Accountant I

INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR
ACCOUNTANT I

SALARY: $5,166 - $6,305/month

DEFINITION: Under general direction, performs professional accounting duties in the preparation

of financial reports and/or statements, development of accounting systems, and
analysis of financial records; supervises the work of clerical and technical
personnel; performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING
CHARACTERISTICS: Entry level class in which incumbents perform technical and limited, well-defined

professional duties relating to the maintenance of accounting records.

REPRESENTATIVE
DUTIES: 1. Prepares a variety of detailed, factual and analytical accounting, statistical and/or

narrative financial statements or reports which require analysis and interpretation
of fiscal data for use by a department, auditors and/or other agencies; examines,
analyzes and verifies fiscal documents to ensure adherence to established controls;
analyzes and initiates changes in accounting methods, procedures and techniques
in order to meet internal financial control needs.

2. Supervises the work of assigned accounting technical and clerical personnel in
the performance of activities related to general ledger, accounts payable and
receivable, payroll preparation; the preparation of financial reports, schedules, and
other financial documents.

3. Reviews fiscal accounting systems, procedures and records; recommends and
assists in the implementation of new or revised accounting systems; analyzes
operational procedures to automate manual accounting systems; designs and
maintains accounting forms.

4. Calculates amounts and distributes revenues to departments and special
districts; assists in data collection and analysis for establishing tax rates; conferes
with taxpayers to provide information and investigate complaints.

5. Assists and participates in budget preparation; assembles and analyzes cost
accounting records and other supporting technical and statistical data; makes
complex or difficult adjusting entries and transfers of appropriation establishes new
accounts and budget controls.

6. Advises superiors and departmental managers of change in laws, rules,
regulations and practices which impact on local government accounting and fiscal
procedures; interprets rules and regulations to determine accounting and auditing
requirements for externally funded programs; develops accounting procedural
guidelines for internal and departmental use.

(OVER)

7. Represents and supports the policies and procedures established by the City
Council, City Manager, and Department Heads.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education and/or Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting,
business administration or related field and three years of clerical/technical
accounting experience or any combination of training and experience that provides
the desired knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of:
Accepted general and governmental accounting principles, practices, theories and
procedures; cost accounting principles and systems; laws, rules and regulations
that apply to local government and fiscal operations; supervisory methods and
practices; methods of business office management; principles and practices of
public administration including budgeting, program planning, and evaluation.

Ability to:
Understand, interpret, explain and comply with laws, regulations and policies
governing fiscal operations and/or tax systems operations; plan, organize and
administer financial programs/services; analyze fiscal data and draw logical
conclusions; identify and resolve problems relating to fiscal and/or administrative
operations; prepare fiscal procedures; communicate verbally and in writing; use and
understand an automated accounting system; understand program objectives in
relation to departmental goals and procedures; draw logical conclusions and make
appropriate recommendations; prepare written presentations; supervise others;
maintain accurate records and document action taken; interview people to obtain
information needed to investigate/resolve complains; research regulations,
procedures and/or technical reference materials; maintain confidentiality of
information; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City
staff, other public agencies and the public.

SPECIAL
REQUIREMENT: Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California Driver’s License.

SELECTION: Screening will consist of a competitive assessment of relevant education, training

and work experience to be followed by an interview before an Oral Board to
determine the most qualified candidates. Applicants meeting the minimum
qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to an interview and the
decision of the screening committee is final. Those candidates who are
determined eligible for appointment to the position will be placed on the City’s
Certified Eligibility List. Applicants will receive electronic notification regarding the
results of all phases of the recruitment process up to the establishment of the
Eligibility List, if applicable. The City reserves the right to alter the testing process,
as needed, without notice.

TO APPLY: Apply online at www.ci.porterville.ca.us and attach any additional materials

required to accompany the application, if noted in this announcement, to the Human
Resources Office, City of Porterville, 291 N. Main St., Porterville, CA 93257.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

(OVER)

SPECIAL
CONDITIONS: Candidates recommended for hire will be required to undergo a reference check,

criminal background check, drug screen, and a pre-employment physical.

The City of Porterville is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and is compliant with
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe you need accommodation
under the ADA in the testing process for any position for which you intend to apply,
please contact the Human Resources Division at (559) 782-7441 to request such
accommodation. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color,
religion, creed, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability or medical condition,
Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS/HIV) or AIDS related conditions, political
affiliation, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or domestic partner status, gender
identity, parental status, veteran status, height, weight, or any other basis protected
by law.