Accounting Technician

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under direction, to perform paraprofessional accounting work of a specialized and complex nature in the preparation, maintenance, and analysis of financial and statistical records and reports. The Accounting Technician performs the more difficult and technical sub-professional accounting work required in the maintenance of fiscal and statistical records; prepares and assists in the preparation of financial statements, documents, analyses, and reports; maintains accounting records, reports, and manual or computer-based accounting systems; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This paraprofessional class is considered a bridge class involving paraprofessional work by an incumbent who has completed two years of the accounting education normally required to enter the professional accounting field. It is distinguished from the next higher professional entry class of Accountant Auditor I in that the latter has broader or more technical assignments which entail work of a more creative, evaluative, and analytical nature and regular application of the knowledge of accountancy theories, principles, and systems. It is distinguished from the next lower class of Senior Account Clerk, in the clerical accounting series, in that the consequence of error is greater, assignments are technically more complex and responsible, and the work requires greater knowledge of accounting practices and principles. Positions are found only in those line-operating departments having major accounting systems, or in the Auditor-Controller's Office.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

When working within general County departments, incumbents may be responsible for the following duties : Compiles data and technically interprets such data for budget preparation purposes; supervises and participates in the maintaining of records in accounting systems on personnel, salaries, material inventories, fund appropriations and expenditures, accounts payable and accounts receivable, purchasing, and similar financial and statistical activities; assists in devising forms and methods in financial recordkeeping or accounting systems; prepares journal entries for fund transfers, and other administrative adjustments in budget appropriations; compiles data and prepares claims for state and federal reimbursement; gathers data and prepares special schedules for auditors; may prepare technically difficult statistical and / or accounting reports from a variety of sources; may supervise and assign work to subordinate clerical staff; uses computer terminal to enter and retrieve data; uses microfiche reader to research data; maintains journals and general ledgers of financial transactions and prepares analytical reports on revenues and expenditures; independently performs complex and technical audits based on analysis and interpretation of financial information; prepares calculations for billing for services provided by the county; appropriately distributes funds in accordance with state and federal regulations; maintains ancillary, general, statistical, and cost records; examines and reviews account records, adjusting balances and reconciling accounts; prepares and processes materials that require the analysis of source material and a thorough familiarity with policies, procedures, terminology, and various applicable laws in order to obtain the necessary data; compiles a variety of narrative and statistical reports, locates sources of information, devises forms to secure data, and determines proper format for finished reports; answers questions that involve searching for and abstracting technical data and detailed explanations of laws, policies, or procedures, referring only matters requiring policy decisions to the supervisor; may operate automated systems and trouble-shoot problems related to the production of fiscal and statistical reports and related documents; may be responsible for a billing and statistical record keeping operation; performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following :

Knowledge of :  Basic accounting principles, procedures, and terminology; governmental accounting and budgeting; modern office methods, procedures, and equipment; general knowledge of the legal requirements and the accounting system related to a particular assignment may be required for certain positions; some familiarity with data processing accounting systems.

Ability to :  Perform paraprofessional accounting work with minimal supervision; prepare accurate financial summaries and reports; make arithmetical calculations quickly and accurately; maintain controls on complex records and analyze data; analyze and understand data processing reports; understand and interpret the principles, laws, and procedures involved in the bookkeeping and auditing functions; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; type with accuracy and with moderate speed on a typewriter or computer terminal; supervising the work of subordinate clerical staff may be required for certain positions; follow written and oral directions and instructions; analyze data and draw logical conclusions; common spreadsheet and database software packages; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; maintain confidentiality.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER :

The completion of the accounting courses required for an Associate of Arts degree in accounting AND two (2) years of experience in financial recordkeeping comparable to that of a Senior Account Clerk or higher with Shasta County;

Three (3) years of full-time, increasingly responsible technical, advanced journey level experience in financial, accounting, or statistical record keeping activities. Formal education in basic accounting or bookkeeping may substitute for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Some positions in this classification may require possession of a valid California driver's license. Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid California driver's license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County. Eligibility for employment for those who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the appointing authority.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.

• Have you completed the courses required for an Associates of Arts Degree in Accounting? Yes / No. If “Yes,” please list the accounting courses you completed. If “No,” please type “N / A”.
• Do you have two (2) years of experience in financial recordkeeping comparable to that of a Senior Account Clerkor higher with Shasta County? Yes / No. “Yes,” please list in detail your experience including, but not limited to, employer(s), dates of employment, and job duties. If “No,” type “N / A”.
• Do you have three (3) years of full-time increasingly responsible technical advanced journey level experience in financial, accounting, or statistical record keeping activities? Yes / No. If “Yes,” please list in detail your experience including, but not limited to, employer(s), dates of employment, and job duties. If “No,” type “N / A”.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 12 : 00 p.m., on February 6, 2025. A Resume and / or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and / or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and / or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.

Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and / or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and / or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

Veterans' Credit : Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE.

Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at  www.ShastaCountyCareers.com  or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.

Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov / fair-chance-act.

SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Salary : $48,252 - $61,584