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

Position Overview The Controller's Office is currently seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Accountant I/II. The mission of the Controller's Office is to promote the County's operational effectiveness and to ensure its financial transparency and integrity by providing quality accounting, audit, and financial reporting services. The office maintains the County’s financial systems and records, prepares independently audited annual financial reports, calculates property tax bill amounts, distributes taxes to local government agencies, performs internal audits of County operations, and provides payroll services for the County's workforce. Under general supervision, the incumbent performs professional accounting work related to both centralized and departmental County accounting procedures and records. This is a fully on‑site position with no remote work options. Accountant I is the entry‑level class of the professional accounting series. Initially, under close supervision, incumbents perform routine duties while learning County policies and procedures and becoming familiar with departmental systems. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision. This class can be advanced to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency that meets the requirements of the higher‑level class. Accountant II is the journey‑level class in this series, competent to independently perform the full range of accounting duties. Successful performance requires a thorough knowledge of governmental accounting procedures, the ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines, and may involve skill in directing the work of support staff. Duties Review accounting documents to ensure accuracy of information, 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 reconcilation 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. Qualifications Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is: Accountant I: Equivalent to graduation from a four‑year college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a closely related field. Sub‑professional accounting support work may be substituted for the education on a year‑for‑year basis to a maximum of two years. This classification requires the successful completion of a minimum of twelve semester units of college‑level accounting coursework. Accountant II: Two years of accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or public agency. Knowledge of: Principles, practices, and terminology of general, fund, and governmental accounting. Principles and practices of business data processing, particularly as related to the processing of accounting information. Applicable laws regulating public fiscal operations. Budgeting principles and terminology. Basic auditing and financial reconciliation principles and methods. Skills and Abilities: Review, analyze, interpret, and reconcile financial reports and transactions. Verify the accuracy of financial data and information. Prepare clear, concise, and complete financial reports and statements. Ensure proper authorization and documentation for disbursements and other transactions. Direct the work of others on a project or day‑to‑day basis. Exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines. Make accurate mathematical and statistical calculations. Maintain accurate records and files. Establish and maintain effective working relations. #J-18808-Ljbffr County of San Mateo