Purpose

The job of Accountant III is done for the purpose/s of performing a variety of 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 districts and/or 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.
• Assists with a variety of internal and external audits as assigned for the purpose of providing supporting documentation, information on internal processes and /or coordinating activities in support of the audit process.
• Assists in the development and coordination of various financial policies, programs and procedures for the purpose of assuring accounting methods, procedures and time lines comply with legal requirements and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Collaborates with other administrative personnel and/or outside agencies (e.g. personnel, Chief Business Officials and Superintendents of districts, SELPA Directors, 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, CDE guidelines, 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.
• Monitors and evaluates 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. (e.g. Program Advisory Council, Board/SELPA Board Finance Committee, district in-services meetings, district board meetings, 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 evaluates various financial documents, presentations and correspondence as assigned (e.g. reports and information for the State such as LCFF data and reports, actuals, budget revisions, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information to appropriate agency or personnel according to established timelines and requirements.
• Provides consultation and technical expertise to County Office staff and district administrators and personnel regarding accounting issues and related financial activities for the purpose of conveying pertinent information regarding the organization’s financial operations and ensuring compliance with established policies, practices and regulatory requirements.
• 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 for the purpose of providing detailed and technical information concerning SEIS accounts, budgets, general ledger, standards, practices, transactions, apportionments, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, records, reports, requirements, laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Trains County Office staff and school district administrators and employees regarding accounting functions and computer software operations as assigned for the purpose of ensuring compliance with state/federal laws, 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; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; 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 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 moderate to significant. 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; directing the use of budgeted funds within a work unit. 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 with increasing levels of responsibility is required.

Education        Bachelor’s degree in job-related area.

Equivalence     Any combination equivalent to: bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field and three years increasingly responsible 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. 

FLSA Status                                                    Approval Date                                              Salary Range

Non Exempt                                                                                                                                   42