Accounting Technician

Under general direction, performs a variety of difficult and complex paraprofessional, technical account and statistical record keeping work in connection with the development, maintenance, and processing of the agency’s fiscal and statistical records; to provide information and assistance regarding inquiries concerning assigned work area; performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single incumbent classification. Incumbents work under general direction and exercise a high level of discretion and independent judgment in performing the full range of routine to complex agency’s accounting and fiscal activities.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Administrative Services Supervisor or designee. No direct supervision of staff is exercised.   

ADDITIONAL CLASS INFORMATION

Working Title(s): None

Bargaining Unit: Management and Confidential Unit (unrepresented)

Established: August 15, 2024

Revised:

Career Ladder 

• Administrative Services Supervisor
• Accounting Technician
• Senior Administrative Assistant
• Administrative Assistant

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

The following essential job functions are typical for this classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Prepares a variety of detailed accounting transactions including accounts payable/receivable, deposits, and journal entries; coordinates activities as appropriate with the County of Santa Cruz fiscal staff.    
• Coordinates the preparation of payroll action forms and distribution to relevant departments.
• Receives timecards and reviews for accuracy and adherence to policies; ensures proper pay codes are used; submits payroll data to County for processing; completes payroll reports; processes all associated accounts payables. 
• Ensures compliance with payroll reporting to CalPERS.
• Answers questions from employees on payroll matters; researches payroll issues such as under- and over-payments; audits final paychecks for departing employees for proper payoff of leave balances.
• Maintains and reconciles fixed asset records; tracks all inventory for year-end depreciation reports.
• Examines, reconciles, and adjusts accounting records; identifies and resolves problems and makes corrective entries.  
• Assists in compiling data for and monitoring the agency’s budget; prepares periodic reports as requested for the General Manager, Board meetings, and other purposes.
• Prepares and monitors purchase orders, enters in general ledger and tracks.
• Prepares general ledger for each fiscal year; records all transactions in the general ledger; balances general ledger with the County accounting system monthly; creates monthly balance sheets for the General Manager; ensures year end accruals are journaled to the County’s system and recorded appropriately. 
• Provides support and assistance to external auditors in the production of the year end audit including obtaining reports from CalPERS and the County’s accounting system; makes corrections as appropriate; submits final audit to the County.
• Reviews all invoices for accuracy, posts to County system for payment, and sets up new vendors as needed. 
• Prepares financial reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, such as for the Board of Directors, State Controller’s Office, or for other public reporting requirements; prepares ad hoc financial reports as requested. 
• Invoices all member and user agencies on a monthly, semi-annual, or quarterly basis based on the Authority’s budget; tracks aging and follows up on past due billings; makes deposits of all monies received. 
• Assists with front office duties including answering phones, assisting visitors, collecting and distributing mail, and posting conference room calendar.
• Assists in maintenance of the Authority’s fiscal policies and procedures.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, practices, and terminology of financial and statistical record keeping. 
• Principles and practices of accounting and payroll functions.
• Laws, rules, and regulations governing the maintenance of agency fiscal records. 
• Basic laws, policies and practices related to payroll processing.
• Maintenance of files and information retrieval systems. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
• Business systems, equipment, and applications relevant to the area of assignment.
• Principles and techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, and staff.

Ability to:

• Learn, interpret, and apply knowledge of the agency, its operations, programs, functions, and special terminology including labor agreements, employee benefit and pay policies.
• Learn, interpret, and apply knowledge of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) rules and regulations.
• Perform responsible and difficult account entry and recordkeeping work.
• Verify, reconcile, and balance a variety of records and information.
• Establish and maintain records and data files; prepare related reports.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements, analyses, and budget reports.
• Effectively utilize various automated systems to perform assigned duties accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll and personnel data. 
• Plan, organize and prioritize work to meet schedules and timelines. 
• Understand and apply the principles, laws and procedures involved in fiscal recordkeeping, payroll processing and accounting functions.
• Work with a minimum of supervision. 
• Understand and carry out complex oral and written policies and procedures. 
• Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely.
• Exercise tact, initiative, and independent within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality of critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of individuals, including coworkers, consultants, professional agencies, and the general public.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing public agencies’ payroll and accounting.
• Experience working in statistical, fiscal, payroll, or accounting functions for a CalPERS agency.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.   A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: 

Equivalent of an associate degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, business or similar area, or the equivalent in college semester hours/credits.

Experience:
Two (2) years of full-time, increasingly responsible experience in statistical, fiscal, payroll, and accounting work.  Additional equivalent experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Licenses and Certifications:

For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the agency or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment.

Candidates for this classification may be required to pass a background investigation in accordance with applicable law, regulation and/or policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.  

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and occasionally travel to other sites where they may be exposed to inclement weather. This is an in-person position; remote work days may be granted occasionally but not as part of a regular schedule. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. 

Please note that Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1's preferred method of communication with applicants is via email and through governmentjobs.com. As such, please ensure you verify the email address on your application and check your email frequently, including your spam and junk folders. 

1. Application: (Pass/Fail) – All applicants must complete and submit a Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 employment application online
   • Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted. 
   • Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified if: 
     1. Applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. 
     2. "See resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section, a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section. 
   • Proof of education will be asked for later in the recruitment process. Do not submit transcripts or diplomas until requested. Proof of education will be required at the time of appointment. 
   • Supplemental documents such as DD214, relative certifications, and resumes (optional for PSDI and PSDII) should be submitted online along with the application. They can also be emailed to applications@scr911.org or FAX at (831) 471-1010. If submitting via FAX/email, please include your name and Job# on your documents.
2. Submit a personal history statement: The personal history statement (PHS) will have points deducted for statements that may impede a candidate's ability to pass a background investigation.
3. Eligibility:  Candidates who meet the minimum qualification standards will be moved forward to establish an eligibility list. 
4. Review Panel:  Candidates at the top of the eligibility list may be invited to a review panel; the panel interview may include representatives from User or Member agencies and/or SCR9-1-1 management staff 
5. Background Process
6. Conditional Offer  
7. General Manager Interview
8. Tentative Start Date March 3, 2025

Salary : $59,051 - $83,096