Accountant II - Aging & Disability Services (County Promotional Only)

Salary : $87,963.20 - $109,948.80 Annually
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: E011Z
Department: Aging and Disability Services
Opening Date: 04/22/2025
Closing Date: 5/6/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 35

Description
San Mateo County Health - Aging and Disability Services is currently seeking a well-qualified candidate for the position of Accountant II.

There is one regular, full-time vacancy within the Trust Accounting group of the Administrative and Financial Services Unit (AFSU). AFSU plays a critical role in supporting Aging and Disability Services (ADS) through data collection and analysis, budget and accounting services, contract administration, performance measurement, asset management, and work process improvement initiatives.

The Accountant II will be part of a team of six accounting professionals responsible for managing the daily fiscal transactions of more than 650 conservatorship accounts and preparing court-mandated accountings. This role involves working closely with Deputy Public Guardians, the Public Administrator, the Estate Management team, and various outside agencies to collect and verify financial records necessary for the preparation of accurate court accountings. In addition, the accountant will be responsible for calculating and reconciling statutory fees in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This position also offers the opportunity to contribute to the preparation of the year-end fiduciary financial statement included in the County's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Aging and Disability Services is a client-centered division within County Health, dedicated to protecting and supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities so they can live safer, healthier, and more independent lives in the community. We are proud of our ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace culture that is inclusive, diverse, and supportive, and where all employees are encouraged to reach their fullest potential.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience in fiduciary accounting is highly preferred.
• Exhibit strong attention to detail and accuracy in processing financial transactions, preparing journal entries, and reconciling accounts to maintain the integrity of financial records and ensure compliance with accounting standards and policies.
• Experience with Year-End Close Processes including account reconciliations, journal entries, and accurate financial report.
• Possess accounting experience in the health sector.
• Experience in using OFAS.
• Proficient in Excel, Word and Adobe.
• Have experience in preparing and delivering financial reports.
• Exhibit knowledge and comprehension of government accounting principles.
• Display excellent verbal and written communication skills, effectively engaging with staff.
• Be capable of working autonomously, resolving problems, and exercising sound judgment within established guidelines.
• Demonstrate proficiency in solving business challenges and providing actionable recommendations for timely and effective operational decisions.
• Possess strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
• Show a strong commitment to collaboration, actively promoting a cohesive team environment.
• Adopt a customer-centric approach to accounting, with a keen understanding of transaction flows and the ability to use data to convey insights comprehensively.
• Have the ability to build a strong effective relations and partnerships by using a collaborative style in reaching solutions to problems and accomplishing goals.
• Have the ability to organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner.

About Aging and Disability Services

Aging and Adult Services (ADS) helps San Mateo County's older adults and people with disabilities live as safely and independently as possible. Services include centralized intake and referral, assessment and consultation, protective and supportive services, public guardian/conservatorship, and case management. The division serves as the Area Agency on Aging for planning, coordination, program funding, and advocacy for older adults and people with disabilities in the County. The division is advised by the Commission on Aging, the Commission on Disabilities, and the In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Committee.
ADS' goal is to deliver compassionate and financially responsible services that meet high professional standards by providing protection, support, prevention and advocacy for older adults and people with disabilities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Accountant II is the journey level class in this series, competent to independently perform the full range of accounting duties. Successful performance requires a thorough knowledge of governmental accounting procedures, the ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines and may involve skill in directing the work of support staff. The use of computer technology and/or automated input and output documents varies with the department to which assigned. This class is distinguished from Senior Accountant which is either the supervisory and/or advanced specialist level in the professional accountant series. The classes are distinguished from the fiscal office support classes in that the work requires not only a process knowledge, but also analytical and systems development skills in addition to a strong accounting theoretical knowledge. They are further distinguished from the Internal Auditor series in that the latter classes perform internal and external audits in addition to performing accounting duties.

NOTE: This classification requires the successful completion of a minimum of twelve semester units of college level accounting coursework.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review accounting documents to ensure accuracy of information and calculation and make correcting entries.
• Examine supporting documentation to establish proper authorization and conformance with agreements, contracts, and state and federal regulations.
• Prepare and maintain control and subsidiary accounting records involving a variety of transactions and accounts.
• Prepare trial balances; coordinate and calculate periodic closings.
• Prepare journal entries and reconciliation of general ledger, journals, subsidiary accounts and bank statements.
• Compile and prepare general and subsidiary ledgers and supporting schedules.
• Assist in and/or coordinate the preparation and analysis of budgets for departmental and County funds.
• Maintain expenditure and budgetary control accounts; prepare and coordinate budget appropriation transfers.
• Confer with departmental representatives and provide information regarding budgeting and accounting processes.
• Analyze and prepare varied financial statements and reports.
• Apportion monies including secured, unsecured, impounded, redeemed, and other taxes.
• Review and approve claims for referral of tax, grant or other monies and prepare claims for reimbursement from various state or funding agencies and/or programs.
• Maintain varied departmental cost accounting records, disbursing funds to various accounts and/or billing for reimbursements as required.
• Analyze programs and legislation to determine fiscal and budgetary impact; prepare budgetary appropriation transfers and supplemental budgets.
• Review and recommend modifications to existing or creation of accounting systems and procedures; may assist with or coordinate the automation of manual accounting systems.
• Provide technical support to internal and outside auditors and governmental program auditors.
• May plan, direct, review and evaluate the work of fiscal office support staff on a project or day-to-day basis; may train staff in work procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Note: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and terminology of general, fund and governmental accounting.
• Principles and practices of business data processing, particularly as related to the processing of accounting information.
• Applicable laws regulating public fiscal operations.
• Budgeting principles and terminology.
• Basic auditing and financial reconciliation principles and methods.

Skill/Ability to:

• Review, analyze, interpret and reconcile financial reports and transactions.
• Verify the accuracy of financial data and information.
• Prepare clear, concise and complete financial reports and statements.
• Ensure proper authorization and documentation for disbursements and other transactions.
• Direct the work of others on a project or day to day basis.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Make accurate mathematical and statistical calculations.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations.

Experience and Education:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Two years of accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or public agency.

NOTE: This classification requires the successful completion of a minimum of twelve semester units of college level accounting coursework.
Application/Examination

County Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo or County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified, regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply.

The examination process will consist of an application screening based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions (weight: pass/fail). Candidates who pass the application screening may be invited to a panel interview (weight:100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go tohttps://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 11:59 PM PSTApplication Screening: Week of May 6, 2025
Civil Service Panel/Departmental Interview: Week of May 12, 2025
About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

Analyst: Debbie Kong (04222025) (Accountant II -E011)
Please visit for a complete listing of all benefits for this classification.
Benefits are offered to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. All benefits are subject to change.
NOTE: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 may be subject to new Pension Reform retirement laws.
As an additional benefit, the County offers extensive training and development programs designed to improve skills and enhance career opportunities. Most programs are offered on County time at no cost to you.
County employees are also covered by the federal Social Security system and earn benefits for retirement based on salary and time worked.
01

IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will give us additional information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the selection process. Be concise and specific. Neatness, clarity of expression, grammar, spelling and ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process.A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to these questions.

• I have read and understand these instructions.

02

This is a County Promotional Only recruitment. Only current County of San Mateo or County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified, regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply. Do you meet this requirement? (A "No" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment.)

• Yes
• No

03

This classification requires the successful completion of at least twelve (12) semester units of college-level accounting coursework. Do you have 12 college level units of accounting coursework? (A "No" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment.)

• Yes
• No

04

This classification requires the successful completion of at least twelve (12) semester units of college-level units of accounting coursework. Please provide the following information regarding your course work: Course Title, Units received, Institution, Completion date.(Failure to list information regarding your coursework may disqualify you from this recruitment.)
05

Tell us about a time you worked on fiduciary accounting, especially involving court-required reports for a conservatee. If this is new to you, how would you approach learning the required procedures and regulations.
06

Describe a system or process change you worked on. What was your role, and what impact did it have?
07

What steps would you take to accurately reconcile data between two different systems? Please describe your approach in detail.
Required Question