PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT                                                     0223

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

            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:

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.

 

R08/08/2023

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive