Staff Accountant

Job Summary

The San Mateo County Event Center (SMCEC) is a premier public assembly facility that hosts a diverse range of events, produces the annual San Mateo County Fair, operates the Jockey Club (horse racing satellite wagering facility), and manages a full-service catering and food service operation.

The Staff Accountant is responsible for a broad range of accounting functions, with primary responsibility for payroll administration, fixed asset accounting, culinary fiscal management, and financial reporting. This position also supports general ledger activities, account reconciliations, month-end and year-end close processes, and annual audit preparation.

Reporting directly to the Controller, the Staff Accountant plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the Accounting Department and serves as a backup to the Controller when needed. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, analytical, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

SMCEC offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and EAP; chiropractic and acupuncture benefits; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; commuter benefits; and retirement benefits, including a voluntary 403(b) plan and a profit-sharing plan upon meeting eligibility requirements.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain a thorough understanding of the organization’s accounting systems, financial reporting processes, and general ledger structure.
• Assists with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities, including accruals, journal entries, account reconciliations, depreciation schedules, variance analysis, and supporting documentation.
• Assists in preparing accurate and timely financial reports and responds to financial information requests from management.
• Assists the Controller in preparing annual budgets, forecasts, special projects, and process improvement initiatives.
• Monitor and maintain key internal controls to ensure compliance, accountability, and operational integrity.
• Administer bi-weekly payroll processing, pension contributions, payroll tax filings, and related reporting requirements.
• Maintain fixed asset records and oversee inventory control processes, particularly for culinary and food service operations.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements, and applicable tax laws.
• Support annual financial audits and assist in preparing audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Provide cross-functional accounting support and serve as backup for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Purchasing, Revenue Accounting, and Cash Handling functions.
• Work extended or irregular hours during the annual San Mateo County Fair and select events as required.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Position Responsibility

This position requires comprehensive knowledge of all accounting functions, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Revenue Accounting, Purchasing, Pension Administration, and Cash Handling. The Staff Accountant must be capable of managing workflow priorities, maintaining business continuity, and providing departmental coverage during staff absences and peak operational periods.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible accounting or bookkeeping experience.
• Experience processing payroll and maintaining payroll tax compliance preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience with accounting software systems, financial reporting, budgeting, inventory management, and fixed asset accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, dependability, and sound judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships across departments and all levels of the organization.
• Willingness to learn operational aspects of the event industry, including admissions, ticketing, carnival reconciliation, food service audits, exhibitor programs, and credentialing processes.
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required of an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit.  The employee is frequently required to make repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. Is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Must be able to speak, hear, and see. Vision requirements are close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.