Accountant I Trainee

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE Stanislaus County is looking for enthusiastic professionals to join our team. The Accountant I/II classification can be found throughout our 27 departments. This recruitment is being conducted to fill immediate full‑time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County. To learn more about Stanislaus County departments, visit ABOUT THE TRAINEE DESIGNATION Trainees are part of the unclassified service of the County; All trainees will be appointed to the first step of the salary range for the appropriate position, and will be compensated 15% below the range established for the Accountant I classification; Trainee appointments are not to last longer than one (1) year. However, appointments are able to be extended up to a maximum of two (2) years where minimum qualifications are involved; Upon completion of the training period and the acquisition of minimum qualifications, and on passing the Accountant written exam, the individual may be upgraded to a probationary appointment at step 1 of the Accountant I salary range. (An approximate 15% increase in salary). RESPONSIBILITIES Ensures accurate financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); Determines appropriate allocation basis, identifying accounting methodology alternatives and selecting the most appropriate method, ensuring the departments are following basic concepts of conservatism and consistency, reconciliation of sub-ledgers to the general ledger, analyzing the budget and projecting actual revenues and expenditures; Assists in budget preparation, recording, reporting and monitoring of fiscal and financial data; Reviews, monitors and evaluates the Monthly Financial Reports and coordinates regular meetings with the managers to discuss financial reports and program fiscal operations; Gathers, prepares and tabulates fiscal data for use by staff, management and auditors; Analyzes and determines appropriate distribution of departmental expenses; Designs, enhances, and prepares spreadsheets as needed for Accounting systems and documentation; Reconciles General Ledger accounts; Assists with Annual Financial Statement and Cost Report Audits; Performs professional level work in auditing, general, grant and cost accounting; Participates in difficult and complex studies for special districts, funds or trusts, agency accounts, and traveling as necessary; Provides assistance in the preparation of the County budgets, annual audits and internal controls; Consults with administrative and program managers on financial data; Consults with program managers and supervisors on budget and monitor financial reports; Provides technical and functional supervision over clerical and paraprofessional accounting staff; Compiles data, prepares reports, prepares financial statements, and conducts special studies as directed; Prepare and submit financial reports to Federal and State agencies; Responds to inquiries and works directly with program management to provide accurate and complete information for program and agency planning; Analyzes and evaluates accounting problems, and develops appropriate data and recommendations in the preparation of reports and statements; Researches, studies and applies various Federal, State and local codes and ordinances to assure legal compliance; Utilizes the Internal Auditing and Consulting standards; Interprets and analyzes computer data and material, defines problem areas and draws logical conclusions; Uses critical thinking skills. SKILLS / ABILITIES Analyze data, define problem areas and draw logical conclusions; Perform mathematical calculations; Understand and apply the principles, laws, and procedures involved in accounting and auditing functions; Examine, verify and maintain records; Perform entry level professional accounting work; Supervise and train clerical/technical employees; Prepare and complete accounting statements and statistical and narrative reports; Learn and apply the more difficult accounting/financial monitoring and auditing principles and procedures; Establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships; Focus on the customer, budget, and processes, while building partnerships and driving innovation; Communicate well both orally and in writing, and interpret fiscal policies, practices and methods to governmental officials and department heads. KNOWLEDGE Basic governmental, auditing, accounting and budgeting methods principles and practices; Fiscal record keeping systems and functions; Principles of supervision and training; Financial management systems and management information systems and principles; Computer systems and their application to accounting and reporting functions; Working knowledge of the laws, ordinances and regulations governing the financial operation of the County and its departments. EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE FOR ACCOUNTANT I PATTERN I Bachelor of Arts degree with major or work in Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration, or Economics. PATTERN II The equivalent of 24 semester units of college coursework in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or Economics; AND Two (2) years experience equivalent to an Accounting Technician performing complex and highly responsible technical clerical accounting work required in the maintenance of fiscal and statistical records. VETERANS' PREFERENCE PROGRAM The Accountant I classification is a Veterans' Preference Program eligible job classification. For more information please visit Proof of education (transcript) is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call View phone number on click.appcast.io to make other arrangements before 5:00 pm on the final filing date. Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements before the final filing deadline will result in disqualification. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS Pass County-paid pre‑employment job‑related background investigation. Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others. Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required. Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr