Financial Accounting Analyst

We are also establishing one employment list for current and future full-time, part-time and extra-help (temporary) vacancies. This job classification is also utilized by the Treasurer-Tax Collector and may be used to fill future vacancies in the department. Please select the departments and locations you are interested and willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies.

BENEFITS: For more information on County benefits, please click HERE In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

After a reasonable training and orientation period, the incumbent may be offered a hybrid work schedule and/or flexible workweek in accordance with our office policy. However, it is required that the incumbent be within reasonable travel distance to accommodate regular and infrequent in-person meetings and to support the in-office team culture. Under general direction, performs highly complex professional accounting tasks related to the payroll, property tax, or financial accounting section of the Auditor-Controller's office; oversees the development and implementation of standards, procedures, and financial systems to ensure accuracy and compliance with all applicable regulations and laws; and performs other related duties as required.

CAREER PROGRESSION: The class of Financial Accounting Analyst in the Auditor-Controller's Office may be assigned accounting duties in the Operations, Financial Reporting, the Workday Support Organization or Financial Systems Divisions, or may be assigned auditing duties in the Internal Audit Division.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This classification is distinguished from the Accountant-Auditor III by its responsibility for the operations of the payroll, property tax, or financial accounting functions of the Auditor Controller's Office and by the greater complexity and consequence of error associated with interpreting and implementing the requirements imposed by various accounting standards, regulations, and laws specific to the area of assignment. It is distinguished from the Auditor-Controller Division Chief class in that incumbents in the Financial Accounting Analyst class are primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations of one of the above functions, whereas the Division Chief is responsible for the direction of all functions and programs within a division.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

• Experience in government accounting
• Ability to lead and/or supervise less experienced team members
• A mindset of continuous process improvement
• Effective project management skills
• Ability to prioritize workload effectively
• Strong analytical problem-solver
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of internal and external stakeholders
• Possess excellent business and political acumen
• Committed to the community and making lasting improvements
• Focused, disciplined, trustworthy and flexible
• Ability to prepare and write clear and concise documents (e.g., memoranda, correspondence, and supporting documentation)

1. Performs highly complex professional accounting tasks within the area of assignment; researches and resolves complex accounting errors or discrepancies to ensure accurate accounting and compliance with applicable rules, regulations, and laws; serves as a technical resource to Auditor staff, other County departments, outside agencies, and special districts; analyzes requests for changes from Auditor customers and identifies the impacts of those requests on the Auditor's systems and procedures.
2. Ensures the County's compliance with financial federal, state, and local regulations and GASB's technical accounting and reporting pronouncements; analyzes and manages implementation of new requirements and serves as a subject matter expert regarding these issues.
3. Coordinates year-end capital project closing; evaluates projects for capital status; adds to asset system if warranted.
4. Prepares and analyzes complex journal entries including annual full-accrual conversion adjustments and other audit related adjustments. Utilizes and develops complex queries to extract detailed financial information needed to prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other financial reports. Participates in the preparation of the ACFR and related audit by preparing various schedules, reconciliations, narratives, detailed analytical reviews; collaborates with external auditors and assists in addressing questions and resolving problems.
5. Involved in other reporting requirements with the State Controller's Office (SCO) including SCO Adopted Budget Book, SCO County Financial Transactions Report, County Cost Allocation Plan.
6. Coordinates and performs Indirect Cost Rate Plan and Fee reviews.
7. Assists in the development of financial policies and procedures, related documentation, and training.
8. Collaborates with departments and auditors to ensure compilation of grant data for Single Audit reporting.
9. Reads, interprets, and explains rules, regulations, laws, and policies regarding fiscal programs to staff and customers to ensure compliance with contract terms, accounting procedures and applicable statutes; analyzes new laws and regulations for impact on the organization and develops systems and procedures to ensure compliance; trains users and prepares presentations for staff and customers.
10. May oversee the work of professional accountants, paraprofessional technical and clerical staff performing tasks in payroll, property tax allocation, general ledger, revenue accounting, expenditure accounting, accounts payable, controlling and issuance of warrants; may set standards and evaluate the work of staff; may participate in the selection and training of staff.
11. May oversee the operations of the Auditor Controller's payroll, property tax, or financial accounting function; analyzes work processes, organizational structure, policies and procedures, and computer technology for efficiency of workflow and conformance to principles of government accounting; identifies areas where improvements may be made; researches and recommends new accounting processes and improvements to existing accounting systems; participates in special studies of accounting systems, practices and procedures; in partnership with Auditor IT staff, participates in the design, testing, and implementation of automated and manual financial accounting systems.
12. Work on special projects and performs other job-related tasks as required.

1. Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting and financial operations that included at least one year of experience analyzing the impact of legislation or regulations and establishing and implementing operational compliance procedures; OR,
2. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of: generally accepted accounting practices; policy and procedure development techniques; process improvement techniques and tools; the application of automated systems for financial reporting and accounting purposes; laws and regulations related to accounting practices, procedures and standards; common interpretation of legislative language; the impact of court action on the practical implementation of legislation and regulations; contract terminology; standard English usage and grammar.

Ability to: multitask and prioritize diverse tasks; delegate tasks and direct the work of others; apply time-management concepts and techniques; analyze complex information, draw logical conclusions, and make sound recommendations; read and understand contractual language; understand and apply a wide range of federal, state and local laws and regulations related to governmental fiscal operations; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with executive and subordinate staff, other departments, and other government agencies; represent the department with diplomacy and tact; exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Desirable Qualifications: Possession of a certificate as a Certified Public Accountant, governmental accounting experience, and experience working on the development and implementation of financial accounting systems is highly desirable.

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Application Ranking: Candidates that meet the employment standards will have their application evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their application. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must pass every step in the selection process and receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the application ranking assessment to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Statement of Commitment

The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: January 6, 2025, 2024 at 4:59 PM PST; Postmarks are not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Leza Patatanian, Talent Acquisition Analyst, lpatatanian@countyofsb.org