Under general direction, performs the most complex and technical professional accounting assignments; supervises others engaged in professional and technical accounting functions as assigned; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey level class in the Accountant series. At this level, incumbents work independently, and have responsibility for the most complex and technical professional accounting work. Incumbents have overall responsibility for overseeing assigned accounting activities and may supervise other professional, paraprofessional, and clerical level staff within a department or division. This class differs from the Accounting Manager in that the latter is responsible for the management of a complex accounting/fiscal unit within a department or division and have broad oversight of various fiscal activities.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Supervises and participates in professional and technical accounting or auditing work in accordance with prescribed standards and systems as assigned; performs the most complex accounting work, including determining cost allocation methods, managing funds, and calculating billing rates.
Participates in the development of financial management systems for assigned County department or area.
Provides information for and prepares periodic accounting and fiscal reports to internal units, federal, state, and local agencies and/or to private auditing firms as required by governing agencies.
Maintains records of financial transactions of County funds, working capital funds, school district funds, special district funds, active trust funds, and agency funds.
Reconciles bank account balances and bank statements.
Ensures that money received is credited to the proper fund and revenue account and checked against revenue estimates; documents the source of revenue and expenses in accordance with predetermined revenue estimates; analyzes various accounts to ensure proper recording of transactions.
Prepares and approves journal entries and service & stores transfers to record expenses, record revenues, make corrections, and to charge other County units for services.
Assists in preparation of County and internal budgets; compiles and prepares budget estimates from anticipated operating costs, cash collections, revenues, and expenses; maintains appropriate budget controls over departmental expenditures.
Reviews and authorizes requisitions, invoices, and vouchers for processing and payment in accordance with federal, state, and County regulations; authorizes payrolls.
Designs, installs, maintains, and updates accounting systems for assigned operations in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations; reviews, analyzes, and monitors various reports from assigned accounting systems to ensure all transactions are properly recorded, exceptions are worked, corrections made, adjustments recorded, and reports completed.
Serves as liaison with internal departmental customers or external direct customers to resolve issues and/or provide information; provides information to departmental managers; provides information to vendors.
Participates in audits performed by federal, state, and private agencies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EITHER PATTERN I
Experience: Two years as an Accountant II in San Joaquin County service.
OR PATTERN II
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, accounting, economics, or a closely related field, including at least twelve semester units in accounting.
Experience: Three years of professional accounting experience.
OR PATTERN III
Education: Completion of 60 semester or equivalent quarter units from an accredited college or university including a minimum of 15 semester units or equivalent quarter units in accounting.
Experience: Five years of professional accounting experience.
AND FOR BOTH PATTERNS
License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license if required by the nature of the assignment.
KNOWLEDGE
Accounting theory, principles, practices, and procedures and their application to a wide variety of accounting transactions and problems with particular reference to governmental accounting; auditing theory, principles and practices; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations; modern office procedures, practices, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as spreadsheets, databases, and electronic data processing systems.
ABILITY
Analyze and evaluate accounting and auditing problems; develop pertinent accounting and related data in the preparation of reports and statements; prepare complex 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; supervise and train others; develop appropriate systems for accounts, records, forms, and procedures; interpret and apply rules and regulations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others including County officials and employees, other governmental agencies, or representatives of other business entities; 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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