SUPERVISING ACCOUNTANT (Code 05657)

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, supervises accounting operations, activities and staff; performs varied, professional accounting work concerned with designing, maintaining, analyzing and operating accounting record and reporting systems in support of agency operations; does related work as required.

Examples of work

Supervises and participates in the preparation, review and verification of a variety of accounting and auditing reports. Assists in planning for the effective use of personnel, materials, and available funds. Examines and analyzes books, accounting records, and annual and other financial reports. Conducts difficult inspections of various financial transactions and records to ensure that appropriate regulations and accounting procedures are observed. Maintains control of recordkeeping functions. Audits and records expense invoices. Conducts operational audits and edits costs reports and other financial summaries and statements. Checks disbursements and controls adherence to contractual obligations. Conducts periodic investigations to determine the effectiveness of account control methods. Assigns and supervises lower-level accountants' work performance. Coordinates and prepares employee work schedules. Supervises and/or personally maintains the central control ledgers. Coordinates accounting activities with other units. Confers with the heads of other units and provides advice on the utilization of proper accounting methods and techniques. Gives suggestive revisions to accounting systems and procedures according to changes in laws and conditions. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Maintains, prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointee 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 the principles, methods, and procedures used in accounting and their application to specific situations after a period of training. Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation and maintenance of accounts and their application to specific situations. Knowledge of the preparation of complex accounting and other financial reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to identify and analyze complex accounting problems. Ability to design, install, and operate a large-scale accounting program. Ability supervise accounting operations, activities and staff. Ability to analyze laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the installation and maintenance of the accounts of the department and apply them to specific situations. Ability to initiate changes in accounting procedures and records to increase efficiency and economy of operations. Ability to review and analyze sophisticated financial data and to develop meaningful reports to interprets such data. Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of essential accounting records and files. 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.

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. Seven (7) years of professional accounting or auditing experience, 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 three (3) 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 three (3) 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.