CHIEF ACCOUNTANT 0224

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for the technical supervision of various accounting units within a large department governed by a complex set of local, state and federal laws and regulations. The emphasis of the position is on a high level of technical responsibility including the development of accounting systems and methods for departmental financial operations. Work differs from that of a Principal Accountant in that, within a large department, an Accountant at the principal level would assist in the implementation of, and make recommendations for new or revised accounting systems and methods within the unit(s) under supervision, but would not assume responsibility for the development of such methods and systems for overall departmental financial operations. Work is performed under general direction and is reviewed for adherence to established departmental policies and procedures through conferences and reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Develops and implements new and revised departmental accounting systems and methods for financial operations;

Implements the fiscal directives of federal, state and County agencies as related to departmental programs;

Monitors and controls expenditures and revenues; coordinates and evaluates the operations of the various accounting units;

Establishes deadlines and priorities; plans, assigns, reviews and supervises the work of a large staff;

Conducts expenditure and revenue analyses and directs the preparation of resulting reports;

Assists in the preparation of the Department's budget for the assigned units;

Prepares special reports and studies as directed.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting and the ability to apply this knowledge to work situations; comprehensive knowledge of local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations and their relationships as they pertain to the administration of the accounting function of a large and complex department; thorough 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 determine, analyze and evaluate accounting problems and to develop new or revised accounting systems and methods to avoid or eliminate such problems in order to assure the accurate and efficient operation of assigned units; 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; 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 eight (8) years of experience as an accountant or auditor, three (3) years of which must have been in a position which involved a high level of technical responsibility including the development and implementation of accounting systems, methods and internal controls

NOTES:

All experience must be professional and obtained post-bachelor’s degree.

Bookkeeping experience will NOT be credited toward meeting the above minimum qualifications.

Possession of a New York State license as a Certified Public Accountant may be substituted for two (2) years of non-specific experience as an accountant or auditor.

Graduate level education, which includes at least twelve (12) accounting credits, may be substituted for one (1) year of non-specific experience as an accountant or auditor.

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Principal Accountant or Principal Auditor; or,

One (1) year of permanent competitive status as an Investigative Auditor.

R08/08/25

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive