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County of Placer•Auburn, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Accountant I is the entry-level class in the Accountant series. The position performs professional and technical accounting work involving the application of accounting principles and practices to maintain fiscal controls and records, prepare transactions, and develop financial and statistical reports. It also contributes to accounting and financial procedures and systems, monitors budgets and financial activity, and recommends efficiencies and improvements. Work typically involves routine tasks, with employees learning job duties under immediate supervision that progresses to general supervision. The position receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel and exercises direct supervision over technical and clerical personnel. The role supports County and departmental accounting programs and integrated financial systems. Duties may cover financial statements, general ledger and monthly accounting, budgeting, cash flow and cost projections, expenditure and revenue monitoring, reconciliations, grants, capital assets, audits, investments, and debt management. Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with controlled temperature conditions. A typical qualification is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in accounting, finance, or a closely related field. No experience is required. Depending on the assignment, qualifying governmental accounting, auditing, and finance experience may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis, subject to the stated experience and coursework conditions. A valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and medical clearance may be required depending on the position.

Requirements

No experience is required.
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in accounting, finance, or a closely related field.
Depending on the area of assignment, qualifying governmental accounting, auditing, and finance experience involving state and local laws or governmental accounting standards may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis if it involved duties equivalent to those of an Accounting Technician in Placer County and the candidate has completed at least 18 units of college coursework or related technical training in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, including at least 6 accounting units. Experience used to substitute for the degree cannot also count toward work experience requirements.
May need a valid driver's license as required by the position and in accordance with the California Vehicle Code; proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, governmental accounting standards, and governmental accounting and auditing procedures.
Knowledge of cost, fund, and enterprise accounting and financial reporting.
Knowledge of statutory laws, rules, and regulations applicable to governmental accounting, auditing, finance, and fiscal operations.
Knowledge of employee supervision practices, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation, and staff training.
Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and laws; organizational and management practices; computerized accounting systems and spreadsheets; data processing; internal controls and fraud and risk indicators; property tax billing and collections; and modern office practices, equipment, and applications.
Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; public representation and customer-service techniques.
Ability to prepare and maintain standard accounting records and reports; analyze complex data, identify discrepancies, prepare summaries and tables, draw appropriate conclusions, and present technical information effectively.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; and conduct interviews.
Ability to evaluate and develop operational, procedural, policy, or methods improvements; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within applicable guidelines.
Ability to operate accounting equipment, including calculators, personal computers, and a 10-key adding machine by touch.
Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Ability to represent the department and County effectively, work tactfully with diverse cultural and ethnic groups, and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, County employees, and the public.
Ability to perform the described desk-based and light physical activities, including prolonged sitting, reaching, fine manipulation, keyboarding or writing, telephone use, and lifting light weight.

Responsibilities

Provide professional and technical assistance in administering, reviewing, and implementing County and departmental accounting programs and integrated financial systems.
Participate in departmental accounting functions, including financial statements, general ledger, monthly statements, special-project accounting, studies, and reports.
Prepare financial, statistical, and narrative reports, including year-end, budgetary, monthly financial statements, cash flow, and investment reports; assist with the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and other reporting materials.
Assist with annual budget preparation, cash flow and cost projections, revenue and expenditure estimates, expenditure monitoring, and budget publication.
Monitor and review expenditures, revenues, and budget allocations; analyze and reconcile accounts, review appropriation transfer requests, and reconcile bond and bank statements to the general ledger.
Prepare and review ledgers and journal entries; balance and maintain complex accounting records, including trusts, funds, claims, and tax trust accounts.
Perform quality-control reviews to ensure accounting documents are accurate and comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and County policies.
Interpret and apply accounting and auditing principles, laws, and regulations affecting departmental financial operations.
Supervise technical and clerical staff; participate in personnel selection, training, motivation, evaluation, and performance management, and recommend discipline.
Maintain controls for capital assets, including vehicles, and perform annual inventory reconciliation and inspections.
Monitor department grant funds for compliance, compile data for claims, and prepare grant applications.
Track Capital Improvement expenditures and allocate funds to the appropriate accounts.
Assist in coordinating audits, providing information and reports, and ensuring required documentation is available and accurate.
Assist with investments, portfolio and cash management, debt management, new financing, annexations and subdivisions, and revenue and expense projections.
Review and implement accounting, auditing, and financial procedures and systems.
Examine, verify, and approve fiscal documents such as vouchers, warrants, requisitions, and invoices.
Record and review subsidiary and general-ledger transactions; prepare trial balances, reconciliations, and worksheets.
Perform related duties as assigned.