PROPERTY TAX SPECIALIST (#UE1 )

$35.98-$45.48 hourly / $6,236.00-$7,883.00 monthly / $74,838.40-$94,598.40 yearly

Under general supervision and direction , provide technical support to a fiscal program with responsibility for the fiscal control of asset, liability, trust or revenue subsidiary ledger accounts in the Auditor–Controller Department. May supervise lower level technical or clerical fiscal staff and do other work as required. 

This single class position is responsible for applying specialized knowledge of accounting systems, program rules and regulations, state/federal reporting requirements along with fundamental knowledge of accounting principles to facilitate fiscal control of subsidiary ledger/trust fund accounts and solve operational problems for a property tax program including property tax collections, apportionments, preparation of tax roll, reports to State of California, revenue analysis, trust fund accounting, cash control and other as required. 

The Property Tax Specialist differs from the Accountant series in that the latter provides a full range of accounting, budgeting, grant accounting, cost accounting and financial analysis services involving the full general ledger accounts, and focusing on the financial performance of the budget units assigned.

Performs specialized/technical review and control of accounting records and accounts. Reviews and verifies source documents used in the receipt, distribution, collection, disbursement of monies to ensure proper coding and classifications, accurate accounting treatment and compliance with provisions of contracts/program/legal requirements. Authorizes the payment of claims against the County. Compiles and prepares standardized financial/statistical reports to county, state, or federal agencies. Researches and resolves a variety of difficult accounts-related problems through review of a variety of records, interpretation of program rules and regulations, projecting impact of potential actions/decisions, and coordination with multiple stakeholders. Serves as liaison with partner/regulatory agencies. Assists in the interpretation of a wide variety of complex policies, procedures, regulations, contracts and agreements to determine their provisions and regularly applies them to widely varied and/or difficult circumstances.  Troubleshoots automated accounting system problems. Identifies operator errors and/or equipment problems. Interfaces with the vendor or information systems staff to resolve systems-related problems.  Assists in developing and updating system codes, rate schedules, apportionment formula and accounting protocols to comply with regulations and policies. Performs a variety of administrative functions in support of higher-level positions or fiscal managers requiring a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the program/system. Serves as a resource to others and a recognized authority in the area of program assignment. May supervise or lead the work of other lower level fiscal staff. May perform other duties in support of accounting staff and management. This includes: claims for County and outside agencies; assisting in the research and compilation of information needed to develop budgets, set rates or allocate costs; and preparing routine financial reports with standardized content and format. 

Knowledge:

• Some knowledge of the relationships among accounting or statistical records and documents;
• Some knowledge of proper accounting codes and classifications for transactions;
• Working knowledge of modern practices, procedures, techniques and terminology related to the processing and recording of accounting transactions;
• Working knowledge of basic accounting principles, practices, and standards;
• Working knowledge of County accounting systems and procedures applicable to the receipt, deposit, distribution, collection, and disbursement of funds;
• Working knowledge of County administrative policies governing contracts, claims, payroll, and reimbursements.
• Working knowledge of accounting and specialized program policies, rules and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of the application of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access software.

Ability to:

• recognize errors and problems and research a variety of sources to determine appropriate corrective actions;
• independently resolve problems;
• reconcile differences within the record-keeping system;
• review and consolidate records from several sources and summarize and assimilate into reports and other accounting documents;
• understand, interpret and apply a variety of complex rules, regulations, contracts or legal documents in proper accounting context;
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of governmental officials, coworkers and the public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Three years of responsible accounting experience plus completion of at least 9 semester units of accounting; or three years of responsible full-charge bookkeeping experience plus, completion of at least 9 semester units of accounting; 

OR

Two years experience as a Senior Accounting Technician with Santa Cruz County plus, completion of at least 9 semester units of accounting;

OR 

One year of responsible technical or full-charge bookkeeping experience plus, eighteen semester units of accounting coursework, including at least two semesters of intermediate accounting;

OR 

Graduation from college with a degree in Accounting, Economics Finance or other related field.

Special Requirements/Conditions: 

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid California C Drivers License or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Must pass a background investigation, which includes fingerprints.

OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Physically and mentally capable of performing the essential functions of the position as summarized in the typical tasks section of this specification.