Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the department supervisor, perform a variety of complex clerical and technical accounting work involved in developing, maintaining and auditing financial and statistical records and doing related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a mid-level position. Individuals who serve as Principal Account Technician provide services primarily in the office. Problem solving and the ability to communicate effectively in writing, the capacity to maintain personal demeanor during periods of peak workflow and perform efficiently within restricted time frames are critical factors for success in this position.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Under the general supervision of the Department Supervisor.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities (Examples of Essential Job Functions)

• Assumes lead responsibility for an assigned specialized function or a complex accounting unit;
• Gathers, checks, posts, extends, balances, tabulates and proofreads accounting, statistical or financial reports and data;
• Performs auditing functions over other department accounting information;
• Maintains and develops files, audits and sorts documents, records, worksheets and reports;
• Makes arithmetical computations and reviews transactions for arithmetic correctness and compliance with legal requirements;
• Prepares complex monthly, quarterly, semiannual and annual reports;
• Assigns, trains or leads other personnel;
• Provides information to and seeks information from other county office employees, school district personnel, state, federal and county representatives, vendors and the public;
• Utilizes a variety of standard office equipment, including PC and mainframe computers and may be required to develop customized spreadsheets using proprietary or public domain accounting software.

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of:

• Accounting principles and practices;
• Laws and regulations pertaining to specific duties;
• The methods, practices and terminology used in manual, semi-automated and automated fiscal record-keeping or bookkeeping;
• Microcomputer-based accounting software;
• Proper supervision and/or training techniques;
• Office practices, methods, and procedures.

Ability to:

• Prepare, process, and verify ones own alpha and numeric information rapidly and accurately at an acceptable standard of efficiency and to meet assigned timelines;
• Analyze information and statistics and prepare reports, specifications and correspondence;
• Make recommendations regarding improved department policies and procedures;
• Operate varied office equipment, including microcomputers;
• 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;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing via telephone, computer modem and in person;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Lead the work of assigned department personnel;
• Visual acuity to read fine print;
• Have enough strength to periodically handle bulky and heavy files.

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from high school or comparable demonstration of basic competence;
• Five (5) years of experience in fiscal record preparation and maintenance, including two years of advanced level accounting and record keeping.

Preferred Experience

• Supervisory or training experience highly desired.

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

One or more of the Principle Account Technician positions requires that individuals travel to/from a primary worksite to select field locations.

Environmental Elements

The majority of work is done indoors in a climate-controlled office, with occasional travel to school sites to assist if necessary.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• The position requires ordinary ambulatory ability to retrieve work materials, intermittent walking, standing, stooping and carrying and lifting of light- to medium-weight materials (under 30 pounds).
• Requires hand-eye-arm-finger dexterity to use a personal computer keyboard, ten-key and other common office equipment.
• Requires speaking and hearing ability sufficient to hear over the phone and carry on complex conversations.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read manuals, video display screens and other related material and work at a computer screen frequently and throughout the day.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted, and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

Range 12 (Reclassified from Range 42)
Personnel Commission Approved 4/10/01 | Reformatted 4/21/2023