CHIEF GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTANT 02321

(Competitive)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

The work involves responsibility for the direct working supervision over the total accounting operations of Onondaga County's twenty-two governmental fund account groups. Under the general supervision of the County Comptroller and Deputy County Comptroller, the incumbent accomplishes this responsibility through a functional program of planning and directing the work activities of a subordinate central accounting staff operating the central accounting processes. Considerable independent judgment is exercised by the incumbent in establishing and revising policies affecting the County's accounting processes. This position is further distinguished in its actual participation with other management positions, including Commissioner of Finance, Director of Budget, Director of Purchasing and others in the formulation of policy to accomplish management's financial objectives and to comply with authoritative accounting principles. Performs related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Plans, assigns and reviews the work of subordinates in analyzing and processing of accounting transactions.

Supervises the maintenance of the county financial classification structure to include first instance approval of all changes.

Authorizes the issuance of manual checks outside of regular disbursement processes.

Within a narrowly defined scope of authority, approves expenditures in excess of appropriations for court-ordered payments.

Directs the preparation of the County's annual report to the State Comptroller, the annual general-purpose financial statements and the comprehensive annual financial report.

Reviews the text and ramifications of authoritative pronouncements from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and the New York State Comptroller.

Directly participates in the implementation of resulting changes to accounting and reporting policy.

Reviews monthly County Legislature resolutions and directs the processing of accounting transactions, budgetary or financial, resulting thereof.

Provides technical advice and assistance to the Comptroller and Deputy Comptroller on a broad range of financial and cost problems, and counsels department heads and appropriate subordinates on the financial and budgetary implications of specific accounting applications involved.

Participates in meeting with central financial staff department managers on County financial accounting policy matters.

Participates in dual-control security processes which protect contractors' bonds held for retainage, check signing devices and blank check stock.

In the combined absence of the Comptroller and both Deputy Comptrollers, oversees the Department of Audit and Control operations.

Communicates with rating agencies and financial analysts regarding financial operations and content of annual reports.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Comprehensive knowledge of theory and text of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to governmental accounting, auditing and financial reporting situations.

Comprehensive knowledge of modern methods and technologies for maintaining large numbers of financial accounts and records.

Thorough knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations relating to the administration of accounting functions of all county departments as governed by the State of New York.

Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Ability to supervise subordinates in the preparation and maintenance of financial records and reports in a manner conducive to good personnel management and high morale.

Ability to employ initiative, sound judgment and resourcefulness in solving complex accounting problems.

 

 

 

 

-2- 02321

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Promotional:

 

Three (3) years of permanent, competitive class status as a Systems Accounting Manager, or Accountant III, or Auditor III.

 

 

Open Competitive:

 

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Baccalaureate degree in Accounting plus six (6) years of professional work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in governmental accounting, governmental auditing or a closely related field, which must have involved the application of accounting principles to the installation and operational maintenance of a governmental accounting system, the design or modification of an accounting system, final authority and responsibility for a system or major portion thereof, and the exercise of supervision over accounting activities.

 

 

 

12/2015 Revised