Accountant II - Controller's Office (Departmental Promotional Only)

County of San Mateo•San Mateo, CA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Controller’s Office is seeking an Accountant II for its Accounting section. The office promotes the County’s operational effectiveness and financial transparency and integrity through accounting, audit, and financial reporting services. It maintains the County’s financial systems and records; prepares independently audited annual financial reports; calculates annual property tax bills and distributes collected taxes; performs internal audits; and provides County payroll services. Under general supervision, the Accountant II performs professional accounting work involving centralized and departmental County accounting procedures and records. This is the journey-level class in the accountant series, and the incumbent is expected to independently perform the full range of accounting duties. Work requires thorough knowledge of governmental accounting, sound independent judgment within established guidelines, and may include directing or training support staff. The position is based entirely on-site and has no remote-work option.

Requirements

Two years of accounting experience; governmental or public agency experience is preferred.
Successful completion of at least twelve semester units of college-level accounting coursework.
Knowledge of general, fund, and governmental accounting principles, practices, and terminology.
Knowledge of business data-processing principles and practices, particularly as they relate to accounting information.
Knowledge of laws governing 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 financial data and information for accuracy.
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 others’ work on a project or day-to-day basis.
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
Ability to perform accurate mathematical and statistical calculations.
Ability to maintain accurate records and files.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Applicants must be current County of San Mateo employees in the Controller’s Office and have at least six months (1,040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited-term position before the final filing date.
Applicants must submit the required online employment application and supplemental-question responses; a resume is not accepted as a substitute.
Applicants must participate in examinations in San Mateo County, California, at their own expense.

Nice To Haves

Accounting experience in a governmental or public agency.

Responsibilities

Review accounting documents for accuracy and correct errors with appropriate entries.
Examine supporting documentation to verify authorization and compliance with agreements, contracts, and state and federal regulations.
Prepare and maintain control and subsidiary accounting records for varied transactions and accounts.
Prepare trial balances and coordinate and calculate periodic closings.
Prepare journal entries and reconcile general ledgers, journals, subsidiary accounts, and bank statements.
Compile general and subsidiary ledgers and supporting schedules.
Assist with or coordinate the preparation and analysis of budgets for departmental and County funds.
Maintain expenditure and budgetary control accounts and prepare and coordinate budget appropriation transfers.
Consult with departmental representatives and provide information about budgeting and accounting processes.
Analyze and prepare financial statements and reports.
Apportion secured, unsecured, impounded, redeemed, and other tax monies.
Review and approve claims for referral of tax, grant, or other monies, and prepare reimbursement claims for state or funding agencies and programs.
Maintain departmental cost accounting records, disburse funds to accounts, and bill for reimbursements as required.
Analyze programs and legislation for fiscal and budgetary impact; prepare appropriation transfers and supplemental budgets.
Review and recommend changes to accounting systems and procedures, and assist with or coordinate automation of manual accounting systems.
Provide technical support to internal, outside, and governmental program auditors.
May plan, direct, review, and evaluate fiscal office support staff and train staff in work procedures.
Perform related duties as assigned.