ACCOUNTANT III (#UB6 )

We are currently accepting applications for this position. To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on the link for Employment Opportunities. $40.40-$51.09 hourly / $7,003.00-$8,855.00 monthly / $84,032.00-$106,267.20 yearly

Under direction, to perform difficult and complex professional accounting and fiscal work in an operating department with a separate fiscal system and diverse and complex fiscal operations; to perform more difficult or complex professional accounting work in the Auditor's Office; and to do other work as required.

A position in this class performs super-journey level accounting and fiscal work in an operating department with a separate fiscal system and diverse and complex fiscal operations. A position in this class may also be assigned to perform more difficult general accounting and cost accounting work in the Auditor's Office, with considerable independence, and may supervise accounting clerical staff and other accountants.

Prepares a variety of periodic and special accounting and narrative reports of varying complexity for major special districts, the County, State and Federal agencies; files claims for reimbursement; assists in the preparation of departmental and special district budgets by analyzing revenue by source, preparing financial, budgetary and other budget detail in cooperation with program staff; reviews contracts, grants and transfers of funds for propriety and sufficiency, prepares resolutions and ordinances as needed, ensures that cost accounting system changes are made, and sets up appropriations; provides technical assistance and direction to accounting clerical staff; provides vacation or other temporary relief for supervisor; performs a variety of general and cost accounting work in a complex and separate fiscal system with diverse elements; analyzes and investigates variances between actual and budgeted expenditures necessitating realignment of appropriations, encumbrances and/or payments to reflect proper cost accounting within budget constraints; analyzes and reconciles County, State and Federal accounting records which vary because of different grant and fiscal year periods, differences in payments and receipts and co-mingled funds; reconciles trust funds; reviews and approves journal entries and encumbrances; reviews accounts receivable for appropriateness, timeliness and aging; reviews and approves or recommends approval of expense claims; reviews accounting systems and practices and recommends improvements; develops accounting systems or procedures as needed for control purposes, for monitoring and reporting costs on major capital improvement projects, and for cost accounting for grants; develops cost standards; develops and obtains approval of indirect cost proposals; computes and implements service fees and labor and equipment rental rates; reviews fixed asset records and depreciation accounts; represents the department to visiting State and Federal and other outside auditors to answer questions, and provide accounting records and statements; discusses and resolves billing and other problems with vendors; prepares correspondence and reports; attends meetings and conferences; operates a personal computer, or computer terminal, to store, retrieve and analyze data.

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and practices;
• Thorough knowledge of cost accounting theory and methods;
• Working knowledge of business law;
• Working knowledge of governmental accounting principles and practices;
• Working knowledge of governmental budgetary operations;
• Working knowledge of general laws and regulations pertaining to fiscal operations;
• Working knowledge of the application of data processing to accounting operations.

Ability to:

• Effectively perform a variety of difficult and complex general governmental and cost accounting assignments;
• Prepare clear and concise accounting and narrative reports;
• Develop or revise accounting systems for specific needs;
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply provisions of Federal, State and local regulations and policies and procedures pertinent to accounting and fiscal operations;
• Evaluate accounting systems for adequacy, then design and implement improvements;
• Analyze and resolve budgetary and complex accounting problems;
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with others;
• To operate a personal computer to design programs to store, retrieve and analyze data.

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

Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, finance, accounting or a closely related field, which must have included at least 12 semester or 18 quarter units from among the following accounting courses: Principles of Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Advanced Accounting, Governmental Accounting, Fund Accounting, Cost Accounting, Auditing, Financial Accounting, or Managerial Accounting AND three years of increasingly responsible professional accounting experience, at least one of which must be at the full journey level.

-OR-

Possession of a Certified Public Accountant Certificate AND three years of increasingly responsible professional accounting experience, at least one of which must be at the full journey level.

-OR-

At least 12 semester or 18 quarter units from the above listed accounting courses may be substituted for the required education AND at least three years performing duties as an Accountant I/II at the County of Santa Cruz.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 02

Occupational Grouping: 80

Workers' Comp Code: 0053