El Monte City School District Position Description

Position: Accounting Analyst Position Number:
Department/Site: Accounting                   FLSA: Non-exempt
Evaluated by: Department Administrator    Salary Grade: 19

Summary

Provides accurate and timely budget and financial information that can be used for current and future financial and program decisions. Advises program administrators on budget, cost-of-service, and financial decision-making issues. Provides support to certain aspects of the budget development process and budget administration.

Distinguishing Career Features

The Accounting Analyst is a technical position in the accounting career path requiring knowledge and education in municipal accounting practices, procedures, and techniques, as well as a working knowledge of the budget development and financial reporting processes. Advancement to this position requires a level of accounting knowledge equivalent to attainment of an Associates Degree and a demonstration of competency in assembling budget documents, performing budgetary research, monitoring expenditures, and preparation of feasibility studies and special reports. Advancement to Staff Accountant requires a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and the ability to perform the requirements of the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Assists with, and may facilitate certain aspects of the budget development process for categorical, special, and general funds. Participates in certain aspects of its preparation, such as data collection and prior-year performance analysis.

Prepares and distributes documents and schedules to support the budget planning and development process. Provides training and technical assistance to support research and preparation of department and program budgets.

Participates in the preparation of period financial statements and categorical reports, including variance analysis, for advisory/regulatory groups and administrators.

Assists in preparing program, project, and budget-related presentation materials for the Board and other advisory groups.

Facilitates and prepares line item transfers. Reviews expense and other requisitions for compliance with applicable standards, rules and regulations, and approved budgets, analyzing variances and resolves variances with appropriate managers. Monitors expenditures of funds carried over from prior fiscal periods.

Participates with input of budget data. Complies with established procedures for specialized budgets. Analyzes budget reports to assure expenditures do not exceed appropriations. Enters pre-encumbered funds onto an automated accounting system using a data entry screen.

Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the regulations and reporting requirements and procedures connected with categorical, special and general fund programs. Provides technical assistance to staff on financial matters relating to programs.

Interprets and administers the policies, rules and regulations established the Board, including accounting controls established by the District’s Finance department. Works with departments, programs, and sites to complete financial transactions with established parameters.

Provides technical expertise to staff for budget/financial areas. Provides financial and budget analysis as needed by senior staff. Performs special financial data gathering for items such as indirect costs and overhead allocations that would be applied to special funds and categorical programs.

May maintain a portion of the District’s job control system, as it relates to specific funds. Monitors allocation of jobs to assure compliance with special fund requirements.

May provide technical support to departments accessing computerized accounting systems and databases that contain financial and statistical information. May assist departments in cost-benefit analysis of project, program, and related proposals.

Prepares elements of Federal, State and local financial reports relating to the assigned area of responsibility.

Provides assistance to other accounting staff on an as-needed basis to balance fluctuations in workflow.

Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.


Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills
The position requires considerable knowledge of the principles and procedures of accounting, auditing and finance with additional expertise in budget preparation and control. Requires in-depth knowledge of generally accepted financial processes and programs and of laws, codes, and regulations applying to assigned financial operations. Requires a working knowledge of audit documentation requirements. Requires a working knowledge of automated accounting systems and relational databases. Requires a basic knowledge of the practices and techniques in accumulating cost accounting information, including allocation of accounting data to determine standard costs or rates. Requires a working knowledge of the financial management, control, and reporting processes associated with restricted funds. Requires well-developed math skills to perform complex accounting and statistical computations. Requires sufficient language skills to prepare reports suitable for external publishing. Requires well-developed human relations skills to explain detailed information to public audiences and work with staff in advisory capacity.

Abilities
Requires the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and work tasks of the position. Must be able to prepare complex analyses and write reports which adequately communicate problems and solutions. Must be able to organize and prioritize work in order to meet rigid schedules and budget timelines. Requires the ability to provide one-on-one and small group discussion, and otherwise work with a wide range of contacts including administrative staff, advisory groups, and peers. Requires ability to initiate and conduct technical research, complete complex arithmetic, algebraic and statistical computations, solve highly technical problems associated with financial transactions.

Physical Abilities
Requires sufficient hand-eye-arm coordination to use a keyboard and 10-key plus arm/hand movements to retrieve work materials and operate a variety of general office equipment. Requires visual acuity to read words and numbers. Requires auditory ability to carry on conversations over the phone and in person.

Education and Experience
The position requires an Associates Degree in accounting or finance or equivalent plus four years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in municipal accounting, budgeting, or closely related field.

Licenses and Certificates
May require a valid driver’s license.

Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office environment with minimal exposure to health and safety considerations.