**ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN 2 
Pay Range GC17

INTRODUCTION The classifications within this four-level series perform duties associated with the validation, examination, coding and reconciliation of fiscal, financial and statistical records. This classification is senior-level in the accounting series, and is distinguished by technical accounting responsibilities requiring knowledge of an extensive body of accounting procedures and techniques to work with a total accounting system.  This classification may perform a wide variety of accounting functions in a department or may perform one accounting function within the county finance department.  This classification supervises employees in lower-level classifications.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.  Any one position may not perform all listed tasks.)

1. Manage the countywide payroll program.  Audit and process timesheets, interpret policy, prepare reports for insurances, workers' compensation, retirement and other benefits; post reconciled accounts to general ledger.  Interpret and ensure compliance with appropriate state and federal laws, rules, regulations and contracts.  Develop and maintain a payroll procedures manual.  Participate in planning and implementation of system upgrades for payroll.

2. Manage countywide accounts payable functions.  Interpret policy and ensure compliance, resolve discrepancies with vendors, prepare and submit invoices for payment.  Develop and maintain an accounts payable procedures manual.  Participate in system implementation and upgrade for accounts payable applications.

3. Develop, implement, and administer fiscal management systems and appropriate control procedures for a department utilizing complex reporting and management information systems encompassing multiple units and locations, contracts, and grants in addition to overseeing department budget control function which includes ensuring appropriate processing, coding and posting of payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, revenues, and petty cash. 

4. Collect and record financial data for county departments through the general ledger, reconciling key accounts and month end balancing.

5. Maintain account structure which includes determining when a new account is needed, how it fits into account structure, and monitoring impact of new account on entire system.

6. Assist in the preparation, presentation and documentation of department or county budget.

7. Assist in the preparation of year-end audit schedules and reconciliations.

8. Coordinate, confer with and resolve problems with data processing department relating to technical and programming aspects of accounting and statistical reporting functions; prepare report specifications for financial and statistical reports.

9. Assist with the development, preparation, coordination and monitoring of grant funds.

10. Assist in contract administration by developing reimbursement procedures, verifying payment, monitoring fiscal portion of contracts and verifying contract compliance.

11. Research, compile and prepare detailed fiscal, financial and statistical reports; maintain fiscal accountability; oversee data entry into automated system.

12. Supervise assigned staff in providing accounting and clerical support including primary responsibility for selection, training, evaluation, discipline and termination of employees; plan, organize, coordinate and review work.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, practices and techniques; considerable knowledge of municipal fund accounting procedures including general ledger, budgeting, contract management and grant compliance processes; considerable knowledge of automated accounting systems and computer processes and capabilities; reasonable knowledge of federal, state, and county laws, rules, and regulations related to municipal fund accounting.  Skill in: Use of standard office equipment which includes automated equipment and systems.  Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; plan and organize assigned accounting operations; plan, organize, coordinate, and review work of assigned staff; provide training to employees and others related to accounting and automated reporting systems and procedures; analyze and prepare complex and detailed fiscal, financial and statistical records; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, establish new policies when applicable, and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; coordinate a variety of projects and schedule time to meet deadlines; use sound judgment and maintain confidentiality in dealing with employees and the public; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, other agency representatives, committees, data processing personnel, vendors and the public.

Education, experience and training: Bachelor's degree in accounting and two years work related experience OR Associate's degree in accounting plus four years work related experience OR six years accounting work related experience (work experience must include automated accounting systems with a heavy emphasis in municipal fund accounting) OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

This classification works under the guidance of a division manager or department head.  The employee works independently in administering a complex area of responsibility and confers with supervisor for professional advice.  Discretion is required in applying general goal and policy statements, in development of recommendations, policies and procedures and in resolving program problems.  Work is accomplished within a broad framework, with authority and responsibility in area of service.  Periodic reviews of work performance are conducted in terms of expected results.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed under departmental policy and procedures; federal, state and county statutes, rules and regulations and in accordance to accounting principles, practices, and techniques; software and equipment manuals and reference materials. The employee uses initiative, seasoned judgment and accounting knowledge to interpret and choose between alternative guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  The work is performed in an office environment and is generally sedentary; however, some positions may require bending, hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, kneeling, lifting up to 10 pounds, pushing, reaching, sitting, standing and walking.