Accounting Analyst

Under general supervision, performs lead and highly responsible duties in the preparation and maintenance of District financial, accounting, and statistical records. Incumbent performs the full journey level scope of assignments under minimal supervision subject to infrequent review while in progress and upon completion. Generates a variety of complex reports to ensure the timely and accurate reporting of District operations in accordance with sound financial management principles and practices. Frequently required to use a high degree of independent judgment and interpretive ability. May be tasked with training other District staff, as necessary. Employees in this classification may perform any combination of duties assigned to this series. The following list of duties is intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed and the level of technical complexity of the assignment(s) and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the concept of the classification.
 

• Verifies, audits, edits, and processes biweekly and other special employee payrolls in accordance with District policies and procedures and labor contract agreement provisions; verifies accurate reporting of changes in pay, payroll status, benefits, taxes, and other deductions, as well as retroactive pay adjustments and terminations; verifies and edits attendance and work hours data entered by departments; works with departments to resolve reporting problems and errors; processes adjustments to individual employee pay to correct errors.
• Processes and data enters special payroll transactions, such as wage assignments and liens, advances, child support payments and sick leave sell backs; makes payroll system adjustments to ensure appropriate payroll tax treatment of retroactive and other special wages; generates and checks preliminary and final payroll reports and registers; runs leave accrual processes; generates paychecks; ensures timely and accurate posting of payroll to the financial accounting system and generates electronic bank deposits; generates reports and checks and prepares other special reports.
• Answers department and employee questions regarding payroll and benefits deductions by explaining requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Prepares requests for payment for payroll deductions, as well as direct bank deposits and payroll taxes; generates and remits quarterly and annual payroll and tax withholdings to federal and state governmental agencies; assists in the preparation and reconciliation of quarterly and annual payroll tax reports; generates and reconciles year-end payroll reports; prepares and mails employee W-2 forms; prepares annual Federal Excise Tax return; uploads 1099 files at the end of the calendar year. 
• Generates reports from the District's accounting system; reconciles ledger balances to accounts; researches and requests adjusting entries to resolve variances; compiles assigned schedules for the District's monthly and annual financial statements.
• Prepares a variety of special spreadsheets and reports of financial and accounting data, including Human Resources data for GM report.
• Locates appropriate data for CalPERS reports and reconciles employee and employer contributions. Compiles information from data submissions for CalPERS audits, as needed. 
• Assists in the preparation of the annual State Controller’s Compensation Report.
• Compiles data for the OPEB Actuarial Valuation as required.
• Compiles year-end data, including the Compensated Absences backup, for the annual audit.
• Reviews, processes, scans, and routes invoices and related information and enters data into the Accounting system; processes credit card purchases, E-payables and ACH payments; processes 1099’s at year-end.
• Prepares period invoice / check request payment batches; matches payments to backup documentation, submits check run for approval; obtains additional signature authorization, and distributes payments.
• Researches and responds to vendor inquiries regarding payment status, processes stop payment requests and reissuances, investigates and resolves accounts payable problems.
• Enters and processes invoices for miscellaneous billings including property damage, lease agreement, interagency agreements, grants, permits, construction orders, service orders, etc.
• Receives, processes and / or prepares a variety of cash receipts, payments, fees, and other related information.
• Performs duties associated with billing and collection of delinquent, unpaid construction and work order accounts, and delinquent accounts receivable accounts; performs a variety of other accounts receivable tasks, such as preparing demands for past due payments; generates and reviews reports on all open activities; determines amounts paid and reconciles accounts.
• Performs related duties as required

 Knowledge of the following is required to perform the essential duties of this classification.
 

• modern office practices, methods, and equipment, including a computer and applicable software;
• Modern principles, procedures, and regulations of public sector payroll and financial transactions; 
• principles, techniques, and laws applicable to CalPERS; 
• applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; 
• basic principles of mathematics;  
• methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; 
• occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
   

Ability to do the following is required to perform the essential duties of this classification.
 

• Operate a computer using spreadsheet and other standard accounting, payroll and human resource information system software. -Operate other standard office equipment.
• Organize, set priorities and exercise sound judgment within established guidelines.
• Interpret, apply, and reach sound decisions in accordance with District rules, policies and department procedures. 
• Make calculations and tabulations and review fiscal and related documents and information accurately and rapidly. 
• Understand and carry out written and oral instructions. -Learn and apply new information. 
• Prepare clear and accurate financial records and reports. 
• Work effectively and courteously with District staff and others encountered in the course of work. 
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• follow written and oral directions; 
• observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; 
• communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; 
• work effectively with people with varying backgrounds, educational levels, races, and cultures;
• prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily office activities;
• grasp, perform repetitive hand movement, and use fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data using a computer keyboard;
• use near and far vision in reading correspondence, statistical data, and using the computer, and acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service; and
• lift, drag, and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination of training and experience that demonstrates that a person has obtained the required knowledge and is able to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed) will be considered. A person with the following training and experience would typically qualify to compete in a selection process.

Experience
Have four years of increasingly responsible experience in performing high level of financial or statistical record keeping. At least two of the required years of experience must be in a government or public utility. Must be at least 18 years of age by the time of appointment.

Education
Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent. Completion of at least two college-level courses in bookkeeping or accounting. A two-year degree (AA or AS) in accounting, business, or a related field is preferred.

License or Certificate
Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and be insurable by the District for the operation of District vehicles. Possession of a valid State of California driver's license of the required category, compliance with established District vehicle operation standards.

Have or obtain valid First Aid and CPR certificates within one year of hire.

Employees of the District are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee may be assigned activities that promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property, either at the District or within the local or their own community.