Accountant I/II

Description

THIS POSTING MAY CLOSE AT ANYTIME AND WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

The posted salary reflects the 7% increase effective October 1, 2023. An additional 6% salary increase will occur in October 2024. Increased County contributions to medical will be in effect starting January 1, 2024.

DEFINITION
I
Under general direction, to perform a variety of accounting, fiscal analysis, and auditing in the preparation, maintenance, and analysis of County/Department fiscal records and financial transactions; to learn County fiscal policies, procedures, and computerized fiscal management, payroll, and tax systems; and to do related work as required.

II
Under general direction, to perform a variety of complex accounting, fiscal analysis, and auditing in the preparation, maintenance, and analysis of County/Department fiscal records and financial transactions; to provide direction and coordination for fiscal support and payroll staff; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
I
This is the entry and first working level in the Accountant class series. Incumbents perform a variety of accounting and auditing work requiring some knowledge and background. Incumbents may be assigned to a special work areas as dictated by the needs of the County and the Auditor's Office. This class is distinguished from Accountant II by performing a lesser of scope fiscal management and analysis work and the fact many of the assignments may be performed in a learning capacity, while an incumbent becomes familiar with County fiscal policies, procedures, and computerized financial management systems. An incumbent is learning the computerized systems with the goal of gaining the capability to exercise a coordinating role as they advance to the higher levels in the series. When sufficient job knowledge and work skills have been demonstrated, an incumbent may be promoted to the Accountant II level.

II
This is the experienced journey level in the Accountant class series. Incumbents perform a variety of complex accounting and auditing work requiring substantial knowledge and background. Incumbents may be assigned to special work areas as dictated by the needs of the County and the Auditor's Office. This class is distinguished from Accountant I by performing a wide variety of more complex fiscal management and analysis work and exercising some responsibility in the coordination of a fiscal management area. It is distinguished from Accountant III in that Accountant III's are assigned full supervisory responsibility for other professional Accountants.

REPORTS TO
County and/or Department supervisory/management staff, as assigned.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
Incumbents may provide some work direction and coordination for fiscal support staff and payroll staff.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office environment; continuous contact with other staff. :

Example of Duties

(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)
I
In a training, learning, and basic working capacity:
performs accounting work in the establishment and maintenance of County fiscal records
Maintains a variety of ledgers and journals; reviews fiscal records to ensure proper disbursement of funds
Maintains and balances revenue information
Oversees employee insurance administration
Audits financial records and prepares information for final audits
Prepares a variety of financial reports and statements
Assists with the development and control of budget information
May oversee and coordinate payroll functions
Performs special financial analysis assignments
Coordinates balancing of County cash accounts with the banks and other responsible County departments
Coordinates posting of journal entries
Provides work direction, coordination, and training for fiscal support staff in a County department, as assigned
Serves as a liaison with other government agencies, auditors, and the public
Provides first line contact with contract auditors, preparing and providing documentation for the annual audit;
Performs verification of draft financial audit report
Performs adjusting entries, after verification as requested in audit reports
Provides other County staff with a variety of information regarding fiscal processes and procedures
Learns the County's computerized financial management and tax systems.

II
Performs complex accounting work in the establishment and maintenance of County fiscal records
Maintains a variety of ledgers and journals
Reviews fiscal records to ensure proper disbursement of funds
Maintains and balances revenue information
Oversees employee insurance administration
Audits financial records and prepares information for final audits
Prepares a variety of financial reports and statements
Assists with the development and control of budget information
May oversee and coordinate payroll functions
Performs special financial analysis assignments
Coordinates balancing of cash accounts with the banks and other responsible County departments
Coordinates posting of journal entries
Reconciles problem accounts
Oversees contract administration
Provides work direction, coordination, and training for fiscal support staff, as assigned
Serves as a liaison with other government agencies, auditors, and the public
Provides first line contact with contract auditors, preparing and providing documentation for the annual audit
Performs verification of draft financial audit reports
Performs adjusting entries, after verification as requested in audit reports
Provides other County staff with a variety of information regarding fiscal processes and procedures
May provide coordination regarding property tax fiscal accounting with the Assessor's Office and Tax Collector's Office, as necessary; may be assigned some coordination responsibilities regarding the County's computerized financial management, payroll, and tax systems.

Minimum Qualifications

Training and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

I
Education equivalent to successful completion of courses required for a major in accounting at an accredited four (4) year college or university, or successful completion of a professional accounting curriculum which included courses in elementary and advanced accounting, auditing, cost accounting, and business law. (Four years of experience as an Accounting Technician, or in an equivalent technical fiscal support position may be substituted for the required education.)

II
Two years of increasingly responsible fiscal management experience comparable to that of an Accountant I with San Benito County.

Education equivalent to successful completion of courses required for a major in accounting at an accredited four (4) year college or university, or successful completion of a professional accounting curriculum which included courses in elementary and advanced accounting, auditing, cost accounting, and business law.
(An additional two years of professional accounting/auditing experience may be substituted for the required education.)

Special Requirements

Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid class C California Drivers License

May be required to pass a fingerprint/background investigation.

Knowledge Of/Ability To

Knowledge of:
I
General accounting theory, principles, and practices and their application to a variety of accounting transactions and problems.
Government cost accounting and budgeting.
Auditing theory, principles, and techniques and their application to government finance.
Principles of account classification.
Budget development and control.
Computerized spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
Principles of work direction, work coordination, and training.

