DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This work involves independent responsibility for the maintenance of a comprehensive system of accounts or independent responsibility for the maintenance of a comprehensive system of school district accounts, by applying principles of accounting. Responsibilities include a variety of general ledger functions, as well as reconciliations, preparation of financial statements and budget/actual documents, etc. Work is performed under supervision of a higher-level fiscal administrator. Direct supervision may be exercised over the work of Junior Accountant(s) and/or account clerical personnel. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Maintains and/or oversees maintenance of all general ledger accounting operations and functions;
• Performs or oversees record-keeping and required fiscal reporting for agency, district, local, state and federal agencies, as required, by interpreting guidelines, instructions, schedules and by providing advice and assistance;
• Prepares or oversees preparation of a variety of fiscal reports, including financial statements, budget projections and budget/actual statements, reports to governmental agencies etc.;
• Prepares bank deposits, reconciliations and balances for a variety of accounts such as general, payroll, capital projects, petty cash, etc.;
• Maintains and/or oversees accounting methods and procedures;
• Checks, classifies and codes financial transactions for computer input;
• Analyzes records of past and present operations, trends and costs, estimated revenues, administrative commitments and obligations;
• Assists in the preparation of schedules and financial statements required in the annual year end closing process;
• Assists in the training of staff in the details and objectives of the work;
• May serve as School Tax Collector in a school district;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Good knowledge of accounting principles, practices and techniques, particularly as they relate to governmental accounting; good knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment; ability to maintain and audit comprehensive accounting records including general journals and ledgers; ability to prepare closing entries and financial statements and reports; ability to understand and interpret difficult written and tabular materials; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, employees, program officials and others; tact and courtesy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or similar field and two (2) years of general accounting experience, which must have included maintenance of general journals and ledgers and/or preparation of financial statements; or
2. Bachelor’s degree and four (4) years of general accounting experience, which must have included maintenance of general journals and ledgers and/or the preparation of financial statements;
3. Associate’s degree in Accounting ,Finance, business administration, or similar field and four (4) years of general accounting experience, which must have included maintenance of general journals and ledgers and/or the preparation of financial statements;
4. Associates degree or completion of sixty (60) college credits and six (6) years of general accounting experience, which must have included maintenance of general journals and ledgers and/or the preparation of financial statements; or
5. Graduation from high school or possession of a comparable diploma and eight (8) years of general or municipal accounting experience, which must have included maintenance of general journals and ledgers and/or preparation of financial statements.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS:

In accordance with the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) legislation, Chapter 180 of the Laws of 2000, and by the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, candidates for appointment in school districts must obtain clearance for employment from the State Education Department prior to employment based upon a fingerprint and criminal history background check.

8/99; 11/00; 5/09; 11/23

Competitive Class