Accountant

Classified Employee's Salary Range: A-49

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under general direction, performs various types of accounting functions, including the preparation and reconciliation of reports, maintains and updates account codes and databases, assists other departments with matters related to accounting, and interfaces with external agencies such as auditors. 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Educational attainment equivalent to Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field.
EXPERIENCE: Two (2) or more years of professional accounting experience, including some fund accounting and bookkeeping experience.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

JOB DUTIES:

• Update, verify, and review the financial activities of departments and sites having restricted categorical, grant, or gift budgets.
• Prepare status reports for various grants and claims for various programs (including, but not limited to the Regional Occupational Program; prepare budgets and projections for categorical projects.
• Collect and record cash receipts, accounts receivables, and returned checks and prepare related worksheets for general ledger accounting; reconcile cash deposits and sales records and bank statements.
• Analyze general accounting practices to ensure activities meet compliance guidelines; analyze accounting practices in a variety of areas (including, but not limited to, school site ASB, cafeteria, Measure BB, and special education).
• Review and reconcile fund expenditures and fund allocations to ensure accuracy of year-end closing statements; verify account numbers and balance; prepare supporting documentation for corrections needed throughout the year and at year-end closing.
• Prepare month-end and year-end closing entries; generate monthly and quarterly financial statements and prepare activity and special reports as requested; make tax and accounting computations.
• Prepare general ledger entries and reconcile information in subsidiary ledgers.
• Analyze cash flow and prepare cash transfers as needed. 
• Provide information and technical assistance to District personnel regarding financial and accounting matters.
• Prepare and reconcile inventory records and enters adjustments.
• Assist with annual budget preparation.
• Prepare claims, requisitions and reports required by the District and other governmental agencies and respond to related inquiries.
• Review and process contract payments.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

  KNOWLEDGE OF:  

  • Operate personal computer to utilize spreadsheet and word processing applications, Internet, and electronic mail system.
  • Input data and operate ten-key calculator with speed and accuracy.
  • Prepare budget projections.
  • Review and analyze financial reports.
  • Audit accounts for propriety.
  • Identify and correct accounting errors.
  • Communicate effectively with school administrators, program coordinators, and educational agency representatives.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Schedule, organize, and complete work in accordance with deadlines.
  • Understand and interpret school accounting procedures.
  • Accurately maintain work records and compile operating, budget, program, or activity reports.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and respond to changing requirements and job assignments.
  • Work independently with little direction.

SUPERVISION:

General direction is received from higher level management. Responsibilities include providing lead direction to technical and clerical staff. No supervision of other staff is exercised.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

This is primarily a sedentary classification and the employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. The employee interfaces with school administrators, program coordinators, and educational agency representatives in preparing reports, reviewing accounting activities, and requesting and providing information.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Physical demands include bending, stooping, reaching, pushing and pulling drawers to retrieve and file information. Lifts and carries reports and records that typically weigh less than twenty (20) pounds.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

To be considered for an employment opportunity with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, it is necessary for you to complete an official District Application and Supplemental Questions. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. The application is part of the examination process and is part of your total evaluation of qualifications for employment.

THE EXAMINATION PROCESS:
For those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process will consist of any one or more of the following: Training and Experience Evaluation, Written Test, Performance Test, and/or Structured Interview. Additional information pertaining to the examination process will be emailed to those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROTESTS:
Protest of any part of the examination process must be in writing and received in the office of the Director of Classified Personnel no later than five (5) working days from the date you were notified of examination results. All notifications are sent electronically via email. Any protest must include rationale to support the protest and must be based on illegal discrimination, abuse of discretion, or procedure/process error. We are not responsible for any incoming mail that is lost or misdirected after it has been entrusted to the US Postal Service.

ACCOMMODATION FOR DISABLED:
If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in any of these examination procedures, please notify the Personnel Commission in writing at the time you submit your application.

ESTABLISHMENT OF ELIGIBILITY LIST:
This examination process shall be open to all qualified applicants and shall result in one integrated eligibility list. All eligibility lists shall be established in accordance with Personnel Commission rules and shall be established for a period one (1) year, unless otherwise noted, or until there are fewer than three (3) ranks of eligible candidates who are available. Candidates are placed on the eligibility list in rank order according to their final examination score. Final examination scores will not change, but ranking may change as other candidates are added or removed from the list.

ADVANCED STEP PLACEMENT:
Generally, new employees start at the first step on the appointed salary schedule. When filling a permanent vacancy, a new employee may request a higher salary placement based on having training and experience that greatly exceeds the minimum qualifications. An employee may submit a formal request for advanced step consideration on or after the first day of employment. Education transcripts, training certificates, and additional references may be requested for verification purposes.

HOW YOU WILL HEAR FROM US: 
All correspondence and notifications regarding this recruitment will be sent to the email address you provide. It is your responsibility to review, follow instructions, and respond to information in a timely manner; as if it was a function of your job.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

DUTIES APPROVED

  CLASSIFICATION APPROVED BOARD OF EDUCATION: PERSONNEL COMMISSION: No date.June 2001Revised August 14, 2012
Revised April 17, 2024