Rev. 8/97
City of San José
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT (1257)
CLASS PURPOSE
Under general direction, performs complex work
of considerable difficulty in accounting and financial analysis.
Responsibilities include the management and supervision of a
major functional area of the Finance Department Accounting
Division. Performs related work as required.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one
position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the
examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)
- Plans, organizes, and directs the work of
assigned Accounting Division staff in directing the
accounting, financial reporting, and analysis for the
City.
- May serve as the Acting Deputy Director of
Finance-Accounting or represent the Deputy in the
incumbent's absence.
- Provides professional and technical advice
and recommendations on accounting pronouncements,
standards, policies, and procedures.
- Provides assistance to City departments
regarding City accounting policies and procedures and in
resolving accounting and financial problems.
- Supervises a functional area of the
Accounting Division to ensure completion of assignments
in a timely and accurate manner.
- Facilitates fiscal controls and compliance
with generally accepted accounting principles by the City
and its related entities.
- Assists in the preparation of the City's
financial reporting activities and coordination of
audits.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates fiscal
policies, procedures, and practices and initiates action
for improvement.
- Reviews and approves accounting
transactions for input to the various financial systems
of the City and its related entities and departments.
- Provides advice and assistance for the
management and administration of the Accounting Division
resources, both personnel and non-personnel.
- Coordinates the work of assigned staff,
their tasks, and the interfacing with other
organizations.
- Directs and participates in complex
fiscal, financial, and accounting problems which have
significant impact on the City's financial condition
and/or operations, as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Positions in this class are currently assigned
to the Finance Department Accounting Division, reporting directly
to the Deputy Director of Finance-Accounting. This class is the
highest level class in the Accounting and Related Services series
and is distinguished from the Supervising Accountant class in
other City departments in that incumbents have a more complex
scope and deeper level of responsibilities in managing and
supervising a major functional area as compared to that of the
latter class.
Typical End Results
Effective, accurate, and timely production of
quality fiscal and financial reports and analyses; an effectively
supervised, highly motivated, and well trained staff; quality
solutions to complex financial, fiscal, accounting, and policy
problems. Ensures that the City's financial systems are fully
functional, providing accurate and timely financial reporting.
Maintains the fiscal integrity of City’s financial
transactions by ensuring proper recording in the appropriate
systems.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of governmental finance and
administration.
- Knowledge of generally accepted accounting
principles and governmental accounting principles and
standards.
- Knowledge of the theories, principles, and
practices of governmental budgeting and finance.
- Knowledge of current data processing
principles and applications for fiscal and financial
systems.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices
of supervision and personnel management.
- Knowledge of the principles of fiscal,
financial, and accounting analyses.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally
and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain
effective working relationships.
- Ability to prepare clear and comprehensive
fiscal analyses and reports.
Competency Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of the City's organizations,
functions, and processes and ability to effectively
understand and apply codes, charter, ordinances,
policies, and procedures related to fiscal matters.
- Knowledge of the fiscal and accounting
practices of City departments.
- Ability to direct complex City accounting
systems and set work priorities.
- Ability to effectively apply data
processing resources.
Education
Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an
accredited college or university with an emphasis in Accounting,
Finance, or a closely related field, including eighteen semester
units of accounting.
Experience
Five years of increasingly responsible
professional experience in accounting or financial management
including two years of supervising professional accountants.
Acceptable Substitutions
None. There will be no substitution for the
eighteen semester units in accounting subjects.
Licenses/Certificates
Possession of a valid driver's license
authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.
(6/8/93), (Rev. 8/97)
1257s001.doc