Accountant (Senior)

Accountant

This is the advanced journey level within the Accountant series. Incumbents in this class perform a variety of professional accounting, financial, fiscal and training services. Assignments may include review and maintenance of accounting records, systems and procedures; quantitative analysis of financial records and department training which requires the application of accounting principles and an in-depth knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and procedures in general and governmental accounting.

Under general direction, plans, coordinates and conducts complex professional accounting duties in the preparation of financial reports and/or statements, in the development, review and maintenance of a department's accounting, cost and other financial systems that meet Federal, State and local requirements, in the collection and interpretation of financial information.; in the training of department staff in appropriate accounting practices and procedures, and in the analysis of financial records. Employees in this class are expected to exercise sound professional judgment in the interpretation of Federal, State, local and general accounting policies.

This class specification represents the core area of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.

Prepares a variety of difficult or complex accounting, statistical and/or financial statements or reports which require analysis and interpretation of fiscal data for use primarily by the assigned department, but also by other departments, auditors and/or non-County agencies; examines, analyzes and verifies fiscal documents to ensure adherence to established controls; analyzes and initiates changes in accounting methods, procedures and techniques in order to meet internal and external financial reporting requirements.

Reviews complex department accounting systems, procedures and records; recommends and assists in the implementation of new or revised accounting systems; analyzes operational procedures to automate manual department accounting processes; designs and maintains department accounting forms.

Provides technical accounting training to all department fiscal staff as well as to outside agencies including non-profit organizations; analyzes administrative and accounting weaknesses and provides training as deemed necessary; gathers data to determine training needs; assists in the development and maintenance of the department accounting manual; provides guidance in the implementation of updates and changes in accounting practices and principles to department fiscal staff as necessary.

Prepares grant related reports, monitors revenues and projections of fiscally complex grant monies, local fees and state revenues.

May prepare tax returns and investigates and resolves tax related complex issues such as those involving multiple revenue sources.

Establishes and maintains working relationships with vendors/contractors, county staff, management, Federal and State agencies, and the general public; serves as liaison for Federal and State external and internal audits related to department programs; reviews indirect cost rate proposals from other agencies and/or cost allocation methodologies; participates in rate negotiations with Federal/State agencies on department revenues; works with various federal and state auditors in resolving cost settlement and payment reconciliation issues.

Prepares, evaluates, justifies and maintains complex annual budgets such as those with multiple funding sources; assembles and analyzes cost accounting records and supporting technical and statistical data; makes complex or difficult adjusting entries and transfers of appropriation; trains employees in the new accounts and budget controls.

Advises department staff and managers of changes in laws, rules, regulations and practices which impact department accounting and fiscal procedures; interprets rules and regulations to determine accounting and auditing requirements for externally funded programs; develops department accounting procedural guidelines.

May lead the work of other professional Accountants and/or clerical and paraprofessional staff.

May supervise the work of clerical personnel; provides assistance with difficult entries, reconciliation or other fiscal functions; recommends personnel actions related to employee selection, advancement, transfer, and discipline; trains and evaluates employees.

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

Education: A Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in business administration, finance, accounting or a closely related field, which must have included at least 12 semester or 18 quarter units in Accounting and/or Auditing.

Experience: Three years of professional accounting experience.

Note: Possession of a Certified Public Accountant Certificate may be substituted for the education requirement.

Some positions in this class will require the applicant to possess a valid California driver's license, Class C, by the time of appointment.

Employees must keep their licenses, certifications and registrations current and failure to do so may constitute cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement.