POSITION: Accountant II ( Accountant III follows)
Purpose
The job of Accountant II is done for the purpose/s of performing a variety of moderately complex professional accounting duties involved in the monitoring, development, analysis, maintenance, auditing, adjustment and reconciliation of designated County Office or school district accounts, funds and budgets; providing administrative support in the review, evaluation and development of assigned budgets and accounts; and preparing, maintaining and auditing a variety of financial and statistical data, records, reports and statements.
This job reports to the Assigned Administrator/Supervisor.
Essential Functions
· Analyzes and audits financial data of several districts and/or large projects (e.g. transactions, ledgers, coding, records, reports, apportionments, etc.) for the purpose of identifying potential budget variances, compiling statistical information, developing procedures, and conforming to established financial practices and regulatory requirements.
· Collaborates with other administrative personnel and/or outside agencies (e.g. personnel, Business Managers and Superintendents of large districts, community organizations, etc.) for the purpose of exchanging information, implementing and maintaining services and/or programs and resolving issues or concerns in accordance with established financial policies, practices, laws and/or regulatory guidelines.
· Compiles and analyzes statistical and financial data related to assigned accounts, budgets and activities for the purpose of providing third party reporting; developing budget recommendations, updating accounts to reflect revenue and expenditures, providing financial summaries to other personnel, and/or ensuring compliance with established guidelines.
· Coordinates a wide variety of accounting projects (e.g. revenue preparation, expenditure and cash flow projections, journal entries, grant reports, monthly data reports, deposits processing, etc.) for the purpose of providing administrative support in the review, preparation and development of designated County Office or school district budgets as assigned.
· Monitors expenditures against budget and/or a wide variety of account information for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy of reported information, availability of funds, and compliance with established financial guidelines and program policies, practices and regulatory requirements.
· Participates in unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of presenting financial data and information as needed and maintaining current knowledge of laws, codes, rules, regulations, funding source requirements and pending legislation related to accounting and budgetary functions.
· Prepares and maintains a wide variety of finance-related documents for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information to appropriate agency or personnel according to established timelines and requirements.
· Presents a wide variety of financial and reported information for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls.
· Provides technical expertise and direction to County Office staff and large district administration regarding accounting issues and related financial activities for the purpose of conveying pertinent information regarding the organizations financial operations and ensuring compliance with established policies, practices and regulatory requirements.
· Recommends procedures and/or actions on issues that relate to financial operations for the purpose of providing direction and/or guidance concerning budgetary allocations, limits and expenditures as directed.
· Reconciles fiscal information and account balances of designated budgets and accounts, (e.g. ledgers, data, records, documents and reports, etc.) for the purpose of verifying accuracy of information, maintaining accurate balances and complying with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
· Researches, investigates and resolves financial issues, problems errors and discrepancies for the purpose of providing information and/or recommendations that impact the organization’s operations.
· Responds to inquiries from a wide variety of internal and external sources for the purpose of providing detailed and technical information concerning related accounts, budgets, general ledger, standards, practices, transactions, apportionments, records, reports, requirements, laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
· Trains County Office staff and large school district employees regarding accounting functions and computer software operations as assigned for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the fund account and generally accepted accounting principles.
Other Functions
· Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment using pertinent software applications; performing accounting procedures; planning and managing projects; preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform advanced math; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: principles of accounting and auditing; general governmental accounting practices; standard office practices and procedures; financial analysis and projection techniques; research and statistical evaluation techniques; oral and written communication skills, and pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: analyzing a variety of financial and statistical information; working under time constraints; communicating with diverse groups; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; and working with detailed information.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; monitoring budget expenditures. Utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job’s functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.
Experience: Job related experience is required.
Education: Bachelors degree in job-related area.
Equivalency: Any combination equivalent to: bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field and two years professional accounting experience performing varied financial analysis, auditing, budget development, record-keeping and report preparation duties.
The stated education and experience requirements are the preferred minimum qualifications for this job. However, relevant experience to substitute for the education requirement and relevant education, certificates and/or licenses to substitute for the experience requirement may be allowed.

Please refer the Job description for details