Job Summary

Under the direction of the Accounting Supervisor performs complex accounting support and technical assistance in the maintenance, reporting, reconciliation, and remittance of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS) and the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) member contribution of the Humboldt County educational agencies; and serving as a technical resource to HCOE staff and its educational agencies.

Examples of Duties

• Audits STRS and PERS monthly retirement reports submitted by Humboldt County education agencies for the purpose of reconciling, consolidating and submitting combined reports to STRS and PERS.
• Compiles, reviews, and prepares financial analyses (e.g., year-end reports, variance reports, contribution rates, etc.) for the purpose of providing financial summaries for staff and educational agency use, and/or ensuring compliance with established regulatory guidelines.
• Creates, interprets and coordinates updates to operating, instruction and procedures manuals for the purpose of providing direction in addressing needs and resolving current issues.
• Develops and conducts individual and group workshops and/or training for Humboldt educational agencies for the purpose of conveying knowledge of retirement system regulations, proper recordkeeping procedures and reporting requirements.
• Ensures the timeliness and accuracy of payments for retirement reporting for the purpose of assuring compliance with state guidelines and retention of information required by law.
• Operates internal retirement information systems for the purpose of providing required guidance, support and compliance with established regulations.
• Participates in unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Prepares and maintains a wide variety of files and records (e.g., variance and activity reports, payroll records, retirement records, accounting records, state mandated reports, procedures, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing reference, conveying information, and complying with established financial, legal and/or administrative requirements.
• Receives PERS and STRS agencies procedural changes for the purpose of implementing these changes in compliance with established regulatory guidelines.
• Reconciles, balances, tracks and maintains records for the purpose of verifying accuracy of information, maintaining accurate balances according to prescribed accounting procedures.
• Resolves discrepancies and exceptions related to retirement reporting issues for the purpose of investigating and working independently with local educational agencies ensuring legality, proper authorization and compliance with relevant legal, procedural and reporting requirements.
• Responds to inquiries of staff and administration for the purpose of providing routine and specialized information regarding retirement financial procedures.
• Serves as a technical resource to active employees and retirees for the purpose of providing information regarding retirement system matters.
• Verifies and processes cash journal transfers for the purpose of maintaining estimated and final retirement contribution amounts for Humboldt County educational agencies.
• Performs related duties as required.

Employment Standards

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in a related field or equivalent.
• Three (3) years related experience with increasing responsibility in retirement systems, payroll, accounting and administration.
• Desirable: Two (2) years’ experience with California State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS) and/or the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement agencies reporting systems and previous work in a school district or county office of education.

Knowledge of:

• STRS and PERS regulations.
• Applications of computers, software, and data processing for payroll and retirement.
• Oral and written communication.
• Concepts and techniques related to the research, gathering, compiling, analysis, audits, and processing of payroll and retirement data.
• Principles and practices of training and providing work direction.
• Applicable sections of the California Education Code and other federal and state laws, rules, and regulations related to accounting, payroll, retirement, and taxation.

Ability to:

• Analyze information and statistics and prepare reports, specifications, and correspondence.
• Make recommendations regarding improved department policies and procedures, including training programs and technologies.
• Audit the record keeping work prepared by other school personnel.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Prepare, organize and maintain records and files.
• Present complex technical information to individuals, small and large groups effectively and with desired learning results.
• Professionally represent the office to other schools, businesses and agencies as necessary.
• Adjust to changing work demands, including, but not limited to changes in procedures, technologies and fluctuations in workflow.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing and one-on-one in large group settings.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Lead the work of assigned department personnel.
• Ability to read fine print.
• Communicate effectively via telephone, in person and virtually.
• Have enough strength to periodically handle bulky and heavy files.

Additional Requirements

The Retirement Specialist position may require that individuals travel to/from a primary worksite to select field locations. Therefore, a valid California Driver’s License or other acceptable arrangement for independent travel would be required. Please contact the Personnel Department or the Department Supervisor for details.

Range 15 (Reclassified from Range 45) | Personnel Commission Approved: 6/29/2022