Accounting Technician (Full-Time Only)

Salary: $24.19 - $29.44 Hourly
Location : Merced
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: MSS05928
Department: Merced County Human Services Agency
Opening Date: 06/19/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Position Information
Under limited supervision, the Accounting Technician performs the more difficult and technical sub-professional accounting work required in the maintenance of fiscal and statistical records; prepares and assists in the preparation of financial statements, documents, analysis, and reports; maintains accounting records, reports, and manual or computer-based accounting systems; and performs related work as required.

The Accounting Technician is a single level specialized class with responsibility for maintaining a variety of complex departmental fiscal records, computer-based accounting systems, or broad accounting functions. The Accounting Technician differs from the Account Clerk III in that the former requires sustained use of a high degree of independent judgment and interpretive ability. The Accounting Technician differs from the higher class of Accountant I in that the latter is the entry level into the professional accountant series, performing professional accounting work.

Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintains journals and general ledgers of financial transactions and prepares analytical reports on revenues and expenditures. Independently performs complex and technical audits based on analysis and interpretation of financial information.
• Prepares calculations for billing for services provided by the county.
• Appropriately distributes funds in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Maintains ancillary, general, statistical, and cost records. Examines and reviews account records, adjusting balances and reconciling accounts.
• Prepares and processes materials that require the analysis of source material and a thorough familiarity with policies, procedures, terminology, and various applicable laws in order to obtain the necessary data.
• Compiles a variety of narrative and statistical reports, locates sources of information, devises forms to secure data, and determines proper format for finished reports.
• Answers questions that involve searching for and abstracting technical data and detailed explanations of laws, policies, or procedures, referring only matters requiring policy decisions to the supervisor.
• May operate automated systems and trouble-shoot problems related to the production of fiscal and statistical reports and related documents.
• May be responsible for a billing and statistical record keeping operation.
• Regular attendance is an essential function.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:

• Basic budget preparation procedures.
• Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and composition.
• Methods, practices, and automated systems used in the development, maintenance, and control of fiscal and accounting work.
• Basic governmental accounting principles and procedures.
• Purposes and methods of financial record keeping.
• Computer terminology and computer keyboard arrangement.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate mathematical aptitude.
• Enter data accurately into automated system.
• Prepare financial reports and maintain ledgers and journals.
• Independently perform varied and responsible technical accounting assignments.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• Analyze data and draw logical conclusions.
• Common spreadsheet and database software packages.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications
One (1) year as an Account Clerk III in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) County;

OR

Two (2) years as an Account Clerk II in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) County;

OR

Three (3) years of full time experience in the maintenance and review of fiscal, financial, accounting or statistical records; 12 semester units or 18 quarter units in accounting, business math, bookkeeping or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the experience in this pattern;

OR

An Associates of Arts degree in Accounting and six months of full time experience in the maintenance and review of fiscal, financial, accounting or statistical records.

Supplemental Information
Training & Experience Examination - Weighted 100% The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate's knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score.


To obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.
ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATION A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Merced County. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.

RETEST PERIOD
Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date.

SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTS Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at or View phone number on click.appcast.io upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination.

EDUCATION DOCUMENTS If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

GENERAL INFORMATION This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.


MSS reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the recruitment if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be
notified.

If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination. Your performance in this examination will be rated against predetermined rating criteria. All competitors who pass will be added to the eligible list. Meeting the entry requirements does not
ensure success in the examination or placement on the eligible list.


General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgement, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. As part of the hiring process, a background investigation may be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital
status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

ABOUT MERCED COUNTY
Merced County is located in the northern part of the San Joaquin Valley in central California, an area earning worldwide acclaim for its rich agriculture, and spans from the coastal ranges to the foothills of Yosemite National Park. The City of Merced, the self-proclaimed Gateway to Yosemite, has a population of approximately 81,102, yet retains the charm of a small town with amenities routinely found in larger communities. Merced's revitalized downtown is emerging as the entertainment center of the area. The County is representative of the rural heartland and Gold Rush remnants underpinning the state's heritage. It is a peaceful, quiet, and friendly area with an abundance of beautiful bike paths and offers choices of higher education in UC Merced and Merced College.
Merit System Services does not negotiate or determine the benefits or salaries for positions offered by its partners. For more information about benefits or salaries, please visit the listed county or child support office's website or contact their human resources department.