A day in the life of a municipal money manager

If you’re an accounting student exploring career options, you’re probably familiar with the traditional routes of public accounting, tax, audit, and business & industry. But there’s an entire sector you may not have seriously considered: government accounting.

As part of our webinar series for aspiring CPAs, Georgia Tech accounting and computer science student, Hunter Richardson, sat down with CPA and City of Palm Springs Accounting Manager, Janella Andrews, to discuss her career journey and what students should know about working in municipal finance. Her insights offer a refreshing look at what it means to steward public funds in a rapidly changing profession.

A career rooted in curiosity and community

Andrews didn’t start out in government. She spent nearly a decade in public accounting at a local firm in California’s Coachella Valley, sharpening her skills across tax, audit, nonprofits, and small businesses. But one day, during a local leadership program, she attended a “government day” that explored how cities and counties operate.

The experience sparked a curiosity that stuck with her. She began researching her own city’s leaders and noticing how colleagues who’d moved into government roles talked about their work. Eventually, a position opened at the City of Palm Springs, and she took the leap.

Today, as an accounting manager, Andrews oversees the city’s financial reporting, manages external audits, monitors cash flows, coordinates bond issuances, supports budgeting, and ensures compliance with governmental accounting standards. But what she finds most fulfilling is giving back to the community she grew up in.

“Seeing the improvements in the community and how excited people are to visit Palm Springs is really rewarding,” she said.

What makes government accounting different?

If you imagine government accounting as slower or less complex, Andrews wants you to think again.

Managing public funds comes with a heightened sense of responsibility. Every dollar represents taxpayer money; and every decision must be rooted in transparency, accountability, and alignment with elected officials’ priorities, which means:

• Strict internal controls
• Frequent external audits
• Public records requests
• Oversight from federal, state, and local agencies

It’s a comprehensive system of checks and balances, according to Andrews. Whether it’s managing bond issuances for public projects or allocating funds during seasonal revenue fluctuations in a tourist city like Palm Springs, municipal finance requires vigilance and strong ethical judgment.

The skills you need to succeed

Andrews highlights several skills she considers essential for aspiring government accountants, including: 

1. Critical thinking: Don’t post a journal entry just because someone asks. Understand why the entry is needed and ensure it aligns with policy and controls.
2. Research: Government accounting often means digging through city council minutes, resolutions, or grant requirements.
3. Communication: You might present to your manager, a city director, or even the city council, so clarity matters.
4. Relationship building: Finance departments work with every other department. Strong partnerships help the entire city function smoothly.

Technology and the future of the profession

Even with rapid advancements in automation and AI, Andrews believes the core of the accounting profession will remain human-centered. Technology will bring efficiency, she says, but it will not replace the judgment, trust, and relationships accountants are relied upon to provide.

Advice for students and CPA Candidates

For those considering government roles, Andrews’ advice is not to sleep on the public sector. Explore jobs with cities, counties, water districts, or state agencies, especially if you want your work to directly affect a community.

And if you’re pursuing the CPA license? Her message is one of resilience.

“You might fail one or two tests, but it’s not the end of the world,” she shared. “It took me a long time to pass the CPA exam, but I kept going. You can, too.”

She also warns early-career professionals not to lose themselves in long hours.

“Build your personal life and enjoy the little things, engage with your family and friends, and maintain those relationships, because work is always going to be there,” she said.

A path worth considering

Government accounting isn’t just about budgets or audits; it’s about helping a community function, grow, and serve its people. Andrews’ journey shows that if you’re curious and eager to make a difference, the public sector might be the place where your accounting career truly thrives.

Watch our Nov. 18 webinar on A Day in the Life of a Municipal Money Manager to hear Hunter and Janella’s full conversation. (Scroll down to the past events section).