County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, performs professional accounting work, including the preparation of financial reports using both manual and automated systems; and to perform other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Retirement Accountant I is located in the Alameda County Employees’ Retirement Association. It is further distinguished from Retirement Accountant II in that the latter is expected to complete complex tasks; they will also receive closer supervision and frequent review of complex accounting duties as they develop skills and increase their knowledge.

All levels require the ability to gather and analyze data for specialized accounting reports and studies and require attention to detail.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Maintains financial records such as financial activity logs, reports and payables or receivables.

2. Prepares and enters budget details for a variety of accounts and performs account reconciliation.

3. Reviews, codes, and processes standard check requests, payables and receivables.

4. Supports financial security by researching and reconciling discrepancies, verifying supporting documents, following internal controls and completing data backups.

5. Prepares regular, analytical, statistical and narrative reports on assigned accounts using standard formats and generally accepted accounting principles.

6. Initiates electronic transfers to interface with financial institutions, federal, state and local agencies and other County departments.

7. May provide training and review the work of clerical staff as necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of two years full-time experience in the class of Accountant Auditor in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.).

Or II

The equivalent of three years of full time experience in the class of Accounting Specialist in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or III

Education:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration or other closely related field from an accredited college or university,

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time increasingly responsible professional accounting, auditing experience.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• General and governmental accounting and auditing principles, theory and procedures.
• Accounting software programs.
• Spreadsheet and word processing software.
• Generally accepted accounting principles and financial record keeping practices.
• Business math.
• Both manual and automated systems.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret complex employee benefit and pension plan regulations and plan documents, including the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937.
• Operate a computer and calculator to complete data entry and reporting tasks.
• Work independently.
• Prioritize and complete work assignments in a timely manner.
• Analyze problems and identify solutions.
• Make sound analytical decisions under pressure.
• Gather, organize and summarize data.
• Consistently deliver quality service to internal and external customers.
• Maintain financial reports, records and files.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

TE:pf 2/6/02
Newspecs:1369.doc
CSC Date: 4/10/02

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.