ACCOUNTANT V4003A1 Pay Grade: 33 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is financial management and accounting work. Work involves the directing of extensive accounting or fiscal operations in an agency; managing a functional unit in the centralized accounting system of a multi-agency operation; or performing advanced administrative, fiscal management, investments control and professional accounting work. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL D: "Under general direction..." Employees at this level are usually in charge of a large and important organizational unit. They plan and carry out assignments with little supervision. They report regularly to a superior, usually by means of occasional conferences, to discuss work progress or new problems which require advice from above. This designation will pertain to classes with a high order of independence. Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable - Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL E: Work is of a highly diverse and/or complex nature characterized by a broad range of activities and frequently changing conditions, situations and problems. Considerable analytical thought is necessary for interpreting a variety of factors, problems and alternatives for methods and procedures. Work requires the origination of ideas, techniques and programs for solving technical problems or complicated situations. Workers at this level exercise a high degree of responsibility for independent judgment and may participate in major program changes or policy decisions. Work may be reviewed by occasional conferences or reports to superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are normally characterized by regulations, policies or complex technical manuals. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Contacts - LEVEL D: The purpose of the contact is to justify, defend, negotiate, persuade or interrogate to settle matters, maintain good will, gain cooperation or reach compromises when the information is controversial or the individuals or groups have strong differences of opinions or diverse viewpoints. Extensive use of communication techniques and well developed communication skills are required for dealing with others. Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL E: Involves scheduling, supervising and evaluating work as a "manager" of first line supervisors or as a "first line supervisor" of workers who perform distinct and separate blocks of work generally related as to purpose but requiring different processes and methods. Responsible for hiring and disciplinary actions which may or may not require the approval of a higher level of authority. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Accountant IV which involves administrative and accounting work in directing a comprehensive accounting program in an agency; supervising an accounting unit or section within an extensive fiscal operation; or performing complex fiscal analyses. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Plans and directs through subordinate supervisors the activities of an accounting unit engaged in the preparation and maintenance of financial, budgetary or payroll records; researches and develops necessary cost accounting forms for effective fiscal control; coordinates multi-unit accounting methods and fiscal record keeping. Administers the accounting and fiscal operations of an agency with extensive field and office fiscal operations; participates in the more complex accounting, auditing, and fiscal operations; develops systems and procedures for agency fiscal operations and enforces compliance; trains and develops professional employees. Provides technical guidance on accounting and fiscal procedures; recommends revisions in the account structure, ledger or report formats and reporting systems; consults with agency administrators and other officials. Implements cost allocation for setting rates for services and/or goods; responses to inquiries regarding rates, billing and costs; ensures accounting system is in compliance with internal standards, governmental regulations and standard accounting practices. Implements new manual or computer-based accounting, billing or budgeting system for financial accounting, management reporting, cost allocation and budget preparation. Implements investment policy; communicates with investment consultants, investment managers, and investment custodian to explain policy, monitor activities and ensure policy compliance; directs the compilation of financial, investment and statistical reports; assists in the development of policy statements and guidelines. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), practices and standards. *Knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision. *Knowledge of governmental accounting and fiscal administration. Knowledge of budget and procurement practices and procedures. *Knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision. Knowledge of computerized accounting software. Abilities *Ability to plan and direct a program of accounting and fiscal services and controls. *Ability to analyze and interpret financial report information and to take the appropriate corrective action. *Ability to evaluate and modify accounting systems, procedures, records and controls. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and representatives of other agencies or departments. *Ability to organize and clearly express information in concise written form. *Ability to evaluate the soundness of financial practices and the compliance with state laws and regulations. Ability to use personal computers and accounting application software. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Five years of experience in professional accounting/auditing work. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/94 |