Under general supervision of the Director of Finance, to perform intermediate level accounting and record keeping duties related to the District's payroll, accounts payable and receivable; and to perform other related duties as needed.

This class is the intermediate level in the Accounting Specialist series, and is differentiated from the Accounting Specialist I in that incumbents are expected to work with greater independence, and have responsibility for intermediate to moderately difficult and complex duties with primary responsibility for Payroll.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to provide a representative list of the various types of work that may be performed.    Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job class, and incumbents may expect to perform other related duties as needed.    

• Performs regular payroll processing including hours entry, taxes, contributions, and deductions; prints and distributes checks; sets up and sends direct deposit online; runs and distributes payroll reports.
• Calculates funds owed, and initiates payments to CalPERS; prepares retirement reports. 
• Assists in administering employee benefits for payroll purposes including insurances, deferred compensation, and related programs.
• Prepares account reconciliations for annual audit for payroll, assessment district, and other accounts as required. 
• May notarize lien documents as requested.
• Assembles, matches, sorts, tabulates, checks and files numerical data. 
• Uses computer systems to compile information or create documents relating to customers' transactions; processes customer refunds; record taxes and liens paid by county.
• Uses spreadsheet software to keep financial records and process documents involved in financial transactions; processes invoices for payment. 
• Prepares checks for authorized signatures and distribution and/or mailing. 
• Prepares and processes a variety of bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and year-end reports; assembles, prepares and enters into the financial system a variety of accounting related data. 
• Assists in accounts payable; codes invoices with vendor and account numbers and enters into computer for processing.
• Assists in accounts receivable preparing invoices, journal entries and reports. 
• Assists the Finance Director in performing research and investigating accounting variances.
• Assists in handling more difficult technical and accounting issues. 
• Trains Accounting Specialist I's and other support staff.
• Performs all of the duties of an Accounting Specialist I, as required.
• Cross trains to assist in customer service and billing functions, as necessary. 
• Creates correspondence.
• Reconciles accounts to the general ledger. 
• Keeps abreast of new laws and regulations effecting area of responsibility.
• Participates in District safety meetings. 
• Maintains prompt and regular attendance. 
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Purposes, methods, and practices of financial record keeping and accounting at an intermediate level.
• Basic English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office practices, equipment, and procedures. 
• Personal computer operation and related software applications including intermediate level Microsoft Office, e-mail, accounting and payroll software programs and web-based communication tools.
• Statistical and record keeping methods.
• Safe work practices.

• Maintain a variety of confidential financial records of intermediate complexity.
• Prepare a variety of financial statistical reports.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with others.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Gather, analyze, interpret and present orally/electronically data.
• Understand and apply District policies and procedures without immediate supervision.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Operate standard office equipment, personal computers, and related software. 
• Keyboard at 40 wpm and use a 10-key calculator by touch.
• Observe proper safety precautions. 

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying.  A typical combination includes:

Education:   

A high school diploma or satisfactory equivalent, supplemented by the completion of at least three (3) college level courses in accounting, business administration, information technology, or related subjects; and  

 AND 

Experience: 

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, of which at least one (1) year was assisting in payroll activities.