ACCOUNTANT 1 (R26)

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 the direction of a supervisory officer in a state department, institution, or agency supervises the work of an accounting unit, or, personally is responsible for a complex accounting program; does related work as required.

Requirements

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 accounting principles, techniques, machines, and ability to acquire knowledge of their application to specific accounting situations in accordance with statutory or established department procedures. Knowledge of the types of records and systems used in keeping accounts of financial transactions and their adaptation to difficult and unusual situations. Knowledge of the methods used in preventing, discovering, and correcting discrepancies in financial records. Knowledge of the proper form and content of financial records, statements, and schedules. Knowledge of the preparation of involved and detailed accounting and other financial reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to acquire knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing the installation, operation, and keeping of accounts of state agencies and their application to specific situations. Ability to analyze laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the installation, operation, and keeping of the accounts of state agencies to apply them to specific situations. Ability to organize and assign work to subordinate accountants and clerical workers; advise and counsel them when difficult accounting problems arise, and review their work to assure compliance with reasonable standards. Ability to observe recognized accounting principles and standards in maintaining the accounts of state agencies. Ability to initiate and pass upon proposed changes in accounting procedures, and records in order to bring about increased accuracy and economy of operations. Ability to compile, review, analyze, and interpret basic financial data and to develop forms for recording such data. Ability to provide technical advice and assistance to those charged with the keeping of financial records. Ability to communicate effectively with associates, subordinates, and the accounting staff. Ability to prepare and interpret financial statements and reports from involved and extensive financial data. Ability to make involved mathematical computation and compilations accurately and with reasonable speed, and to use the more common office adding and calculating equipment. Ability to train subordinate personnel in correct accounting procedures. Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, sound, and informative financial and other reports. Ability to maintain the essential 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. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range

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. EXAMPLES OF WORK: Devises, installs, and supervises the operation of state government accounting systems. Sees that reasonable uniformity is observed in installing and operating the records of receipts and disbursements kept by State agencies. Assigns technical accounting work to subordinate accountants in the organization; sees that such assignments are carried out in accordance with proper performance, accounting, and legal standards. Examines accounting methods and procedures and recommends changes to bring about increased accuracy, economy of operation and improved reporting. Prepares manuals and other instructions for the use of subordinate accounting personnel and makes such revisions therein as required. Trains subordinate personnel, in proper accounting procedures, methods and systems. Gives advice and assistance to subordinate accountants when they have difficult and unusual problems; sees that they do their work in accordance with accepted standards. Interprets technical accounting and financial data. Reviews, edits, and passes upon accounting reports made by subordinate accountants and checks these for accuracy, propriety, and compliance with the law. Prepares and supervises the preparation of extensive financial statements and related reports based upon accounting data and reports submitted by subordinate accountants. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluation and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. Maintains essential accounting and related records and files. In the Department of Human Services, may be required to undergo fire training classes. May 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. 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 which may include courses in municipal and government accounting. 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 which may include courses in municipal and government accounting; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned experience. OR: Possession of a valid certificate as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Registration as a Public Accountant issued by the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of 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. SC4E25N/AR26-SC3E25N/AR24- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. JMR 10/05/93