Accountant III
an Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.
Under general direction, this class performs complex accounting duties including but not limited to: assists in providing directives and training to enhance operation efficiencies; reviews, analyzes, inputs, and posts citywide and departmental accounting transactions; participates in year-end closing activities and analyses; monitors fund expenditure projections to actual, identifies and resolves spending issues; provides management with status reports on accounting and financial activity; presents and explains accounting activity to financial and non-financial managers, co-workers and clients interprets and explains existing accounting, auditing and fiscal policies, procedures and transactions; prepares and reviews detailed complex financial reports; monitors department's financial activities; provides accounting services and technical assistance to resolve issues.
According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.
- Performs complex accounting functions in connection with budget preparation, purchasing activities, payroll analysis and grants management.
- Processes and pre-audits accounting documents and transactions in conformance with established procedures and controls.
- Reviews, prepares, reconciles and supervises the preparation of complex financial reports.
- Reviews, reconciles and audits accounting records of receipts, disbursements and encumbrances to ensure fiscal accuracy and control.
- May supervise subordinate staff by delegating, planning, directing and assigning accounting work. Includes training, coaching, and evaluating staff performance.
- Performs fiscal year-end closing activities.
- Analyzes, recommends new or updated fiscal policies, procedures and internal controls and re-aligns business practices to improve operations.
- Maintains current knowledge of applicable ordinances, rules, regulations, policies and standards.
- Presents and explains reports to financial and non-financial managers, co-workers, and clients.
- 1May coordinate, define, develop and maintain financial data extracts, reports and interfaces.
- Participates in the identification of functional processing and reporting requirements, end-users testing and documentation, implementation support for financial processing and reporting systems.
- Participates in the identification, creation and maintenance of accounting codes and structures to ensure accurate recording, reporting and control in financial systems.
- Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.
How to Qualify
These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.
Education and Experience:
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field. Such education must include eighteen(18) semester units or twenty-four ( 24) quarter units of coursework in accounting. AND
Four (4) years of professional accounting which includes analysis or problem solving. Experience must include: Working with an automated financial system, (preferably a government system) performing difficult and responsible accounting, as well as preparing financial records and reports. OR
2. City and County of San Francisco Employees with four (4) years of professional accounting experience including experience as a 1652 Accountant II.
Substitution:
A Master's degree in accounting, business administration, computer information systems, public policy, or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of work experience.
Verification of Experience
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirements
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.
Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores
Required Documentation:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Transcript(s) confirming accounting courses completed - please note only accounting coursework 3 units or more are qualifying. QuickBooks and Excel courses are not qualifying.
SELECTION PROCEDURES: After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:
Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (Qualifying):
Candidates will be prompted to complete a Supplemental Questionnaire as part of the online employment application. This Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the Minimum Qualifications or this position. Applicants must also complete the official application. It is essential that applicants provide complete information in identifying their education, experience and training. The Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to evaluate if the applicant possesses the required minimum qualifications.
Written Multiple-Choice Examination (Weight 50%):
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a written multiple-choice examination designed to measure their relative knowledge, skill and ability levels in job- related areas including: Comprehensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles(GAAP); comprehensive knowledge of Government Accounting; Analytical and Decision-Making Ability; and Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing.
Qualified applicants will be notified by email of the exact time, date and location of the examination. Requests for an alternative test date may be considered in limited circumstances and must be submitted to the analyst listed in the announcement within five (5) calendar days of the test date. Candidates must pass the written exam in order to move forward in the examination process.
Oral/Performance Examination (Weight 50%):
Candidates will be tested to determine their relative knowledge, skill and ability levels in job-related areas including: Skilled in the use of personal computers; Interpersonal Skills; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing; Oral communication Skills; Analytical and Decision Making Ability.
Seniority Level
Mid-Senior level
Industry
- Accounting
- Government Administration
Employment Type
Full-time
Job Functions
- Accounting/Auditing
Skills
- Financial Accounting
- Accounting
- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- Journal Entries (Accounting)
- Finance
- Analytical Skills
- Financial Analysis
- Financial Reporting