CHIEF DEPUTY AUDITOR-CONTROLLER

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Job Specifications

Class Code:	UE7
Analyst:	LRH, MM

Date Originated:	12/88
Date Revised:	9/03, 01/15

DEFINITION

Under administrative direction, to plan, organize and direct the accounting, audit, and systems work performed by the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office; to function as the department head in the absence of the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class assists the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector in the administration and coordination of the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office including General Accounting, Budget and Tax, Audit and System divisions. The incumbent confers with and advises County departments and Special Districts on accounting, audits and budgets. The incumbent acts as the department head in the absence of the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plans, organizes and directs General Accounting, Budget and Tax, and Audit/System divisions of the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office; supervises, trains and directs the work of professional subordinate staff; coordinates the scheduling of reports prepared by the department; approves preparation of special report requests by special districts and departments; consults with subordinate supervisory personnel on administrative and technical problems, legal requirements and County policies and procedures; participates in fiscal planning and the establishment of overall accounting and auditing policy and procedures; reviews audit reports and provides guidance in determining conclusions requiring policy decisions; reviews and recommends changes to budgetary and general accounting procedures or develops new procedures; provides general supervision over the methods, records and forms used for all departments and districts; assists in the preparation of the departmental budget; works with staff on personnel issues and staff development; initiates programs designed to increase management effectiveness and coordinates with other departments and agencies as needed; directs the departmental accounting systems development program; determines projects and priorities; reviews progress, major problems and design of accounting system projects; confers with County officials and representatives of other agencies; initiates and answers correspondence; conducts difficult and complex administrative and accounting studies and prepares reports as needed; acts as the Department head in the absence of the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles, practices and procedures; 
• Thorough knowledge of Auditing Standards;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of personnel management and training;
• Thorough knowledge of general laws and rules regulating and influencing fiscal operation;
• Working knowledge of governmental finance and budgeting procedures;
• Working knowledge of procedures to assure compliance and conformity with the terms of Federal and State Grants;
• Working knowledge of the application of financial Information systems;
• Working knowledge of personal computers and standard office software.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, coordinate and direct varied auditing and accounting operations;
• Supervise, train and evaluate subordinate staff;
• Demonstrate proven sophisticated financial analysis and management skills;
• Effectively manage an organization’s financial vision through all levels of the organization and resulting in a positive business outcome;
• Work in the context of broad governmental budgeting and accounting practices;
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment in solving difficult fiscal and administrative problems;
• Develop new procedures and methods to implement changes in laws and to improve operations;
• Represent the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector in dealings with officials and other departments, employees and outside public and private agencies;
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply provisions of Federal, State and local regulations and departmental policies and procedures pertinent to the administration of County fiscal matters;
• Prepare clear and concise correspondence, accounting and audit reports; 
• Guide a strong financial team to accountability, performance measurement, and best practices;
• Speak effectively before public and private groups and organizations;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with others contacted in the course of work;
• Communicate and work effectively with stakeholders, State and Federal representatives and rating organizations

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to acquire these knowledge and abilities would be:

(a) Requires: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university, college, or other four-year institution, with a major in accounting or its equivalent, as described in subdivision (a) of Section 5081.1 of the Business and Professions Code, and has served within the last five years in a senior fiscal management position in a county (for example: County Auditor, Chief Deputy County Auditor, Director of Finance, Assistant Director of Finance, Chief Assistant County Auditor, County Accounting Manager, or Audit Manager), city, or other public agency, a private firm, or a nonprofit organization, dealing with similar fiscal responsibilities, for a continuous period of not less than three years.

(b) Highly Desirable: Valid certificate issued by the California Board of Accountancy under Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 5000) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code showing the person to be, and a permit authorizing the person to practice as, a certified public accountant or as a public accountant.

A certificate issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors showing the person to be a designated professional internal auditor, with a minimum of 16 college semester units, or their equivalent, in accounting, auditing, or finance is also desirable.

Special Requirements/Conditions: 
Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which has been approved by the appointing authority.
Mentally and physically capable of performing the classification’s essential functions as summarized in the Typical Tasks section of this specification. 
Fingerprinting and successful completion of a background investigation.


Bargaining Unit: 08
EEOC Category: 01
Occupational Grouping: 81
Workers’ Comp Code: 53