County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, to provide professional-level financial services in budget development and processing, contract administration and purchasing activities coordination; to coordinate year-end closing and audits; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISH FEATURES

Fire Department Financial Accounting Specialist is responsible for providing financial and accounting support services including budget development, performing financial analysis, and procurement coordination.

This position reports to the Fire Department Financial Services Manager.

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. Assists revenue and expenditure projections and financial analyses; participates in the annual budget development processes for both County and contract agencies.
2. Prepares and reviews claims for reimbursement and cost reports contacts claim originators if questions or issues arise;
3. Assists in preparing grant requests and implementation documents after award; maintains records and submits reports to the funding agencies or organizations; answers questions and provides information during the auditing process.
4. Administers or coordinates the administration of contracts; prepares contract documents; reviews requests for payment and ensures that contract provisions are met and that appropriate approvals are received.
5. Coordinates purchasing activities; acts as liaison with County Purchasing; researches capital purchases and makes recommendations; follows up with vendors as required.
6. Monitors departmental expenditures; reviews invoices for payment; ensures proper allocation of expenditures to the appropriate fund and the availability of budget; reviews and prepares expenditure reports..
7. Coordinates internal and external audits to ensure departmental compliance.
8. Assists in planning and conduction of fiscal, administrative or operational studies; obtains required information for analysis; evaluates alternatives and makes recommendations; prepares reports and makes presentations.
9. Tracks and maintains fixed assets.
10. Assists with payroll functions and be a viable backup for department Payroll Processor.
11. Performs such general administrative tasks as drafting and modifying policies and procedures, preparing letters to the Board of Directors.
12. Prepares a variety of correspondence, periodic and special reports, procedures and other written materials; may access varied data bases or use information from various sources to prepare such materials; uses computer software to develop and maintain databases and spreadsheets.
13. Maintains accurate records and files related to work performed.
14. Operates a variety of standard office equipment including a word processor and/or computer; may drive a County or personal vehicle to attend meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units) with major coursework in finance or accounting or a field related to the work. (Additional professional or paraprofessional financial planning and support experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.)

And Either I
Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time, recent experience within the last five years as a Fire Department Payroll Processor in Alameda County Fire Department.

Or II

Experience:

The equivalent of three years of full-time, recent experience within the last five years as a Fire Department Account Clerk in the Alameda County Fire Department.

Or III
Experience:

The equivalent to one year of full-time professional-level experience in budget development and financial analysis, procurement and contract administration, grant management or similar financial services equivalent to that performed by the Alameda County classified service of Financial Services Specialist I.

License:

Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the 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:

• Principles and practices of governmental budget development and administration.
• Principles of public accounting.
• Principles and practices of contract and grant administration.
• Financial record-keeping, auditing and procurement practices.
• Practices and techniques of financial analysis and report preparation.
• Applicable federal, state and local policies and regulations.
• Computer applications related to the work, such as word processing, data bases and spreadsheets.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.


Ability to:

• Develop and administer multiple budgets.
• Monitor fiscal transactions and maintain accurate audit fiscal records and documentation.
• Conduct financial and operational studies.
• Interpret, explain and apply financial regulations, policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, correspondence, procedures and other written materials.
• Represent the department and the County in meetings with others.
• Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established policies and guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established policies and guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

MH:po 3/4/08
Newspecs: 8165.doc
CSC Date: 5/7/2008
MAH:cs Revised 4/5/12
Old Title: Fire Department Financial Services Specialist
CSC Date: 04/18/12

BENEFITS

*** For benefit information, please refer to the recruitment brochure.