Logo
County of San Mateo

Accountant II - Exempt (County Promotional Only)

County of San Mateo, Redwood City, California, United States, 94061


The San Mateo County Probation Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of

Accountant II - Exempt .

If you are interested in applying for this job, please make sure you meet the following requirements as listed below.About ProbationThe County of San Mateo Probation Department’s mission is to enhance community safety, reduce crime, and assist the victims of crime through offender accountability and rehabilitation. The Probation Department strives to be a proactive and innovative agency which facilitates positive changes in offenders' behaviors that reduce recidivism and foster a law-abiding lifestyle. To learn more about the department, visit: https://www.smcgov.org/probation.

The PositionThe successful candidate will work within the Fiscal Services unit, which is part of the Administrative Services Division. This division provides department-wide leadership and support in key areas, including fiscal services, budget and performance, data collection and analysis, procurement and contract management, internal affairs, public relations, IT services, background investigations and training, risk management, and payroll and personnel services. The division is led by a Deputy Director of Administrative Services and a Deputy Chief Probation Officer, who supervise 30 management and line-level employees.

As a journey-level role, Accountant II independently handles a wide range of accounting duties, requiring a solid understanding of governmental accounting procedures and the ability to make sound decisions within established guidelines. This role may also include supervising support staff and using various computer technologies for data input and output, which can differ by department. Unlike the Senior Accountant, who typically takes on supervisory or advanced specialist roles, the Accountant II focuses on both process knowledge and the analytical and system development skills necessary for strong accounting practices.

The ideal candidate possesses the following qualifications:Two years of accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or public agency.A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.A thorough understanding of general, fund, and governmental accounting principles, practices, and terminology.Expertise in business data processing as it relates to accounting information, ensuring efficient and accurate data handling.Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations governing public fiscal operations to ensure compliance and proper financial management.Familiarity with budgeting principles and terminology, enabling effective financial planning and monitoring.An understanding of auditing and financial reconciliation principles and methods to maintain accurate financial records.The ability to review, analyze, interpret, and reconcile financial reports and transactions, ensuring accuracy and clarity.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Skill in verifying the accuracy of financial data and information and identifying and correcting discrepancies.Competence in preparing clear, concise, and complete financial reports and statements, communicating financial information effectively.The capability to direct the work of others on projects or on a day-to-day basis, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.A strong commitment to collaboration, actively promoting a cohesive team environment.The ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines to make informed decisions.The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and other departments.

As the Accountant II supporting the fiscal unit in Probation, you will be responsible for various tasks, including but not limited to the following:Reviewing accounting documents to ensure accuracy of information and calculations and making correcting entries.Examining supporting documentation to verify proper authorization and conformance with agreements, contracts, and state and federal regulations.Preparing and maintaining control and subsidiary accounting records involving various transactions and accounts.Preparing trial balances and coordinating periodic closings.Preparing journal entries and reconciling general ledger, journals, subsidiary accounts, and bank statements.Monthly reconciliation of Trust funds and to re-distribute the collection in Suspense to appropriate trust accounts via Journal Entry.Compiling and preparing general and subsidiary ledgers and supporting schedules.Assisting in and/or coordinating the preparation and analysis of budgets for departmental and County funds.Maintaining expenditure and budgetary control accounts; preparing and coordinating budget appropriation transfers.Conferring with departmental representatives to provide information regarding budgeting and accounting processes.Analyzing and preparing various financial statements and reports.Apportioning monies, including secured, unsecured, impounded, redeemed, and other taxes.Reviewing and approving claims for referral of tax, grant, or other monies, and preparing claims for reimbursement from various state or funding agencies and programs.Maintaining various departmental cost accounting records, disbursing funds to various accounts, and/or billing for reimbursements as required.Analyzing programs and legislation to determine fiscal and budgetary impact, preparing budgetary appropriation transfers and supplemental budgets.Reviewing and recommending modifications to existing accounting systems and procedures; assisting with or coordinating the automation of manual accounting systems.Providing technical support to internal and external auditors, including governmental program auditors.Planning, directing, reviewing, and evaluating the work of fiscal office support staff on a project or day-to-day basis; training staff in work procedures.Performing related duties as assigned.

Additional RequirementsThis classification requires the successful completion of a minimum of twelve semester units of college level accounting coursework.Experience and Education:Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:Experience:

Two years of accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or public agency.Education:

Successful completion of a minimum of twelve semester units of college level accounting coursework.Knowledge of:Principles, practices, and terminology of general, fund and governmental accounting.Principles and practices of business data processing, particularly as related to the processing of accounting information.Applicable laws regulating public fiscal operations.Budgeting principles and terminology.Basic auditing and financial reconciliation principles and methods.

Skill/Ability to:Review, analyze, interpret, and reconcile financial reports and transactions.Verify the accuracy of financial data and information.Prepare clear, concise, and complete financial reports and statements.Ensure proper authorization and documentation for disbursements and other transactions.Direct the work of others on a project or day-to-day basis.Exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.Make accurate mathematical and statistical calculations.Maintain accurate records and files.Establish and maintain effective working relations.County Promotional Only:

Only current County of San Mateo or County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified, regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply.

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

The examination process will consist of an application screening based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions (weight: pass/fail). Candidates who pass the application screening may be invited to a panel interview (weight:100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification.

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT:

Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the

"Apply"

button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULEFinal Filing Date:

Tuesday, August 13, 2024, by 11:59PM PSTApplication Screening:

Week of August 19, 2024Panel Interview:

Week of September 2, 2024

About the County:

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work. San Mateo County is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.Analyst: Ximena Burns (07302024) (Accountant II - Exempt -E010)

#J-18808-Ljbffr