ASSISTANT CHIEF OF FISCAL SERVICES

Job Specifications

Class Code:	UD5
Analyst:	JS,CL

Date Originated:	04/95
Date Revised:	07/95, 12/24

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

DEFINITION

Under direction, assist the Chief of Fiscal Services  in the planning and implementation of fiscal and accounting programs for the Health Services Agency, Human Services Department, and the Public Works Division of the Community Development and Infrastructure Department (CDI); supervise, coordinate and evaluate the on-going accounting and fiscal activities for the department/agency; prepare portions of and coordinate preparation of the budget; recommend and maintain fiscal procedures; and perform other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class reports to the higher-level Chief of Fiscal Services in the Health Services Agency, Human Services Department, and Public Works Division of the Community Development and Infrastructure Department (CDI), who is responsible for the overall technical accuracy of the fiscal programs.  This class differs from the lower level of Accountant III in that the former carries out the on-going programs and systems developed by the Chief of Fiscal Services.

TYPICAL TASKS

· Assist in the planning of and implementation of audit and accounting programs;

· Supervise, train and evaluate the work of professional, supervisory and accounting clerical staff engaged in maintaining fiscal records, performing cost accounting, preparing budgets, receipts and expenditure accounting, preparing financial reports, billing, preparing grants and working on other fiscal programs;

· Assist the Chief of Fiscal Services to coordinate the preparation of the department/agency budget;

· Prepare portions of the department/agency budget;

· Establish fiscal work priorities and programs and set timetables for completion;

· Provide technical assistance to staff concerning financial planning and reports;

· Prepare the fiscal portion of grant proposals;

· Analyze grant regulations and applications to assure compliance with applicable fiscal rules and requirements;

· Analyze, review and develop cost allocation plans, and cost recovery plans including development and implementation of fee schedules;

· Analyze revenue trends;

· Evaluate procedures and practices and revise or augment, as required;

· Establish internal controls;

· Serve as an internal consultant to department/agency staff on fiscal programs, practices and procedures;

· Audit and reconcile trust accounts;

· Analyze accounting, auditing, data processing and billing requirements in relation to the department/agency;

· Assist in the development of computerized accounting and auditing applications which interface with department/agency/ County systems;

· Utilize complex spreadsheets and database applications to extract and analyze information;

· Coordinate computerized accounting records and reports;

· Establish, revise and implement procedures and guidelines as approved;

· Review and analyze State and Federal fiscal procedures and requirements;

· Develop and maintain departmental/agency forms and systems for fiscal transactions, record-keeping and budgetary controls;

· Prepare fiscal year estimated and actual expenditures for multiple budget units and funds;

· Project anticipated revenues;

· Represent the department during audits as directed by the Chief of Fiscal Services;

· Participate in the preparation of materials for outside auditors;

· Represent the department at meetings and conferences;

· Prepare correspondence and reports.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Thorough knowledge of:

· Accounting practices, principles, and procedures;

· Cost accounting practices and procedures;

· The application of data processing to accounting operations including budgeting, billing, fiscal monitoring and reporting.

Working Knowledge of:

· Government budgeting and financial operations;

· The principles and practices of supervision and training;

· Database programming applications, electronic file transfer and sharing of data between programs;

· Statistical methods and techniques;

· Principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

Some knowledge of:

· Auditing practices, principals and procedures;

· Payroll practices and systems;

· Federal and State fiscal requirement pertaining to reimbursements and payments for public programs.

Ability to:

· Perform a variety of difficult and complex general governmental accounting and cost accounting assignments;

· Plan, organize, and coordinate varied accounting and fiscal programs;

· Supervise, train, and evaluate the work of subordinate staff;

· Interpret, apply and explain complex laws, rules and regulations;

· Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others;

· Prepare clear, concise, and highly complex accounting, statistical and technical reports;

· Develop or revise computer-based accounting systems and work procedures to meet changing needs;

· Evaluate fiscal policies and practices, define problems, and develop solutions;

· Analyze, evaluate, and solve complex budgetary, accounting, and related administrative problems;

· Plan, coordinate, and initiate action necessary to implement recommendations, new procedures and new methods.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Three years of increasingly responsible professional level accounting and budget experience, which includes one year as a supervisor or manager (supervisory or managerial experience need not be at the professional accounting level).

Special Requirements, Conditions:

Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required.

Other Special Requirements: Availability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None

Bargaining Unit: 11 EEOC Job Category: 02

Occupational Grouping: 80 Workers' Comp Code: 0290

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