Accountant III

Class Code: PO219

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit: SEA

DEFINITION:

Under general direction, an Accountant III performs the most complex accounting assignments in analyzing, preparing, maintaining, and ensuring compliance of financial records and reports in accordance with Santa Cruz METRO’s policies, legal requirements, and professional standards; researches complex accounting issues, interprets data, and develops solutions; plans, organizes, assigns, trains, directs, and reviews the work of accounting personnel as assigned; represents the department at committee and Board meetings; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the advanced journey, lead level classification in the Accountant series responsible for independently managing assigned projects, studies, or programs; researching and developing solutions to a wide range of accounting issues; participating in agency-wide planning discussions related to assigned areas of responsibility; exercising independent judgment and decision-making in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions; and/or serving as a professional-level resource for projects and studies which are complex in nature and diverse in scope. The work involves a high-level of problem-solving requiring analysis of unique issues or increasingly complex problems without precedent and/or structure, managing multiple stakeholder interests, and formulating, presenting, and implementing strategies and recommendations for resolution. Work assignments at this level typically have significant impact on the agency’s accounting functions and a high consequence of error, and incumbents are accountable for results.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

Serves as a lead worker over subordinate staff by prioritizing, assigning, and monitoring work and providing training as needed; may provide input on performance evaluations.
Manages the fixed asset program by providing guidance to and working with project and fund managers to understand the project, conducting project cost analyses and determining value of assets, reviewing invoices, and maintaining asset database; leads annual inventory process and conducts intermittent audits of assets and database; establishes, implements, and ensures adherence to internal controls and best practices; works with project managers to dispose of assets.
Leads the planning and preparation of Santa Cruz METRO’s annual audited financial statements and notes; coordinates the development of management discussion points and analysis in accordance with legal requirements.
Oversees the recording and monitoring of long-term debt transactions for Santa Cruz METRO’s debt issues; Assists in debt issuance and the review of bond documents; works with consultants to ensure compliance with bond and reporting requirements.
Assists in cash management activities by reviewing and approving or voiding transactions, setting up new vendors, and ensuring sufficient balance of funds.
Coordinates and participates in the research, evaluation, and implementation of new and revised Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
Researches, evaluates, and performs major, special, and non-routine projects with limited or no supervision, including, but not limited to interpreting and implementing new or revised reporting federal or state requirements and/or conducting a comprehensive review of an internal business practice, developing recommendations, and designing, implementing, and managing change management processes.
May assist in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of accounting and financial systems and modules; performs financial system software management, including maintaining financial system software controls, accounting system administration, setting up new accounts, acting as a resource to staff, and providing training and support in the implementation of new programs, policies and procedures related to accounting information systems.
Serves as a resource to other Santa Cruz METRO departments, outside agencies, and the general public regarding assigned programs, projects, and services; responds to request for information and provides information on accounting policies and procedures.
Provides guidance and training to Santa Cruz METRO staff and management on legislative and compliance issues related to accounting and finance programs.
Reviews and analyzes accounting, payroll, and accounts payable documents, as well as records and other financial data to establish proper authorizations and processing of agreements, contracts, and grants in adherence with state and federal regulations.
Develops, implements, and interprets financial standards, as well as modifications to policies, procedures, and processes in relation to system implementation or procedural changes.
Prepares and presents staff reports to the Board and advisory committees; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence; ensures the proper documentation of programs, projects, and activities.
Attends and participates in meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; stays abreast of new trends, innovations, and changes in legal and procedural requirements in accounting, financial, tax, and budget operations.
Performs Accountant I/II duties as needed.

May utilize specialized Santa Cruz METRO software.
Drive a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments.
Performs related work as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

Advanced principles, practices, methods, terminology, forms, and techniques of professional public and/or private sector accounting, auditing, budget preparation and control, revenue forecasting, and investing.
Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) used by state and local governments, and their application to a wide variety of accounting transactions, situations, and problems.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and agency policies and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
Internal control and audit principles and practices.
Relationships between accounting records and documents for recording and reporting purposes.
Business correspondence, formatting, and report writing.
Manual and automated record-keeping and filing systems and methods.
Professional methods of researching, gathering, organizing, and reporting data.
Methods of prioritizing, planning, and organizing work.
Advanced time management techniques.
Customer service techniques.
Intermediate mathematics and statistics.
Principles and practices of employee leadership, including ways to motivate staff and maximize productivity.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including accounting, fixed asset, and related information systems relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

Effectively perform a variety of difficult and complex professional governmental and cost accounting activities in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Evaluate, interpret, apply, and ensure adherence to accounting laws, federal, state, and local regulations, policies, procedures, and requirements to agency financial activities.
Consult with and advise management on a wide variety of financial issues.
Maintain complex financial/statistical data and records.
Reconcile accounts and reconstruct record trails in order to locate and correct errors or reasons for imbalance.
Evaluate accounting systems for accuracy; and design and implement improvements.
Apply professional accounting control procedures to maintain budgetary accounts.
Create and use computerized spreadsheets, databases, and software to track financial information and automate calculations.
Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive financial statements, reports, and written materials, including training materials.
Perform financial calculations quickly and accurately.
Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
Exercise sound independent judgement within general policy guidelines.
Balance multiple assignments simultaneously and effectively.
Demonstrate exceptional time management and organizational skills to ensure timely completion and delivery of a variety of reports and filings.
Serve as a lead worker over subordinate staff.
Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
Maintain confidentiality of materials, records, files, and other privileged information.
Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Sufficient training, education, and public or private sector experience to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education, Training, and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, business law, business administration, or a related field.

AND

Five (5) years of professional accounting experience, preferably in a public agency.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Participate in professional development activities for CPA certification.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and/or Master of Business Administration (MBA) and/or Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) Preferred, but not required;

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

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

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; walk, sit and stand; use finger dexterity; talk and hear, and use a keyboard. Work often requires the repetitive use of both hands to grasp and feel objects; stooping at the waist, and standing. Work may require lifting up to 20 pounds unaided. Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to see colors and shades, and the ability to perceive depth.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment:

The employee typically works in a standard office environment where the noise level is usually moderate.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Must pass a requisite background check.
May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.

*Adopted: 09-23-2022

*BOD Approved: 09-23-2022

*Revised: 00-00-00

*Job Family: Financial Professional

*Job Series: Accountant Series

*Job Series Level: Advanced – Lead

*Confidential: No