Accountant I

Accountant

Under general direction, to perform a variety of accounting, fiscal analysis, and auditing in the preparation, maintenance, and analysis of County/Department fiscal records and financial transactions; to learn County fiscal policies, procedures, and computerized fiscal management, payroll, and tax systems; and to do related work as required.

This is the entry and first working level in the Accountant class series. Incumbents perform a variety of accounting and auditing work requiring some knowledge and background. Incumbents may be assigned to a special work areas as dictated by the needs of the County and the Auditor's Office. This class is distinguished from Accountant II by performing a lesser scope of fiscal management and analysis work and the fact many of the assignments may be performed in a learning capacity, while an incumbent becomes familiar with County fiscal policies, procedures, and computerized financial management systems. An incumbent is learning the computerized systems with the goal of gaining the capability to exercise a coordinating role as they advance to the higher levels in the series. When sufficient job knowledge and work skills have been demonstrated, an incumbent may be promoted to the Accountant II level.

Reports To County and/or Department supervisory/management staff, as assigned.

Classifications Supervised Incumbents may provide some work direction and coordination for fiscal support staff and payroll staff.

Typical Physical Requirements Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

Typical Working Conditions Work is performed in an office environment; continuous contact with other staff.

(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.) In a training, learning, and basic working capacity: performs accounting work in the establishment and maintenance of County fiscal records Maintains a variety of ledgers and journals; reviews fiscal records to ensure proper disbursement of funds Maintains and balances revenue information Oversees employee insurance administration Audits financial records and prepares information for final audits Prepares a variety of financial reports and statements Assists with the development and control of budget information May oversee and coordinate payroll functions Performs special financial analysis assignments Coordinates balancing of County cash accounts with the banks and other responsible County departments Coordinates posting of journal entries Provides work direction, coordination, and training for fiscal support staff in a County department, as assigned Serves as a liaison with other government agencies, auditors, and the public Provides first line contact with contract auditors, preparing and providing documentation for the annual audit; Performs verification of draft financial audit report Performs adjusting entries, after verification as requested in audit reports Provides other County staff with a variety of information regarding fiscal processes and procedures Learns the County's computerized financial management and tax systems.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Education equivalent to successful completion of courses required for a major in accounting at an accredited four (4) year college or university, or successful completion of a professional accounting curriculum which included courses in elementary and advanced accounting, auditing, cost accounting, and business law. (Four years of experience as an Accounting Technician, or in an equivalent technical fiscal support position may be substituted for the required education.) Special Requirements: Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid class C California Drivers License May be required to pass a fingerprint/background investigation.

Knowledge of: General accounting theory, principles, and practices and their application to a variety of accounting transactions and problems. Government cost accounting and budgeting. Auditing theory, principles, and techniques and their application to government finance. Principles of account classification. Budget development and control. Computerized spreadsheet, database, and word processing software. Principles of work direction, work coordination, and training. Ability to: Perform a variety of accounting and financial transaction work. Learn the County's computerized financial management and tax systems with the goal of exercising coordination responsibilities. Proficiently use a variety of computerized spreadsheet, database, and word processing software. Analyze and evaluate financial information, researching and gathering appropriate information to resolve problems. Provide lead direction, work coordination and training for other staff. Monitor and update fiscal records. Prepare a variety of financial reports and statements. Gather, organize, analyze, and present a variety of information. Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately. Use a computerized financial management system. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all County of San Benito employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute an expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of San Benito assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or admissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a "meet and confer" process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

Benefits

SAN BENITO COUNTY BENEFITS Employees in regular, full-time positions will be eligible to participate in the following employee benefits: Pay Day: Employees are paid bi-weekly. Insurance Deductions: The insurance and benefits deductions will take place bi-monthly, normally the first two pay periods of the month. Bank/Credit union and 457 Retirement Deferrals deductions will take place bi-weekly. Vacation: Based on continued years of service. Maximum accruals may apply depending on the bargaining unit.

• < 4 years of service = 10 days per year
• 5 to 9 years of service = 15 days per year
• 10 to 14 years of service = 18 days per year
• 15 + years of service = 20 days per year

Holidays: 13.5 holidays (including 3 floating) for most employees. Sick Leave: 15 days per year. Maximum accruals apply. Health Plan: Comprehensive medical and dental plans available for full-time employees. Vision Plan: MES Vision Plan offered which offers exams, frames and lenses on a 12-24-24 basis. The County pays for employee coverage and the employee can pay for dependent coverage. This benefit is available to FULL-TIME employees only. Employee Assistance Program: The County provides confidential short-term counseling services to employees and dependents. Any regular employee is eligible for up to a total of three (3) hours of counseling sessions within any six (6) month period per County employee. Up to a maximum of six (6) sessions per calendar year are allowed per family Life Insurance/AD&D: County pays for a $20,000 BASIC life insurance policy for each employee. Two other VOLUNTARY life insurance plans available, including AD&D. Disability Insurance: General, Confidential and Management groups participate in the State Disability Insurance. Credit Union: Membership to the Santa Clara Federal Credit Union is available to San Benito County employees. Deferred Compensation: Employees may participate in tax-deferred retirement savings. Three 457 plans are available. Employees may rollover funds from prior 401k or 457 accounts. IRS limits apply. Retirement: Regular employees will be enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system in accordance with the Public Employees' Retirement Law. Employee contributions vary according to bargaining unit. All New Miscellaneous (non-Safety) employees enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system participate in the full formula of 2% at 62. Miscellaneous employees participate in Social Security in addition to CalPERS. New Safety employees are covered by the safety full formula 2.7% at 57. Safety employees contribute 9% of the employee contribution. Safety employees do not participate in Social Security. Supplemental Insurance: Employees may participate in various AFLAC plans such as accident, disability, and cancer insurances. Additionally, employees can enroll into a pre-tax cafeteria plan and flexible spending accounts including Unreimbursed Medical ($2500) and Dependent Care ($5000). Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Retirement Formula Local MISC 2% @ 62 for New PERS Members Social Security (non-safety) Vacation Based on Continued Years of Service Sick Leave 15 Days Annually Floating Holiday 457 Deferred Compensation Credit Union Flexible Spending Account Employee Assistance Program Group Life Insurance Additional Optional Life Insurances & AD&D Tuition Reimbursement