Jennifer Bechtold
Rohnert Park,CA
Summary
Experienced Administrative and Accounting Manager with 20+ years of public sector experience specializing in payroll administration, government and private accounting, budget management, benefits administration, and board governance support. Proven leader in municipal financial transitions, policy development, audit coordination, and regulatory compliance. Highly skilled in ADP, QuickBooks, CalPERS administration, and government reporting.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bookkeeper
Santa Rosa Treatment Center
Santa Rosa, CA
04.2026 - Current
- 5Managed accounts payable and receivable processes to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Reconciled bank statements monthly, identifying discrepancies and maintaining account integrity.
- Prepared financial statements and reports for CEO and Board, facilitating strategic decision-making.
- Developed and implemented streamlined bookkeeping procedures to enhance efficiency across operations.
- Collaborated with external auditors during annual reviews, ensuring transparency and accuracy in records.
- Completed payroll for 25 employees and maintained detailed records of procedures.
- Implemented a more efficient filing system for financial documents, improving accessibility and organization.
- Maintained compliance with tax laws, ensuring timely filing of all required documents.
- Facilitated better cash management, closely monitored cash flow statements.
- Reconciled company bank, credit card and line of credit accounts, investigating, and resolving discrepancies to keep accounts audit-ready.
- Input financial data and produced reports using QuickBooks Pro.
- Developed monthly, quarterly and annual profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
Administrative Manager
Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District
Penngrove, California
01.2005 - 04.2026
- Administer semi-monthly payroll for 35–40 employees using ADP, including benefits deductions, leave accrual tracking, and compliance with wage regulations.
- Manage District health benefits and CalPERS retirement administration.
- Develop and administer the District’s annual budget, forecasting revenues (property taxes, service fees) and expenditures (wages, benefits, supplies, services).
- Oversee full-cycle accounts payable and receivable, including journal entries, deposits, and multiple bank reconciliations.
- Coordinate annual audits, prepare financial documentation, and respond to auditor inquiries.
- Prepare and submit State Controller’s Report and State Controller’s Compensation Report annually.
- Manage cost recovery billing for strike team reimbursements, fire prevention services, and weed abatement programs.
- Prepare Board meeting agendas and packets in compliance with legal requirements; record and maintain official minutes and public records.
- Draft and attest official District resolutions, agreements, and legal documents.
- Maintain confidential personnel, payroll, and policy files in accordance with public sector regulations.
- Provide executive-level administrative support to the Fire Chief, Battalion Chiefs, Board of Directors, and staff.
- Led the successful separation of accounting and treasury services from the County of Sonoma, including legal research of Government Codes, drafting governing documents, developing bylaws, and implementing financial policies and procedures.
- Installed and built the District’s QuickBooks accounting system from inception.
Bookkeeper
Graton Fire Protection District
Graton, California
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Supported separation of accounting services from County oversight, including legal research and financial system implementation.
- Processed monthly payroll and stipends for 10–40 employees using ADP and QuickBooks.
- Managed accounts payable, journal entries, deposits, and bank reconciliations.
- Prepared documentation for annual audits and state reporting requirements.
- Submitted annual State Controller’s and Compensation Reports.
- Managed inter-account fund transfers and cash flow between bank accounts.
- Provided administrative support to the Fire Chief and Board of Directors.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CAAssociate of Science - undefined
Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, CASkills
- Payroll administration
- Budget development and administration
- Financial reporting
- Legal compliance
- QuickBooks expertise
- Accounts reconciliation
- Human resources
- Microsoft Office Suite
Certification
National Fire Protection Agency Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist
Timeline
Bookkeeper
Santa Rosa Treatment Center
04.2026 - Current
Bookkeeper
Graton Fire Protection District
01.2014 - 01.2015
Administrative Manager
Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District
01.2005 - 04.2026
Associate of Science - undefined
Santa Rosa Junior College
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
Sonoma State University