Accountant, Accounting Manager, Financial Reporting

Position Information

Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional accounting, auditing, and fiscal analysis involved in coordinating and overseeing accounting activities in the preparation, maintenance, analysis, and verification of the department's fiscal and budget records; directs complex accounting and related business management work; performs highly responsible staff assistance to the fiscal manager and performs related duties as assigned. This entry‑level Accountant I class receives in‑service training in less routine professional accounting, auditing, and fiscal analysis while learning agency activities, systems, and fiscal control activities.

After one year of satisfactory performance, incumbents are expected to promote to Accountant II.

• Coordinate and oversee accounting and/or auditing activities supporting department‑wide operations; maintain accuracy of general, revenue, and expenditure ledgers and subsidiary financial systems.
• Assist in annual budget preparation and monitor budget activities; prepare the final budget document; prepare and review various monthly, periodic, and annual financial, accounting, budgetary, and statistical studies and reports.
• Provide lead direction to paraprofessional and/or clerical employees engaged in maintaining department accounts and records; coordinate staff training.
• Prepare periodic fiscal reports, process financial documents, and perform related functions such as accounting for specialized activities, preparing payrolls, billing, and collecting for agency services.
• Oversee, review, audit, and post accounts payable, cash receipts, payroll, and other accounting records and transactions; analyze and audit transactions for proper account classification; prepare journal entries for recording in the accounting system.
• Reconcile financial ledgers and records; prepare financial statements and reports; research and resolve discrepancies.
• Interpret budget policies in relation to the department's needs.
• Advise superiors on the condition of accounts and the status of the approved budget; make recommendations to resolve specific problems.
• Develop and implement improvements and changes in agency accounting procedures and methods.
• Maintain special accounting systems that reflect the condition of agency and sub‑vented or cooperative federal funds.
• Prepare, analyze, and review estimates for revenues, reimbursements, expenditures, and other accounts.
• Provide responsible staff assistance to the fiscal manager; prepare special studies and reports.
• Audit departmental records to ensure compliance with fiscal policies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• General accounting theory, principles, and practices.
• Governmental cost accounting and budgeting procedures.
• Uniform accounting system and financial organization procedures.
• Federal, state, and county laws, rules, and regulations.
• Principles of business management, including office methods and procedures.
• Principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision.
• Budget development and control.
• Principles of public finance and business law.

• Apply general accounting principles and procedures.
• Plan, organize, and direct the work of others.
• Analyze data and draw sound conclusions.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Make sound decisions and recommendations in regard to the department's budget, accounting, and business management activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Speak and write effectively.

• Pattern 1:
  Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field, or a successful completion of the Certified Public Accountant exam.
• Pattern 2: 60 semester (or 90 quarter) college units including 15 semester (or 22.5 quarter) units in accounting, plus two years of full‑time experience as an Accounting Technician or similar role.
• Pattern 3:
  Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four years of full‑time experience, including fifteen semester (or 22.5 quarter) units in accounting, finance, or related field.