Accountant I​/II​/III- Department of Social Services

Overview

The County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services is seeking an ambitious and experienced Accountant I/II/III to serve in the Fiscal Division. The Accountant I/II/III will be heavily involved with all Fiscal Division operations, grant management, and a high volume of state and federal reporting and large expenditure claims. Successful candidates will have experience in budget and finance, be self-motivated, highly analytical strategic thinkers, and be detail oriented with the ability to solve business problems and deliver insights that enable timely and effective operational decision-making.

Accountant is part of a career series for Accountant I, II and III. Under direction, performs professional accounting and budgetary work involved in establishing, analyzing, auditing, reconciling and maintaining financial records in support of designated programs or an assigned division or department; provides fiscal administrative support in the preparation, analysis and monitoring of the departmental annual budget and designated budgets and accounts;

prepares and audits a variety of financial, statistical and budgetary reports, statements and records; and does other related work as required.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

• Methods, procedures and terminology used in professional accounting work
• Principles and practices of governmental accounting
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• Analysis of complex financial statements and reports
• Financial and statistical record-keeping techniques
• Preparation of financial statements and comprehensive accounting reports
• Budgeting practices regarding preparation monitoring and control
• Financial analysis and projection techniques
• Research and statistical evaluation techniques
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures
• Operation of a computer and assigned software
• Effective oral and written communication and interpersonal skills

• Accurately perform professional accounting and budgetary work involved in preparing, analyzing, auditing, reconciling and maintaining financial records and reports
• Prepare, analyze and monitor budgets
• Provide consultation concerning assigned accounting and budgetary activities and related functions
• Reconcile various fiscal statements to assure accurate fund accounting as assigned
• Supervise, train and evaluate the performance of designated personnel as assigned by the position
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately
• Analyze financial data and prepare reports, forecasts and recommendations
• Meet schedules and timelines
• Operate standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Accountant I: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, including 12 semester units or 18 quarter units of accounting. (Job-related experience may substitute for the required education, except for the required accounting units, on a year-for-year basis.)

Accountant II: The same as above plus one year of experience at a level equivalent to Accountant I.

Accountant III: The same as above plus two years of experience at a level equivalent to Accountant II.

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click apply at the top of this page. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at  Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at