Accountant

Performs, accounting, reconciling, auditing and/or budgetary functions in support of an accounting system for the supported division of Santa Fe County.

• Collects financial information; reviews financial information and accounting documentation received to determine whether accounting procedures used are in compliance with federal, state and local laws and whether expenditures are within authorized budgets; determines the effects of fiscal actions on the financial status of designated division and the County; and recommends improvements or changes to accounting systems.
•  Assists in the preparation, analysis, and maintenance of budgets; recommends necessary budget adjustments and informs supervisor of such; reviews budgetary actions to determine their effects on the financial and budgetary status of the County. 
• Reconciles County accounts; calculates data and prepares accounting reports; calculates past, current and projected data. 
• Processes invoices; examines for accuracy and completeness; enters data; makes payments; audits payments; and/or maintains records for supported accounts.
• Makes deposits and reconciles bank statements; assists other staff in balancing cash drawers or accounts.
• Processes monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for supported areas.
• Assists and trains County staff in using accounting manuals and established rules, regulations and procedures; researches accounting information sources to provide assistance in interpreting accounting data. 
• Communicates with vendors and employees regarding payments, receipts, and related financial information.
• Interacts with government and private agencies and individuals as necessary to obtain or provide required financial information.
• Furthers knowledge through group or individual training in more complex auditing and accounting procedures.  
•  Assists other staff in financial matters as needed.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of basic and intermediate accounting methods and principles and their applications.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting; of state and local accounting and budgeting laws, regulations and manuals; of methods of collection and analysis of financial data; and of accounting documents and their use. 
• Ability to accurately interpret, analyze, summarize and complete financial data; to apply required laws and regulations to accounting documentation procedures; to accurately prepare reports; and to comprehend accounting languages and documents.
• Ability to accurately prepare reports; to present information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; and to handle confidential material in a trustworthy manner.
• Ability to be extremely organized; to focus on detail; to ensure no mistakes in calculations by self and co-workers; and to perform effectively under strict deadlines.
• Ability to establish effective and tactful working relationships with associates, vendors, governmental agencies, and the public.
• Skilled in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, database and other software programs in a Windows environment.
• Skilled in using a calculator or other adding machine.

• Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field; and 
• Two (2) years of experience in an accounting-related field; or
• Any combination of college education, training and experience in accounting, auditing, finance, economics, business or public administration, or a closely related field totaling four (4) years.
• Relevant education may be substituted for experience at a rate of 30 semester hours equal to one (1) year experience.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear.  Clarity of vision at short distance is required.  Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds. May be subject to exposure to CRTs and VDTs. 

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties.