About the Department

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs a variety of professional and technical duties in support of financial and accounting functions of the District in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Accounting Technician I: This is the entry level in this technical accounting series and incumbents are responsible for performing technical duties in the preparation, administration, and maintenance of District accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and other accounting transactions and records, ensuring that these functions are carried out in an accurate, timely manner in accordance with legal requirements and sound financial management principles and practices.

Accounting Technician II: This is the journey level in this accounting series. Incumbents are responsible for performing duties in the preparation, administration, and maintenance of District accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and other accounting transactions and records, ensuring that these functions are carried out in an accurate, timely manner in accordance with legal requirements and sound financial management principles and practices. Incumbents perform all the duties of the level I.

Accounting Technician III: This classification is the advanced journey level in this series. Level III is distinguished from level II by having the full scope of knowledge and abilities and is assigned the full range of duties including additional analytical functions using independent judgement and discretion. Under minimal supervision, incumbents are fully competent to independently perform all tasks related to a variety of accounting and financial support functions. Incumbents perform all the duties of levels I and II.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

These classifications receive supervision from the department head, which may be either the Administrative Services Director or Finance Director. Accounting Technician III may assist with the training and oversight of less experienced staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS STATEMENTS:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list of duties is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address agency or departmental needs and changing business practices.

Accounting Technician I:

Performs a variety of technical accounting support and administrative duties in the preparation, processing and maintenance of accounting and financial records; areas of responsibility include accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.
Performs payroll, accounts receivable and accounts payable tasks as required for coverage of departmental functions.
Processes invoices for payment in accordance with District policies and procedures; maintains files, pay requests and related documents. Reviews accounts payable payment documentation and supporting materials to be complete and accurate; reviews and processes check requests; investigates and resolves accounts payable problems.
Participates in developing accounts payable and other similar procedures; prepares month end journal entries and assigned account reconciliations processes.
Prepares invoices for specialized service areas including property damage, retiree insurance, lease agreements, permits, construction orders and service orders; ensures that the invoicing practice is consistent with program requirements.
Performs all duties in support of payroll operations; processes personnel action forms and enters maintenance changes such as direct deposit, tax withholdings, and deductions into the payroll system; ensures timecards submitted are accurate and contacts appropriate timekeeping staff to rectify errors; generates and distributes payroll related reports; prepares and reconciles payroll report entries.
Assists with the storage and archiving of accounting records in accordance with established records retention schedules.
Prepares original and adjusting journal entries; performs reconciliations of general ledger, journal, subsidiary accounts, invoices and other accounting transaction reports; supporting schedules and reports for financial statements.
Maintains and reviews fixed asset accounts; prepares journal entries for the acquisition and disposal of fixed assets; determines appropriate schedules and calculates and prepares journal entries for fixed asset depreciation; reconciles accounting records.
Assists in the preparation of the labor budget, financial calculations and compiling annual financial reports, supporting schedules, and working papers.
Regular attendance and punctuality, and adherence to prescribed work schedule.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, outside agencies, contractors, and the public.
Provides customer service in setting up and maintaining resident accounts.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Accounting Technician II:

In addition to the essential functions listed above, essential functions of this classification may also include, but are not limited to, the following.

Maintains and reconciles a variety of ledger accounts; examines all accounting transactions to ensure accuracy and corrects financial records as necessary.
Assists in monitoring various accounts, verifying availability of funds and classification of expenditures; researches and analyzes transactions to resolve problems and to provide information to management.
Prepares a variety of financial documents and reports for internal and external uses.
Recommends changes in accounting and auditing systems, policies, and procedures.
Reviews and evaluates laws, controls, grants, and administrative policies for guidelines in performing accounting and fiscal operations.
Prepares spreadsheets and other accounting data for management and annual audit.
Prepares and processes purchase orders in a backup capacity.

Accounting Technician III:

In addition to the essential functions listed above, essential functions of this classification may also include, but are not limited to, the following.

Performs the most complex and analytical functions within the classification series.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, individuals in these classifications must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices and terminology of cash receipting, purchasing, accounts payable processing and related financial transactions;
Principles and practices of customer service; practices and procedures of governmental budgeting and accounting;
Methods, practices, documents and terminology used in processing accounting transactions and in financial record keeping;
Fundamental accounting and internal control policies and procedures;
General, fund and governmental accounting, including financial statement preparation and methods of financial control and reporting;
Budgeting principles and terminology;
Government and professional accounting standards;
Auditing principles and practices;
Operations and uses of standard spreadsheet software;
Standard office practices and procedures;
Principles and practices of sound business communication

Ability to:

Perform varying levels of technical to complex accounting work in preparation, maintenance, and review of financial records, accounts and reports depending on level;
Operate a computer and spreadsheet software;
Verify the accuracy of financial data and information;
Organize and set priorities;
Make sound independent judgments within established guidelines;
Make calculations and tabulations and review fiscal and related documents accurately and rapidly;
Follow and apply written and oral instructions;
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing; prepare clear and accurate financial records and reports;
Handle tactfully and effectively sensitive customer relations situations and defuse situations that are highly volatile;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to sit; talk and hear, both in person and by telephone; and use hands repetitively to operate, finger, handle or feel office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Employees are occasionally required to stand and walk; stoop, kneel, or bend; and lift up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data; use math and mathematical reasoning; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; and interact with District staff and others encountered in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The duties of this position are generally performed under work conditions found in a typical indoor office environment. Travel to and work at out-of-office locations may be required. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate.

Work hours are between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. These hours are subject to change to meet the needs of the District.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying as determined solely by the District. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities is as follows.

Education:

Accounting Technician I: Associate degree or college level coursework in accounting, business administration or bookkeeping is desirable.

Accounting Technician II: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration or Accounting is desirable.

Accounting Technician III:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration or Accounting is desirable.

Experience:

Accounting Technician I: At least three years of responsible professional accounting experience including responsibilities in a variety of accounting functions, or the equivalent in education and experience. Experience processing payroll and at a public agency is desirable.

Accounting Technician II: Five years of professional level accounting/auditing experience with at least two years of governmental accounting. Two years of which must be increasingly responsible accounting experience like Accounting Technician I for the District.

Accounting Technician III: Seven years of professional level accounting/auditing experience with at least four years of governmental accounting. Two years of which must be increasingly responsible accounting experience like Accounting Technician II for the District.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License and ability to maintain a clean driving record.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and are required to report for duty and respond accordingly.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Fair Labor Standards Act: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: CFPSE

Appointment and Removal Authority: General Manager

Benefits

The following is a general summary of benefits available to employees of Bear Valley Community Services District. This summary is provided at this location as a convenience and every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date. However, there may be times when some information is not the most current. Employees and prospective employees should refer to the various governing documents, such as the Memorandums of Understanding and Employee Handbook, for detailed information.

These benefits are available to regular, full-time Miscellaneous employees.

RETIREMENT: The District participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

SOCIAL SECURITY: The District participates in Social Security.

HEALTH INSURANCE: The District provides a comprehensive medical insurance plan for eligible employees, spouse, and dependents. Multiple plan options are available.

DENTAL INSURANCE: The District provides a comprehensive dental benefit program for eligible employees, spouse and dependents.

LIFE & DISABILITY INSURANCE: The District provides life and long-term disability insurance in the amount of $75,000. Additional life insurance coverage may be purchased via payroll deduction.

VACATION LEAVE: Vacation leave accrues at 10-25 days annually, capped at 320 hours. Vacation leave accrues but is not eligible for use for the first year of employment.

SICK LEAVE: Sick leave accrues at 12 days annually, capped at 480 hours. Sick leave accrues but is not eligible for use for the first 90 days of employment.

PERSONAL LEAVE: Personal leave is granted at 24 hours annually, renewed each July 1. Personal leave does not accrue or carryover year to year. An additional 8 hours will be granted as a personal "Safety Day" upon achievement of a full year of employment without any safety violations or discipline.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Bereavement leave is available up to 5 days in the event of the death of an immediate family member.

HOLIDAYS: 11 holidays per year are observed, in addition to 2 personal holidays.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: The District offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Program through CalPERS. The District provides a 1% match (max 1% of annual salary) of the employee's individual contribution, for employees participating in the plan.

PAYROLL: Payroll is bi-weekly (26 per year) with the option of direct deposit.

SALARY STEP INCREASES: The salary scale is six steps with a 5% increase between steps. The General Manager has discretion in initial placement on the scale upon hire. Step increases are considered at the time of performance evaluations.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: The District has a partial tuition reimbursement program for successful completion of course work approved in advance by the General Manager.

Supplemental Questions

Do you have the knowledge & abilities as outlined in the Job Description for the Accounting Technician I position, at a minimum?

Do you have a degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, accounting or bookkeeping?

Do you have at least one year of experience processing payroll at a public agency?

Do you have knowledge and experience in maintaining compliance with CalPERS for a government agency?

I acknowledge, if offered a position with the Bear Valley Community Service District I will undergo a pre-employment screening (background and drug screening) and I will be required to submit verification of my legal right to work in the United States.

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Bear Valley Community Services District
Address: 28999 South Lower Valley Road

Tehachapi, California, 93561
Phone: 661-771-3895

661-821-4428
Website: http://www.bvcsd.com

Accounting Tech I-III

About the Department

Benefits

Supplemental Questions

Agency Information