Under general supervision, performs complex payroll functions involved in the preparation and maintenance of the payroll system and will also perform a variety of professional-level accounting functions in the preparation and maintenance of financial records, reports, and statements; conducts technical, financial, and statistical analyses associated with a variety of programs including general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, and assistance with formulation and monitoring of operating and capital budgets; may exercise technical and functional supervision over accounting staff as assigned; and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the journey-level professional class in the Accounting series.   This class performs a variety of advanced specialized payroll, accounting, financial record keeping, and financial analysis work requiring the application of professional-level experience in the principles, practices, and procedures of public sector payroll, finance, accounting, auditing, budgeting, and investing; as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.   In addition to the responsibilities of an Accounting Technician II, an employee in this class prepares more complex financial and statistical reports and statements including month-end, quarter-end, mid-year, and end-of-year budget documents; makes adjusting and closing journal entries; participates in preparing year-end audits; and conducts financial analysis associated with a variety of programs including general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing and assistance with formulation and monitoring of operating and capital budgets.  An employee in this class may exercise technical and functional supervision over accounting staff, as assigned. An employee in this class has increased responsibility in assisting management in the oversight of various finance functions, programs, and subordinate staff with high proficiency and greater independence of action; and exercises judgment and decision-making in performing duties.    

Examples of Essential Duties:

The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by employees in this class. An employee may not be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties that are not listed below:

Performs advanced, complex professional-level tasks related to payroll preparation accounting and financial analysis. 

Prepares City payroll, processes all necessary additions, deletions and changes regarding personnel actions, W-4 tax records, deductions and benefits; inputs payroll data into computerized payroll system using specialized software and troubleshoots payroll as needed; reconciles payroll; prepares claim vouchers for Federal and State income tax and other withholdings; Prepares and processes payroll reports for CalPERS and other deferred compensation programs; answers employee questions regarding paycheck calculations and related matters; explains City payroll policies and procedures; posts payroll costs into general ledger; audits and monitors payments and invoices related to payroll matters; provides payroll related technical information and assistance to City departments; and analyzes and applies current City, Federal, State and related regulations applicable to payroll operations. 

Performs analyses on various accounts as needed for audit and other purposes; assists managers and auditors in the preparation and completion of various financial audits.

Monitors expenditures and revenue activities; posts and maintains financial records for various accounts and funds; provides analysis of other financial reports as required.

Prepares month-end, quarter-end, mid-year and end-of-year budget documents; makes adjusting and closing accounting journal entries; participates in preparing year-end audit schedules; participates in the preparation of financial statements.

Participates in formulating, implementing, and administering annual operating budgets, including recommendations for budget adjustments as necessary; assists staff in the analysis of monthly and periodic budget and expenditure reports; including researching variances. 

Builds databases and spreadsheets of financial, budgetary, and other data at an advanced level of complexity.

Assists in preparation of reports and recommendations for various financial projects assigned; assists in monitoring and accounting for grant programs.

Prepares clear, concise, and comprehensive financial analyses and prepares financial reports to illustrate the results of those analyses.

Maintains detailed asset and depreciation records in accordance with acceptable accounting procedures and internal policies;

Performs tasks related to banking, investments, cash flows, and daily balancing of receipts; conducts or assists in conducting audits of cash or other accounts as required.

Assists in performing research projects; assists in developing new processes or procedures as deemed necessary; researches and answers technical questions. 

Works closely with department management in the implementation of software applications. 

Operates a calculator, computer, scanner, photocopier, and related office equipment.

Answers phone calls; processes mail; prepares forms, schedules, statements, correspondence, checks lists, reports and related documents.

Maintains a physical presence in the office.

 Performs other related duties, as assigned. 

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Education/Experience

A minimum of two years of professional payroll and accounting experience, preferably in a fund accounting environment; and the completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.  Any combination of training and/or experience that could likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Experience in local governmental payroll preparation and accounting is highly desirable.  Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheets at an advanced level is required.

 Knowledge of:

Principles, practices and procedures of fund accounting; principles, methods, practices and technologies of public sector finance, accounting, auditing, budgeting and investing; laws regulating public finance, fiscal operations and governmental financial reporting at the Federal, State and/or local level; modern office equipment and procedures; general office practices and procedures; basic English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; word processing, spreadsheet, and/or database software at an advanced proficiency level; basic customer service principles; and principles of supervision. 

Ability to: 

Prepare and maintain accurate and complete reports and records; prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive financial analyses; prepare financial statements and reports; perform journal entries and inter-departmental transfers; analyze data and draw logical conclusions; analyze and solve problems; interpret and apply related laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; operate a computer accurately and efficiently; understand pertinent procedures quickly and apply them without immediate supervision; maintain accurate and interrelated financial records, and identify and reconcile errors; make comparisons quickly and accurately; understand and carry out oral and written instructions with substantial independence; establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and utilize word processing, spreadsheet, and data base programs at an advanced level, including development of complex level spreadsheets with formulas and calculations of above average difficulty.

Working Conditions 

The environment is generally clean with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, odors, or noise.   There may be some limited exposure to such conditions as dust, fumes, odors, or noise.  Computer terminals, copier/scanner, and other office machines are used on a daily basis.  

Possession of a valid Class “C” California Driver License and a satisfactory driving record.