Departmental Fiscal Officer

Under general direction, to have charge of and coordinate the fiscal activities of a medium to large County department having complex and diverse accounting programs and procedures, including budget preparation and management, and related business management functions.

• As the chief fiscal officer of a medium to large County department, plans, organizes, assigns and reviews the work of a staff engaged in maintaining departmental accounts and records and control of the approved budgets, preparing periodic fiscal reports, and performing a variety of related functions;
   
• Provides direction to ensure conformance with County-wide, departmental and other policies and procedures;
   
• Reviews, analyzes, recommends and implements procedural changes in the preparation, maintenance and control of the departmental accounting records and budgets, and other activities;
   
• Advises staff on the more difficult professional problems arising in the accounting work;
   
• Selects and trains staff, evaluates their performance and takes or recommends appropriate action;
   
• Makes verbal presentations and conducts training on accounting policies and procedures;
   
• Explains the implications of complex accounting matters to non-financial managers and decision makers;
   
• Makes presentations on fiscal matters to department and County-wide leadership;
   
• Advises superiors on the condition of accounting records and the status of the approved budget and makes recommendations on specific problems such as the possible transfer of budget allotments;
   
• Maintains accounting control over collection and disbursements of money;
   
• Assumes responsibility for preparing the financial aspects of proposals and reports submitted for support from Federal, State and other agencies, and for the establishment and maintenance of budgetary controls required by the granting agencies;
   
• Acts as liaison with related County service units, such as the Controller's Office;
   
• May directly participate in the planning and implementation of data processing procedures analysis;
   
• May supervise staff in the financial monitoring of County-funded service contracts;
   
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
   
• Performs related work as required.

Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities.

Training and Experience Note: The knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform this function are acquired through possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Auditing, or closely related field;
  

Five (5) years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, and/or finance work, at least three (3) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

Possession of a Master's Degree in Accounting, Master's Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting, or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
 
Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to obtain and maintain a County driver authorization.
   
• Some positions may require Live Scan screening as part of the background check process.

Knowledge of:

• The theory, principles, practices and techniques of current public and business administration as it relates to government budgeting, accounting, finance, financial analysis and information systems;
   
• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and specifically Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statements, Interpretations, and Technical Bulletins;
   
• County financial policies and procedures and applicable departmental policies and procedures;
   
• Principles of organization, administration, supervision and training;
   
• Grants, contracts and trust fund management;
   
• Laws and regulations governing the financial operation of the County;
   
• Auditing practices and principles;
   
• Office management practices and procedures;
   
• Principles of fiscal computer systems and software.
   

Ability to: 

• Effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with subordinates, management and others;
   
• Plan and direct the work of others;
   
• Motivate and train lower level staff;
   
• Analyze and evaluate complex administrative problems relating to fiscal activities;
   
• Prepare clear and concise reports;
   
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
   
• Interpret and apply rules and regulations governing the methods of operation of the department to which assigned;
   
• Prepare departmental budget and monitor revenue and expenditures;
   
• Use various computer applications and software in support of accounting;
   
• Manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.