SENIOR ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN (#CH8 )

$33.95-$42.91 hourly / $5,885.00-$7,438.00 monthly / $70,616.00-$89,252.80 yearly

Under direction, to perform highly complex and responsible paraprofessional accounting work with a considerable consequence of error; and to do related work as required.

Positions in this class work with minimum supervision in carrying out difficult technical assignments which if performed improperly would result in serious inaccuracies in the financial record keeping system or considerable loss to the County. Positions in this class are distinguished from accountant positions in that the latter have broader or more complex assignments, which entail work of a more creative, evaluative and analytical nature and regular application of the knowledge of accountancy theories, principles and systems. Positions in this class differ from those in the lower class of Accounting Technician in that the consequence of error is greater, assignments are technically more complex and responsible and the work requires greater knowledge of accounting practices and principles. The nature of assigned responsibilities is such that large numbers of personnel must rely on incumbents to adequately accomplish their own technical and administrative responsibilities. Some positions in this class may supervise Accounting Technicians and subordinate clerical staff.

These tasks represent the major assignment(s) of positions allocated to specific departments: performs technical accounting work for a department or division with considerable financial record keeping activity without direct technical supervision; may assist administrators in the preparation of a departmental budget by analyzing prior expenditures and projecting future costs and by determining costs of requests from departmental divisions for additional personnel and equipment and incorporating these into the proposed budget; performs a wide variety of accounting tasks in reviewing budgetary accounts and auditing and maintaining trust and other funds; analyzes budget accounts for sources of monies to transfer; modifies or develops new record keeping methods in response to changes in fiscal processes; confers with others on accounting procedures and systems, makes recommendations on new/revised systems and implements departmental accounting systems; may perform the control function over the County's financial systems which includes system maintenance, performing system housekeeping activity which requires a thorough understanding of users aspects of the system. Program scheduling, planning and coordinating the job stream, which includes programs for: Payroll interface; Vendor claims; Cost accounting; Daily activity; Weekly/monthly reports; Fiscal close and roll; Interest apportionment. Some positions may supervise the work of subordinate staff in paraprofessional accounting and/or clerical classes by planning, assigning, training, reviewing, and evaluating the work of those subordinates. May provide vacation or temporary relief for other classes.

Control. Performs the data input and output control activity, which requires a thorough knowledge of the county’s financial system transaction codes and master file, including preparation of correction journal entries for original entries, which are rejected. This may require research and analysis in order to prepare the proper correcting entry; Maintains general journal records; Contact with accounting personnel who use the county’s financial system.

Payroll system control function. Performs the maintenance of the general ledger interface and preparation of biweekly payroll trust clearing and correcting journal entries, which includes balancing payroll registers to the county’s financial system clearing.

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of bookkeeping;
• Thorough knowledge of technical accounting methods, practices and terminology;
• Thorough knowledge of office procedures and practices;
• Working knowledge of basic cost and fund accounting practices;
• Working knowledge of budgetary processes and procedures;
• Working knowledge of automated and manual bookkeeping systems;
• Some knowledge of accounting practices and principles;
• Some knowledge of the principles of supervision and training may be required for some positions.

Ability to:

• Independently perform complex and highly responsible technical accounting work requiring the exercise of considerable interpretative ability and judgment on a regular basis;
• Understand and interpret the principles, laws and procedures involved in the bookkeeping and auditing functions;
• Devise and adapt work procedures and record keeping system to meet changing needs;
• Understand the relationships among accounting records and documents for recording and reporting purposes;
• Reconcile differences within the record keeping system using mathematical skills and understanding of the record keeping system and related transactions;
• Learn and apply the legal requirements and accounting system related to a particular assignment;
• Utilize computerized systems to enter, retrieve and perform basic analysis of data;
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public and others contacted in course of work;
• Spell correctly and use correct business English;
• Write neatly and legibly;
• Interpret and apply pertinent sections of the Government Code, Streets and Highway Code, Welfare and Institutions Code and Revenue and Taxation Code may be required for certain positions;
• Supervise the work of subordinate paraprofessional accounting and/or clerical employees may be required for certain positions.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Four years of responsible clerical accounting experience at the journey person or higher level or one year of experience equivalent to an accounting technician with the County of Santa Cruz that demonstrates application or possession of the required knowledge and abilities. Formal education in bookkeeping or accounting of up to two years may be substituted for the required experience on an hour-for-hour basis.

Special Requirements/Conditions: Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required for certain positions in this class.

 

 PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None  

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 03

Occupational Grouping: 10

Worker's Comp Code: 0053