Property Tax Specialist (#UE1 )

$38.92-$49.19 hourly / $6,746.00-$8,526.10 monthly / $80,953.60-$102,315.20 yearly

• Performs specialized/technical review and control of accounting records and accounts;
• Reviews and verifies source documents used in the receipt, distribution, collection, disbursement of monies to ensure proper coding and classifications, accurate accounting treatment and compliance with provisions of contracts/program/legal requirements;
• Authorizes the payment of claims against the County;
• Compiles and prepares standardized financial/statistical reports to county, state, or federal agencies;
• Researches and resolves a variety of difficult accounts-related problems through review of a variety of records, interpretation of program rules and regulations, projecting impact of potential actions/decisions, and coordination with multiple stakeholders;
• Serves as liaison with partner/regulatory agencies;
• Assists in the interpretation of a wide variety of complex policies, procedures, regulations, contracts and agreements to determine their provisions and regularly applies them to widely varied and/or difficult circumstances;
• Troubleshoots automated accounting system problems;
• Identifies operator errors and/or equipment problems;
• Interfaces with the vendor or information systems staff to resolve systems-related problems;
• Assists in developing and updating system codes, rate schedules, apportionment formula and accounting protocols to comply with regulations and policies;
• Performs a variety of administrative functions in support of higher-level positions or fiscal managers requiring a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the program/system;
• Serves as a resource to others and a recognized authority in the area of program assignment;
• May supervise or lead the work of other lower level fiscal staff;
• May perform other duties in support of accounting staff and management, including claims for County and outside agencies; assisting in the research and compilation of information needed to develop budgets, set rates or allocate costs; and preparing routine financial reports with standardized content and format.

Knowledge:

• Some knowledge of the relationships among accounting or statistical records and documents;
• Some knowledge of proper accounting codes and classifications for transactions;
• Working knowledge of modern practices, procedures, techniques and terminology related to the processing and recording of accounting transactions;
• Working knowledge of basic accounting principles, practices, and standards;
• Working knowledge of County accounting systems and procedures applicable to the receipt, deposit, distribution, collection, and disbursement of funds;
• Working knowledge of County administrative policies governing contracts, claims, payroll, and reimbursements.
• Working knowledge of accounting and specialized program policies, rules and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of the application of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access software.

Ability to:

• recognize errors and problems and research a variety of sources to determine appropriate corrective actions;
• independently resolve problems;
• reconcile differences within the record-keeping system;
• review and consolidate records from several sources and summarize and assimilate into reports and other accounting documents;
• understand, interpret and apply a variety of complex rules, regulations, contracts or legal documents in proper accounting context;
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of governmental officials, coworkers and the public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Three years of responsible accounting experience plus completion of at least 9 semester units of accounting; or three years of responsible full-charge bookkeeping experience plus, completion of at least 9 semester units of accounting; 

OR

Two years experience as a Senior Accounting Technician with Santa Cruz County plus, completion of at least 9 semester units of accounting;

OR 

One year of responsible technical or full-charge bookkeeping experience plus, eighteen semester units of accounting coursework, including at least two semesters of intermediate accounting;

OR 

Graduation from college with a degree in Accounting, Economics Finance or other related field.

Special Requirements/Conditions: 

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid California C Drivers License or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Must pass a background investigation, which includes fingerprints.

OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Physically and mentally capable of performing the essential functions of the position as summarized in the typical tasks section of this specification.