Accounting Specialist

Retirement – CalPERS retirement: Classic employee 3% @ 60, PEPRA employee 2% @ 62

Health Benefits – CalPERS health insurance offering variety of HMO’s and PPO’s. District contributes 92% of the health plan premium and the employee is responsible for the remaining 8% of the premium for the whole family up to $2,574.13 per month. Dental and vision insurance are also paid by the District.

Life Insurance – $20,000 for the first probationary year and $100,000 thereafter.

Leave

PTO – 11 hours / month

Administrative leave – 40 hours / annually

Sick Leave – 7.87 hours / month for first 3 years, increases to 15.75 / month thereafter

Holiday – 12 designated holidays per year

Incentives

Education incentive – up to 5% of base pay for first 3 years, increases to the max of 7.5% thereafter

Continuing education – 5% of base pay after 24 hours of continuing education hours

Longevity – 2% of base pay starting at 10 years of service

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Controller, the Accounting Specialist performs paraprofessional accounting duties. Performs responsible accounting support functions involving independent decision and judgment in the preparation, verification, and maintenance of financial documents and records; reconciles, posts, and input information; verifies and performs calculations. The position incumbents are required to exercise independent judgments based upon an understanding of specific policies and established procedures; assignments require accuracy, attention to detail and problem troubleshooting/resolution; performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor. The position is responsible for reviewing work performed by the Accounting Technician prior to posting to the accounting system.

CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is a senior level accounting position. Responsibilities may include special projects and assignments as directed by senior management. Incumbents are assigned a variety of program duties and responsibilities in the receipt and processing of accounting or payroll data including recording, classifying, reviewing and summarizing data for use in the completion of program processes. The position incumbent is not authorized to make budget expenditures.

Examples Of Essential Duties:
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

Prepares and reviews materials requiring analyzes of supporting documents insuring that all entries and adjustments are entered properly in the accounting system. Reviews Accounting Technicians’ accounting batches before posting to the financial system.

Examines, reconciles, balances and adjusts accounting records.

Answers questions and advises on procedures in preparing accounting transactions

Participates in the preparation of accounts payable, accounts receivable as well as control and account verification of a centralized accounting system.

Maintains various ledgers, registers and journals according to established account classifications.

Researches and answers employee and department questions regarding the status of accounts and payments, the proper coding of transactions and other matters.

Performs a variety of mathematical calculations; computes charges, interests, penalties, refunds and other financial data; verifies totals and extensions; calculates totals and balances accounting documents to ledgers, control totals and other documents; recommends and/or processes penalty cancellations and refunds.

Works collaboratively with district management, employees, outside agencies, vendors, and the public, to provide and/or exchange information or explain procedures; may advise others on the accounting records maintained.

Operates calculating machines and other office equipment; uses automated accounting systems to perform general accounting/payroll duties including entering and accessing data, changing data and basic manipulation of data; may review and correct computer error reports.

Researches, and independently resolves discrepancies in AP/AR/GL documentation; contacts division supervisors or management representatives in order to resolve discrepancies.

May provide training to other staff.

Other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Typical Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and a physical to include a drug screen.

The education or experience requirements may be modified or waived at the sole discretion of the Fire Chief. At least one of the education or experience requirements must be met; both requirements cannot be modified or waived. The Sacramento Metro Fire District Board of Directors shall be notified of any such modifications or waivers.

Age

Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

Education and Experience

Education must be obtained through a post secondary institution currently accredited by any accreditation body recognized by either the Counsel for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education.

Required:
1. Possess a high school diploma or equivalent GED certificate.

2. Minimum of thirty (30) units of college credit in accounting and/or finance.

3. Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in government or business finance and accounting demonstrating leadership and support in preparing statements; performing duties involving the development and maintenance of an accounting system and related records which would demonstrate the application of the knowledge and ability requirements listed below.

Desirable:
1. A Bachelor degree in public or business administration, accounting, mathematics, finance, or related field.

2. Financial experience in the public sector field, specific to Special Districts.

Knowledge Of

Accounting and auditing principles as they apply to the accounting cycle, accounting records, classification of accounts, cost accounting, fund accounting, and the budget process.

Laws, rules, regulations and practices/procedures related to payroll, including specialized FLSA requirements for safety positions and operation of automated payroll systems may be required for some assignments

Various software programs for the production and development of financial reports or statements Ability To

Establish and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with a wide variety of people that include senior management, employees, outside agencies, and the general public representing diverse cultures and backgrounds

Keep financial and statistical records, maintain ledgers and journals

Use various software programs for the production of financial statements and reports in preparation for formal public presentations

Train subordinate staff in simple and complex accounting work

Analyze data and draw logical conclusions

Ability to communicate orally and in writing

Supplemental Information:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain physical ability and stamina to meet position tasks and responsibilities. Physical abilities must commensurate with the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position.

No person shall pose a threat to themselves or to the health and safety of other individuals in the work place, or to the public they serve.

LICENSE

Possession of and ability to maintain a current valid California Driver’s License, Class C, is a condition of employment.