PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT 0223
An employee in this
class directs the operations of various accounting units engaged in authorizing
payments, maintaining accounting and statistical records and processing
payrolls and checks. The scope of
responsibilities varies with the size of the department; in a medium-size
department, the position includes responsibility for the development of
accounting systems and methods for departmental financial operations, while in
a large complex department the incumbent does not have overall responsibility
for the development of such systems and methods but assists in the
implementation and makes recommendations for new or revised accounting systems
and methods within the unit(s) under supervision. Work is performed under the general
supervision of a Chief Accountant or another high level
administrator and is reviewed through observations, consultations and review of
reports. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK
ACTIVITIES
Directs various sections of an
accounting division and supervises a staff of clerical and technical personnel
engaged in reviewing and processing authorizations for payment; maintains
statistical records; prepares claims for reimbursement; maintains ledgers on
the transactions of the department; receives and records moneys
for reimbursement and restitution of public funds;
Develops and supervises the
installation of new accounting systems and procedures pertinent to the
operations of the assigned section(s) or department; works with data processing
personnel to develop and improve automated accounting systems;
Interprets new regulations,
procedures and requirements as promulgated by the county, state and federal government;
Assists the head of the department
or other high-level administrator in compiling, preparing and coordinating the
budgets of the divisions and institutions within the department and estimates
the amount of reimbursement that may be realized from governmental and private agencies;
Assists the department head or other
high level administrator in pre-paring
annual reports to the state on the operations of the department's divisions and
institutions;
Prepares
statements of operational and maintenance costs for the department.
FULL PERFORMANCE
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of
accounting and the ability to apply this knowledge to work situations; thorough
knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations relating to the administration of
the accounting function of a large municipal division; good knowledge of the
adaptabilities and limitations of data processing equipment to accounting
operations; ability to prepare complete and accurate accounting reports and
statements of considerable complexity; ability to plan, assign, and direct the
work of a large staff in a manner conducive to full performance and high
morale; ability to keep complex records, to assemble and organize data, and to
prepare reports from such records; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely,
both orally and in writing; ability to analyze and evaluate accounting problems
and to develop pertinent accounting and related systems; physical condition
commensurate with the demands of the position.
OPEN COMPETITIVE
Graduation from a college with federally-authorized
accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's
degree, which includes or is supplemented by at least twenty-four (24) credits
in Accounting and six (6) years of experience as an
accountant or auditor.
NOTES:
All experience must
be professional and obtained post-bachelor’s degree.
Bookkeeping
experience will NOT be credited toward meeting the above minimum
qualifications.
Graduate level education,
which includes at least twelve (12) accounting credits, may be substituted for
one (1) year of the above experience.
Possession of a New
York State License as a Certified Public Accountant may be substituted for two
(2) years of experience as an accountant or auditor.
PROMOTIONAL
One (1) year of permanent
competitive status as a Payroll Compliance Examiner, or two (2) years of
permanent competitive status as a Senior Accountant or Senior Auditor.
R08/08/25
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Competitive