Accountant I/II - Probation Department (Departmental Promotional Only)

County of San Mateo•San Mateo, CA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Probation Department is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Accountant I/II. This role involves performing professional accounting work related to centralized and departmental County accounting procedures and records under general supervision. The Accountant I is an entry-level position where incumbents perform routine duties while learning County policies and procedures, with potential for advancement to Accountant II. The Accountant II is a journey-level position capable of independently performing the full range of accounting duties, requiring a strong understanding of governmental accounting, independent judgment, and potentially directing support staff. The use of computer technology varies by department. This role is distinguished from Senior Accountant (supervisory/advanced specialist) and fiscal office support roles by its requirement for analytical and systems development skills in addition to accounting theory. It is also distinguished from the Internal Auditor series, which performs audits in addition to accounting duties. The eligible list generated may be used for current and future vacancies.

Requirements

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a closely related field (for Accountant I).
Sub-professional accounting support work may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years (for Accountant I).
Successful completion of a minimum of twelve semester units of college-level accounting coursework (for Accountant I).
Two years of accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or public agency (for Accountant II).
Knowledge of principles, practices, and terminology of general, fund, and governmental accounting.
Knowledge of principles and practices of business data processing, particularly as related to the processing of accounting information.
Knowledge of applicable laws regulating public fiscal operations.
Knowledge of budgeting principles and terminology.
Knowledge of basic auditing and financial reconciliation principles and methods.
Ability to review, analyze, interpret, and reconcile financial reports and transactions.
Ability to verify the accuracy of financial data and information.
Ability to prepare clear, concise, and complete financial reports and statements.
Ability to ensure proper authorization and documentation for disbursements and other transactions.
Ability to direct the work of others on a project or day-to-day basis.
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
Ability to make accurate mathematical and statistical calculations.
Ability to maintain accurate records and files.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations.
Current County of San Mateo employees in the Probation Department with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a governmental or public agency (preferred for Accountant II).

Responsibilities

Review accounting documents to ensure accuracy of information and calculations and make correcting entries.
Examine supporting documentation to establish proper authorization and conformance with agreements, contracts, and state and federal regulations.
Prepare and maintain control and subsidiary accounting records involving a variety of transactions and accounts.
Prepare trial balances; coordinate and calculate periodic closings.
Prepare journal entries and reconciliation of general ledger, journals, subsidiary accounts, and bank statements.
Compile and prepare general and subsidiary ledgers and supporting schedules.
Assist in and/or coordinate the preparation and analysis of budgets for departmental and County funds.
Maintain expenditure and budgetary control accounts; prepare and coordinate budget appropriation transfers.
Confer with departmental representatives and provide information regarding budgeting and accounting processes.
Analyze and prepare varied financial statements and reports.
Apportion monies including secured, unsecured, impounded, redeemed, and other taxes.
Review and approve claims for referral of tax, grant, or other monies and prepare claims for reimbursement from various state or funding agencies and/or programs.
Maintain varied departmental cost accounting records, disbursing funds to various accounts and/or billing for reimbursements as required.
Analyze programs and legislation to determine fiscal and budgetary impact; prepare budgetary appropriation transfers and supplemental budgets.
Review and recommend modifications to existing or creation of accounting systems and procedures; may assist with or coordinate the automation of manual accounting systems.
Provide technical support to internal and outside auditors and governmental program auditors.
May plan, direct, review, and evaluate the work of fiscal office support staff on a project or day-to-day basis; may train staff in work procedures.
Perform related duties as assigned.