II
General accounting theory, principles, and practices and their application to a variety of accounting transactions and problems.
Laws, rules, regulations, and policies affecting the financial operations and transactions of the County.
Government cost accounting and budgeting.
Auditing theory, principles, and techniques and their application to government finance.
Principles of account classification.
Budget development and control.
The County's computerized financial management, payroll, and property tax systems and computerized spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
Principles of work direction, work coordination, and training.

Ability to:
I
Perform a variety of accounting and financial transaction work.
Learn the County's computerized financial management and tax systems with the goal of exercising coordination responsibilities.
Proficiently use a variety of computerized spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
Analyze and evaluate financial information, researching and gathering appropriate
information to resolve problems.
Provide lead direction, work coordination and training for other staff.
Monitor and update fiscal records.
Prepare a variety of financial reports and statements.
Gather, organize, analyze, and present a variety of information.
Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
Use a computerized financial management system.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

II
Perform a variety of complex accounting and financial transaction work.
Provide basic coordination for the County's computerized financial management, payroll, and property tax systems.
Proficiently use a variety of computerized spreadsheet, word processing, and data base software.
Analyze and evaluate financial information, researching and gathering appropriate information to resolve problems.
Provide lead direction, work coordination and training for other staff.
Monitor and update fiscal records.
Prepare a variety of financial reports and statements.
Gather, organize, analyze, and present a variety of information.
Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
Use a computerized financial management system.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships

Selection Process: All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list.

In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all County of San Benito employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.

SAN BENITO COUNTY BENEFITS

Employees in regular, full-time positions will be eligible to participate in the following employee benefits:

Pay Day: Employees are paid bi-weekly.
Insurance Deductions: The insurance and benefits deductions will take place bi-monthly, normally the first two pay periods of the month. Bank/Credit union and 457 Retirement Deferrals deductions will take place bi-weekly.

Vacation: Based on continued years of service. Maximum accruals may apply depending on the bargaining unit.

• 5 to 9 years of service = 15 days per year
• 10 to 14 years of service = 18 days per year
• 15 + years of service = 20 days per year

Holidays: 13.5 holidays (including 3 floating) for most employees.

Sick Leave: 15 days per year. Maximum accruals apply.

Health Plan: Comprehensive medical and dental plans available for full-time employees. Employees appointed to a regular position at a time base of 50% or higher are also eligible to participate.

Vision Plan: MES Vision Plan offered which offers exams, frames and lenses on a 12-24-24 basis. The County pays for employee coverage and the employee can pay for dependent coverage. This benefit is available to FULL-TIME employees only.

Employee Assistance Program: The County provides confidential short-term counseling services to employees and dependents. Any regular employee is eligible for up to a total of three (3) hours of counseling sessions within any six (6) month period per County employee. Up to a maximum of six (6) sessions per calendar year are allowed per family

Life Insurance/AD&D: County pays for a $20,000 BASIC life insurance policy for each employee. Two other VOLUNTARY life insurance plans available, including AD&D.

Disability Insurance: General, Confidential and Management groups participate in the State Disability Insurance.

Credit Union: Membership to the Santa Clara Federal Credit Union is available to San Benito County employees.

Deferred Compensation: Employees may participate in tax-deferred retirement savings. Three 457 plans are available. Employees may rollover funds from prior 401k or 457 accounts. IRS limits apply.

Retirement: Regular employees will be enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system in accordance with the Public Employees' Retirement Law. Employee contributions vary according to bargaining unit.

All New Miscellaneous (non-Safety) employees enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system participate in the full formula of 2% at 62. Miscellaneous employees participate in Social Security in addition to CalPERS.

New Safety employees are covered by the safety full formula 2.7% at 57. Safety employees contribute 9% of the employee contribution. Safety employees do not participate in Social Security.

Supplemental Insurance: Employees may participate in various AFLAC plans such as accident, disability, and cancer insurances.

Additionaly, employees can enroll into a pre-tax cafeteria plan and flexible spending accounts including Unreimbursed Medical ($2500) and Dependent Care ($5000).

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Retirement Formula Local MISC 2% @ 62 for New PERS Members

Social Security (non-safety)

Vacation Based on Continued Years of Service

Sick Leave 15 Days Annually

Floating Holiday

457 Deferred Compensation

Credit Union

Flexible Spending Account

Employee Assistance Program

Group Life Insurance

Additional Optional Life Insurances & AD&D

Tuition Reimbursement

01

I understand all County employees will be required to take an Oath of Office and will be called upon to act as Disaster Service Workers, when needed.

• Yes

02

Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Your responses to the questions must be supported by both the work experience listed on your application as well as your resume. The rating of the supplemental questions may determine your application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Answers such as "see resume" or "see above" will remove you from consideration. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.

• Yes
• No

03

Please indicate your highest level of education.

• Did not complete high school or equivalent
• High School, GED, or equivalent
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

04

Which of the following educational backgrounds do you possess?

• Bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited four-year college or university
• Completion of a professional accounting curriculum including elementary and advanced accounting, auditing, cost accounting, and business law
• Four years of experience as an Accounting Technician or equivalent fiscal support position
• All of the above
• None of the above

05

How many years of increasingly responsible fiscal management experience do you have, comparable to that of an Accountant I with San Benito County?

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-4 years
• 4-5 years
• 5-6 years
• More than 6 years

06

Please describe in detail your experience in accounting technician/fiscal management roles. Include specific examples of your responsibilities, tasks handled, your role in financial reporting or analysis, and any challenges you encountered and successfully managed.

Required Question

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

• 

• County of San Benito

• (831) 636-4000

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