment.
What You’ll Do
Under general direction, the Accountant performs a variety of professional-level accounting duties in support of the City’s financial operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Performing day-to-day accounting functions, including journal entries, reconciliations, and general ledger review
- Supporting accounts payable and payroll processing to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Reviewing financial transactions for proper coding and available budget
- Preparing financial reports, summaries, and supporting documentation
- Assisting with budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, and fiscal analysis
- Participating in the file preparation of required State and Federal financial reports
- Assisting with audits, special projects, and process improvements
- Maintaining and reconciling fixed asset records, including depreciation tracking
Why Join Orinda?
The City of Orinda is a small, collaborative organization committed to excellence in public service. This part-time role offers meaningful work, a supportive team environment, and flexibility for work-life balance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATONS (Summary)
All City of Orinda employees are expected to uphold and exhibit the City’s core values including serving the public, being respectful and accountable, maintaining professionalism, and demonstrating responsibility. Minimum qualifications for the position are noted below.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field
- Two (2) years of professional accounting experience
- Public sector experience is desirable
- California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
Ability to work in a standard office environment and ability to travel to different sites and locations.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit a completed application, resume, and cover letter via CalOpps.org by:
5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
The best qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a competitive selection process which will include a practical test and oral panel interview. Final candidates must successfully pass a background check and pre-employment screening.
The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
The City of Orinda is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex origin or disability. In accordance with Federal law, the City of Orinda will only hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Candidates with a disability which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should submit a request for accommodation with the application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
Ideal Candidate
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to public service are essential.
Knowledge of:
- Financial analysis and reporting methods
- Principles and practices of governmental accounting
- Applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards
Ability to:
- Analyze financial data and prepare clear, concise reports
- Maintain accurate financial records and systems
- Communicate effectively with staff and stakeholders
- Manage multiple priorities with accuracy and efficiency
Benefits
Benefits (Part-Time – 20 Hours/Week)
This position is part of the General Employees’ Unit and is represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 856. The City of Orinda offers a competitive, flexible benefits package designed to support part-time employees. Unless otherwise noted, all benefits are prorated at 50% based on the 20-hour per week schedule.
Work Schedule & Work-Life Balance
- Regular, ongoing part-time position scheduled at 20 hours per week
- Predictable schedule with flexibility to support work-life balance
- Ideal for candidates seeking meaningful public service work with reduced hours.
Compensation & Growth
- Competitive hourly rate
- Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) as negotiated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
- Step increases of approximately 5% based on performance
Health, Dental & Vision Coverage
- Choice of HMO and PPO medical plans for employees and dependents
- City contribution toward premiums is prorated at 50%, with employee paying the remaining share through pre-tax payroll deductions
- Cash-in-lieu option ($237.46/month, prorated) for employees who waive City medical coverage and certify other group coverage, including any dependents
- Dental and vision coverage available for employees and dependents (City contribution prorated)
Paid Time Off
- General Leave (PTO): Starting at 76 hours annually (prorated for 20 hours/week), increasing by 4 hours each year of service up to 100 hours
- Holidays: 14 paid holidays, including 2 floating holidays (prorated based on scheduled hours)
- General Leave and holidays are paid based on the employee's regular part-time schedule (e.g., 4 hours for a standard 8-hour holiday)
Retirement Benefits
- 13% City contribution to a MissionSquare 401(a) defined contribution plan (based on actual earnings; 3-year vesting)
- Participation in a MissionSquare 457 deferred compensation plan, with up to a 3% City match
- Retiree Health Savings (RHS): Monthly City contribution (prorated at 50%) to help fund post-retirement medical expenses
- The City does not participate in CalPERS
- The City does not participate in Social Security (Medicare participation only)
Insurance & Income Protection
- City-paid life insurance equal to 1x annual salary (based on part-time earnings), up to $150,000 max
- City-paid long-term disability insurance
- State Disability Insurance (SDI) available (employee-funded)
Additional Benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
- Pre-tax commuter benefits (convenient access to BART)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support
- Reduced fees for City Parks & Recreation programs
- Opportunities for training, skill development, and career growth
Note: This is a benefitted part-time position. The City's contributions and accruals are structured to provide meaningful access to benefits while reflecting the 20-hour per week schedule.
Special Instructions
The job application must be filled out completely. List experience that relates to the qualifications as required on the job announcement, beginning with your most recent experience. List each promotion separately. Voluntary non-paid experience will be accepted if job related.
A resume may not be used as a substitute for completing the application form. However, the City strongly recommends a resume and cover letter be submitted with the application.
It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to show that he/she meets the minimum qualifications in this job announcement.
The City of Orinda is an equal opportunity employer and supports workplace diversity.