Principal Account Clerk

SALARY: $4,319-$5,187/month

FILING DEADLINE:  June 16, 2026        

Come and join the City of Fresno in achieving our mission of Building a Better Fresno!

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Position Description

Step into a role where your expertise truly makes an impact! The City of Fresno is seeking a dedicated Principal Account Clerk to tackle complex financial work, lead critical accounting processes, and help keep our city running smoothly. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, excel at solving intricate accounting challenges, and enjoy collaborating with others, this is your opportunity to shine. Apply now!

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

- Maintain and reconcile complex financial records

- Support and implement cost accounting systems

- Process, balance, and coordinate citywide payroll

- Process accounts payable and accounts receivable

- Audit budgets, expenditures, and revenues

- Monitor budget activity and project fiscal needs

- Manage cash, invoices, and disbursement accounts

- Provide lead direction to clerical staff

- Verify and enter financial data accurately

- Perform related administrative and fiscal tasks

- Performs related duties as required.

Duties and schedules may vary by assignment, please inquire about specific duties and/or schedules if called upon for an interview.

Explore the job specification for additional position details.

Incumbents assigned to the Animal Center will be exposed to a working environment with animals (primarily dogs and cats) which may lead to possible exposure of unpleasant odors and noises, allergens, interactions with animals, and possible exposure to zoonotic diseases; and may be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols and practices and may be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE) and practices including assisting in cleaning and disinfecting kennel areas, food dishes and equipment along with feeding and exercising animals.

The current vacancies exist in the Transportation and Information Services departments. However, this classification also exists in the City Attorney’s Office, Police, Fire, PARCS, Public Works, Capital Projects, Animal Center, Public Utilities – Water Division, Public Utilities – Solid Waste Division, Public Utilities – Wastewater Division, Airports, Finance, and General Services Departments. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.

The Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and does not assure a place on the eligibility list. 

Four (4) years of increasingly responsible clerical experience involving the maintenance and development of complex accounting and recordkeeping systems. 

Additional Requirements

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at time of appointment. Candidates considered for hire may be required to provide proof of a valid driver's license and current copy of their driving record. 

Eligibles certified for consideration for hire will be required to successfully pass a department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint prior to employment with the City of Fresno. 

For assignments to the Airports Department, eligibles certified for consideration may be required to successfully complete a polygraph test, extensive background investigation and a department interview.

For assignments to the Fire or Police Departments certified for consideration may be required to successfully complete a polygraph and/or computer voice stress analyzer (CVSA) exam and an in-depth background investigation prior to appointment.

The Selection Process

The selection process may consist of the following: 

Written Exam - 100% - A multiple-choice job-related written examination may be administered to assess a candidate's knowledge in the following areas: knowledge of principles and practices of bookkeeping and governmental accounting, payroll requirements, accounting procedures, personal computers and business software, spreadsheet interpretation, business arithmetic, interpersonal skills, and leadership skills, and/or other job-related items.

Candidates must achieve a passing score in order to qualify for the eligible list. 

Written exam is tentatively scheduled the week of July 6th, 2026.

Veteran’s Preference

If an examination is conducted for a position within the classified service, qualified veterans who pass the examination will have five (5) points added to their final score. Candidates must submit a copy of their DD214 Member 4 form or electronic copy indicating honorable discharge with each application prior to the filing deadline.

How To Apply

For information on how to complete an online application, please visit the Help & Support tab. For NEOGOV Application Assistance, please call 1-855-524-5627 or email support@governmentjobs.com. ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTED and must be submitted by midnight on the closing deadline, or they will not be accepted for any reason.

Required licenses, certifications, and education must be verified with supporting documents. Foreign education must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Please ensure all relevant attachments are uploaded with your application.

For the work experience section, provide detailed descriptions of job duties for each position related to the specific role you are applying for. Resumes are not a substitute for completing this section and will only be reviewed as supplemental information, not for determining minimum qualifications.

For other City of Fresno employment opportunities, please view our Careers Homepage. If you have recruitment questions, please call our office at 559-621-6950. Our office is located at 2600 Fresno Street, Room 1030, Fresno, CA 93721.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you need a special accommodation due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Personnel Service Department at (559) 621-6950 in advance of the examination.

Benefits Tab

Unit 3

Non- Supervisory White Collar 

The Fresno City Employees Association, Inc. (FCEA)

BENEFIT

DESCRIPTION

HEALTH INSURANCE

The City contributes toward monthly premiums for PPO medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

IRS 125 Plan for health and dependent care expenses.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

Voluntary 457 plan with Fidelity Investments to increase your retirement savings.

VACATION LEAVE

Accrue 8 - 14.66 hours per month based on years of service

SICK LEAVE

8 hours per month, available after 90 days.

SUPPLEMENTAL SICK

40 hours per fiscal year. 80 hours lifetime maximum

HOLIDAYS

Ten (10) City-observed annual holidays plus birthday and two (2) personal days.

SHORT TERM DISABILITY

Provided through California SDI program

BILINGUAL PREMIUM

PAY: $100 per month

HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENT (HRA) 

Eligible retirees can use the remaining Sick Leave balance, in excess of 240 hours, at 80% of hourly rate and other qualified leave balances, tax free, to reimburse health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses.

RETIREMENT -City of Fresno Retirement Systems, one of the best funded public systems in the state.  Reciprocity with other public California systems. Vested in Retirement benefits after 5 years of service. City employees do not participate in Social Security.  

DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program):an optional, voluntary program that allows an employee to deposit retirement benefits in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno for up to 10 years.  Participation minimum is age 50 and vested.  Benefits include ownership of accumulated funds, compound interest earnings, and alternative distribution options.

Additional information regarding the City of Fresno benefits is available at 

https://www.fresno.gov/personnel/human-resources-support/#tab-1

Please note that the benefits package described above is specific to permanent full-time employees. Employees engaged on a part-time, temporary, limited, or other basis may have different entitlements.