ASSISTANT CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

Code: 00345 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, assists the Chief Accountant in the planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and preparation of financial statements and reports; does other related work.

Examples of work

Assists in developing program goals and plans for the organization. Assists in determining resource needs, the allocation of resources, and accounts for their effective use. May coordinate program efforts with internal activities or those of other agencies. Assists in establishing priorities for the accounting unit. May establish and adjust long- term schedules, priorities, and deadlines for a variety of work assignments. Coordinates work schedules among subordinate units. Manages work operations and/or functional programs. Responsible for employee evaluations and effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Assists in developing the framework for the basic accounting system, and prescribes adaptations to meet the needs of the accounting staff. May analyze and interpret the results and effects of transactions upon the financial resources of the organization. Applies governmental and generally accepted accounting principles to solve problems, provide advice or to meet other needs of the organization. Assists in managing the accounting program including the supervision of subordinate accounting staff and other support personnel. Plans and conducts special studies, surveys, and projects. May review and determine the status of financial resources and the financial results of operations. Identifies significant trends concerning growth and decline of financial resources. May develop and examine accounting and financial statements and reports for compliance with generally accepted accounting principles. Advises and provides guidance to administrative personnel in varied areas of financial management. Supervises accounting operations of the agency or jurisdiction. Plans, assigns, organizes, coordinates and reviews the work of staff. Assists the chief or other executive officer with various financial tasks, which may include budgeting, attending meetings and seminars, or filling in if officer is absent. Makes recommendations for revisions in forms, account classifications, and statements. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of governmental and generally accepted accounting principles, methods and techniques and their application to specific accounting situations. Knowledge and ability to implement, establish and maintain a large-scale accounting program. Knowledge of the types of records and systems used in maintaining accounts of financial transactions. Knowledge of the techniques used to identify discrepancies in financial records, and the methods used to prevent and correct errors. Knowledge of supervisory principles and techniques. Ability to read and interpret laws, rules, and regulations of the organization and apply them to specific situations. Ability to assign, instruct and supervise staff work performance. Ability to supervise the maintenance of detailed accounts and to prepare, verify and interpret financial statements. Ability to solve accounting problems. Ability to prepare and interpret financial statements and reports. Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of accurate accounting and financial reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Eight (8) years of professional supervisory accounting experience involving the operation and maintenance of large-scale systems of accounts, including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional accounting courses. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional accounting courses; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned experience. OR: Possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) issued by the New Jersey State Board of Certified Public Accountants or as a Certified Municipal Finance Officer issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgement and make accurate and informed decisions.

CERTIFICATION

Appointees may be required to possess certification as a Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA), depending upon the specific responsibilities of the position in the jurisdiction.