Accountant II - Human Services Agency (Limited Term)

The Human Services Agency of the County of San Mateo is seeking well-qualified and highly motivated candidates with high standards of accuracy and exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills for the position of Accountant II. Successful candidates will be self-motivated, experienced, and effective communicators; with the ability to work effectively in a high-volume and fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Primary responsibilities will include: 

• Provide accounting and financial support for special projects to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with grant requirements and applicable accounting standards.
• Perform accounting and financial activities for grants, including tracking and verification of grant expenditures, compilation of financial data, preparation of grant reports, grant close-out activities, revenue and expenditure reconciliations, and trust fund analysis.
• Ensure all required financial documents are complete and property retained.
• Review invoices, contracts, and agreements for accuracy and compliance, and prepare encumbrance and reimbursement requests.
• Coordinate with analysts and internal stakeholders and participate in meetings related to grant administration and special projects.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and external partners.
• Actively track and meet deadlines such as grant reporting, budget development and monitoring, and month-end general ledger close.
• Prepare and maintain control and subsidiary accounting records involving a variety of transactions and accounts.
• Prepare journal entries and reconciliations of general ledger, journals, subsidiary accounts and trust accounts.
• Review and recommend modifications to existing or creation of accounting systems and procedures, and assist with or coordinate the automation of accounting processes.
• Provide technical support to internal and outside audits and governmental program audits.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate for this position will possess:

• Two (2) or more years of experience in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Experience with preparation of account reconciliations and analysis. Strong Excel skills. Experience with accounting and reporting for grants is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies and errors.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles and financial processes.
• Experience reviewing or working with contracts and billing documentation.
• Strong numerical aptitude and analytical skills.
• Experience working in a public sector or government environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate financial information clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy.
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset with a strong sense of adaptability, ownership, and accountability.
• Ability to balance detailed work with an understanding of the big picture.

Note: This is a limited-term, at-will assignment. Limited term employees are assigned to assignments not to exceed three years. They receive medical and dental benefits, similar to regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan. This recruitment may be used to fill future limited term positions.

• Principles, practices and terminology of general, fund and governmental accounting.
• Principles and practices of business data processing, particularly as related to the processing of accounting information.
• Applicable laws regulating public fiscal operations.
• Budgeting principles and terminology.
• Basic auditing and financial reconciliation principles and methods.

• Review, analyze, interpret and reconcile financial reports and transactions.
• Verify the accuracy of financial data and information.
• Prepare clear, concise and complete financial reports and statements.
• Ensure proper authorization and documentation for disbursements and other transactions.
• Direct the work of others on a project or day to day basis.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Make accurate mathematical and statistical calculations.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Two (2) years of accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or public agency.