ACCOUNTANT 2 (P21)
Career Family: ACCOUNTANT
Accountant 2 sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It sits mid-series for Accountant, one step up from Accountant 3 and one below Accountant 1. The requirements come down to a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $66,592 to $97,354, and state payroll currently lists about 22 people in the title, led by Treasury.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 7 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 7 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Accountant 2 appears on the State payroll at 7 departments, most of them at Department of Treasury.
State departments
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Accountant series
- Accountant 3 — $63,663 – $92,953
- Accountant 2 — $66,592 – $97,354 (this title)
- Accountant 1 — $83,582 – $122,832
Promoting to Accountant 1 raises the top of the band by about $16,034. Its top salary lands around the 40th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 22 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $82,173. The agencies employing the most are:
- Treasury (9)
- Human Services (6)
- Corrections (2)
- Law and Public Safety (2)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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 an Accountant 1 or other supervisory officer, takes the lead in (l) a group of Accountants of lower grades engaged in professional accounting work, or (2) independently handles accounting programs; does related work as required.
Examples of work
As required, may have charge of the accounting in a major division of the state government and handles complex accounting assignments. Assists in the training of subordinate personnel in accounting procedures and advises them on difficult problems. Interprets accounting and financial data. Edits the accounting and financial reports made by subordinate personnel; checks these for accuracy and compliance with the law. Prepares financial and related reports containing findings and recommendations. Maintains essential accounting and other 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.
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 records, and systems used in keeping accounts of financial transactions. Knowledge of the proper forms and contents of financial records, statements and schedules normally found in accounting procedures and practices. Knowledge of the methods involved in accounting and other financial reports. Ability to acquire knowledge of modern accounting methods and machines and their application to accounting situations in accordance with statutory or established department procedures. Ability to acquire knowledge of the laws and rules governing the installation and keeping of accounts of state agencies. Ability to acquire knowledge of the accounting responsibilities of the department assigned. Ability to analyze laws and rules governing the installation and keeping of the accounts of state agencies and when to apply them. Ability to apply appropriate and generally accepted accounting principles and methods. Ability to initiate proposed changes in accounting procedures. Ability to interpret financial data and to develop forms for recording such data. Ability to provide advice to those who keep financial records. Ability to communicate effectively with associates, subordinates, and the accounting staff. Ability to prepare and interpret financial statements and reports from extensive financial data. Ability to make involved mathematical computations and compilations accurately and with reasonable speed and to use the more common office calculating equipment. Ability to train personnel in accounting procedures. Ability to prepare financial and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendation. Ability to maintain essential accounting and related 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.
Note
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. Six (6) years of accounting or auditing experience, including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester credit hours 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 two (2) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR: Possession of a valid Certificate as a Certified Public Accountant or registration as a Public Accountant issued by the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy; and two (2) year of the above-mentioned professional 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.
Study guides for this exam
- Accountant II National Learning Corporation · $50.95
The Civil Service Commission does not publish official study guides or release past tests. These are independent equivalency guides.