City and County of San Francisco

The Accountant I class performs, under general supervision, professional level accounting duties of moderate complexity and/or diversity. This involves a review of source documents, maintenance of ledgers, registers or other records of initial entry, the maintenance of control accounts and the preparation of periodic reports. Duties may involve interaction with vendors on claims for goods and services. The incumbent must understand and make decisions based upon Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and knowledge of Government Financial Reporting Standards. Accountant I duties include pre audit and audit functions; budget preparation, and the performance of related essential and marginal duties as required.

The Accountant I is distinguished from the Accountant II by the variety of accounting duties, the degree of independent decision making, the complexity of work performed, and supervision exercised. Although the Accountant I exercises independent judgment in the application of accounting techniques, set procedures and standards are typically followed and work is generally reviewed by a supervisor.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Performs a variety of accounting and administrative tasks such as reviewing source documents for accounting purposes, maintaining ledgers, recording entries, compiling budget information, assisting in the rate setting process, and interacting with vendors.

2. Works with and modifies simple spreadsheet applications using a personal computer, and interacts with the Controller's office, or in the Controller's office with other departments, and agencies, using a computerized financial management information system.

3. Audits and prepares cash receipts reports, distributes personal service costs to appropriate accounts, pre-audits and verifies departmental deposits; maintains various payroll accounts: identifies and records capital outlay expenditures, and grant expenditures; and prepares information for work-order invoices to other departments.

4. Reviews and reconciles departmental accounting records with those in the Controllers' office, then submits data necessary for adjustments.

5. Prepares trial balances and reconciles work sheets; receives, processes and deposits funds with banks, the Treasurer, and assists in the installation and modification of accounting systems.

6. Some positions supervise routine clerical support position.

Knowledge of Accounting theory and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and its application to various accounting transactions and problems; knowledge of local level governmental accounting practices; knowledge of and skill in the use of computer software.

Skill to communicate orally with other employees and the public using a telephone; make arithmetic calculations; produce clear and accurate reports; observe, compare or monitor data to determine the accuracy of financial records; analyze accounts, make and adjust entries, and prepare reports and statements.

Ability to comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Financial Reporting Standards. Ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time; work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

These minimum qualifications are to be used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which may be required for employment in the class. Although these minimum qualifications are typical of the class, additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the job announcement.

Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with twelve (12) semester units or eighteen (18) quarter units of coursework in accounting.

None

AMENDED: 10/21/09

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.