Performs the most complex professional level financial, accounting and auditing duties for county-wide programs and activities; prepares financial reports; conducts analytical review of financial information; prepares projections; performs research and analysis of accounting and statistical data. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Auditor-Accountant III is the advanced journey level in the Auditor-Accountant series, performing or leading major specialized accounting activities, or independently performing the most difficult or complex audits. Employees in this class possess highly specialized knowledge, abilities, skills and experience, and carry out necessary activities without direction except as new or unusual circumstances arise. Judgment is required both in interpreting established policies, goals, and objectives, and in applying concepts, plans, and strategies. Incumbents at the III level may provide technical and functional supervision over clerical, paraprofessional, and professional accounting staff. The class of Auditor-Accountant is found only in the Auditor-Controller's Office. The Auditor-Accountant class is distinguished from the Accountant class in that the duties of the Auditor-Accountants is broader in scope, encompass county-wide responsibilities for financial activities as opposed to departmental activities; in addition Auditor-Accountants may be assigned auditing duties. Employees ensure that activities are executed according to established policies, procedures, laws and regulations, and formulate and recommend fiscal policies and guidelines. For purposes of staff development, incumbents in this class will be rotated among a variety of accounting and auditing assignments, and may be assigned accounting duties in the General Accounting, Property Tax Administration, or Financial Systems areas of the Auditor-Controller's Office, or may be assigned auditing duties in the Internal Audit Function of the Auditor-Controller's Office.