Under general supervision, performs routine professional accounting work, verifies fiscal records and reports, prepares analytical, narrative, statistical, and accounting reports; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level class in the Accountant series. At this level, incumbents are assigned routine professional accounting work that is limited in scope, functions with slightly less program knowledge or skill, and exercises less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods than an Accountant II. This class differs from the Accountant II level in that incumbents of the latter class perform complex accounting work, exercise more independent judgment, and may provide training and/or direct the work of incumbents in this class.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Establishes and maintains general and subsidiary accounts and related ledgers including revenue and disbursement; maintains records of encumbrances of funds; balances, verifies and reconciles accounts, ledgers, and other financial or fiscal records.
Participates in reviewing and approving the work of assigned staff processing invoices, contracts, purchase orders, journal entries, service & stores transfers, and other fiscal documents to ensure that proper cost centers and expense lines are being used and are in accordance with departmental budget; approves requisitions for direct purchase and determines the most efficient method for purchasing.
Reconciles bank statements and County expenditure budget reports.
Gathers information for and prepares accounting and fiscal records, reports, and claims for internal use, for use by the particular department involved, or for use by another County agency such as the County Administrator's Office.
Participates in providing up-to-date cost accounting information for a County department to be used for budgeting and cost control purposes by that department, federal or state agencies, or the County Administrator's Office; participates in the performance of analysis of expenditure lines versus budgeted amount at the departmental level or cost center level.
Participates in the management of cash needs for assigned area; examines cash balances for each funding stream; projects how much cash is needed to cover expenses per funding stream; requests funds from federal, state, and County agencies.
Supervises assigned accounting function; insures appropriate processes are followed; verifies accuracy of information and supporting documentation; prepares related reports and resolves complex issues.
Answers questions and provides information to internal departmental customers or external direct customers.
Participates in audits performed by federal, state, and private agencies.
May direct clerical staff working on related projects.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EITHER PATTERN I
Experience: Three years as an Accounting Technician II in San Joaquin County service.
OR PATTERN II
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, business administration, economics, or a closely related field, including at least twelve semester units in accounting.
OR PATTERN III
Education: Completion of 60 semester or equivalent quarter units from an accredited college or university, including a minimum of 15 semester or equivalent quarter units in accounting.
Experience: Two years of professional accounting experience.
AND
License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license if required by the nature of the assignment.
KNOWLEDGE
Accounting theory, principles, and practices, and their application to a variety of accounting transactions; modern office procedures, practices, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as spreadsheets, databases, and electronic data processing systems; auditing theory, principles, and practices.
ABILITY
Analyze and evaluate routine accounting and auditing problems; gather pertinent accounting and related data in the preparation of reports and statements; assist in or independently prepare routine financial and statistical reports; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; adapt to changing technologies and learn the functionality of new equipment and systems; learn, interpret, and apply pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others including County officials and other employees; communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility-Frequent operation of a data entry device and sitting for long periods of time; occasional standing for long periods of time, walking, pushing/pulling, bending/squatting, driving, and climbing stairs; Lifting-Frequently 5 lbs or less; occasionally 5 to 30 lbs; Visual-Constant use of overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent need for color perception, hand/eye coordination, and field of vision; Dexterity-Frequent holding, reaching, grasping, repetitive motion, and writing; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing on the telephone, talking in person and on the telephone; Emotional/Physiological Factors-Frequent decision making, concentration, and working alone; occasional public contact; Special Requirements-Some assignments may require occasional working weekends, nights, and/or occasional overtime; occasional travel; Environmental Conditions-Occasional exposure to noise, dust, and poor ventilation; occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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