County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, positions in this classification assist in financial reporting, accounting analytics, statistical and narrative reports for the department and other county departments and agencies; and to perform other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Investment Specialist is a single position class found only in the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Department which requires in-depth knowledge of applicable laws, policies and procedures related to the investments of the Treasurer’s pool. This class represents higher skilled, journey level professional financial accounting positions. Incumbents of positions in this class work independently and do not require the technical supervision. Investment Specialists may have a wide range of departmental responsibility including varied accounting functions, maintaining financial records for a department division, review vouchers, warrants, purchase orders, requisitions, and similar financial documents. This classification of Investment Specialist is distinguished from the next higher class of Chief Investment Officer-Treasurer Department, in that the latter is responsible for managing the overall investment pool.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent or lower level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Prepares a variety of financial reports and analytical accounting, statistical and narrative reports for the department, County Auditor and other agencies.

2. Prepares a variety of correspondence, periodic and special reports, policies, procedures and other written materials pertaining to treasury investments; may access varied data bases or use information from various sources to prepare such materials.

3. Initiates electronic fund transfers to interface with financial institutions, federal, state and local agencies for the Treasurer’s Investments transactions and for various County departments, Schools and Special Districts.

4. Conducts research and due-diligence on economic changes, market trends, industries, sectors, and specific investments to present to the Investment Officers to assist them in making investment decisions.

5. Represents the division, department or agency and acts as liaison with other County departments, representatives of other public and private organizations, and program participants.

6. Reviews a variety of documents related to the operations of the investment unit for compliance to Government Code, program regulations and procedures; researches and makes corrections as required.

7. Prepares daily investment holdings analysis and monitors balancing activities for trust and custody accounts.

8. Performs daily calculation of investable cash and/or operating cash needs; ensures that the County’s bank account has sufficient cash balance to meet cash disbursements in the absence of the Chief Investment Officer.

9. Processes and maintains investment documents and transactions in conformance with established procedures and controls. Maintains accurate records and files related to work performed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience in the class of Accountant or in an equivalent or higher level Accountant or Financial class in the Alameda County classified service.

Or II

Education:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Business or Public Administration, Accounting, Economics or closely related field. (Additional years of experience may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree, on a year-for-year basis.)

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of three years of full-time experience in the field of investments at a financial institution, portfolio management, financial investments and/or accounting.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of personnel and public administration
• Laws and regulations controlling County fiscal, accounting, collections, and recording operations
• Principles of banking and cashiering operations
• Methods of financial analysis
• Computer systems for accounting and investment management
• Automated remittance processing of large volume and large dollar collections
• Use of spreadsheet, word processing, and other computer applications relevant to performance of related work

Ability to:

• Make informed decisions
• Direct the work of staff and others; adapt and lead in changing work situations
• Communicate effectively both in oral and written medium
• Problem-solving, research - be able to navigate county system, and financial documents to perform analysis and provide resolution
• Prepare analytic reports, develop procedures for various business processes
• Apply principles of accounting, personnel administration, and office management to work practices
• Plan, manage, and perform complex accounting and administrative tasks
• Ability to participate in inter-disciplinary work groups
• Use personal computer-based spreadsheet and other financial and administrative programs for making reports and correspondence
• Work with the public and other county department personnel.

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 11 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Employee Mortgage Loan Program
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.