Accountant I/II

County of Santa Barbara; California; On-site; USD 79,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement reciprocity

Advanced vacation accrual rate

Job summary

County of Santa Barbara is seeking Accountant I/II to support professional accounting duties, including budget analysis, grant budgeting, and financial reporting across multiple departments. Positions available in the Sheriff’s Office and Probation Department, with opportunities to grow in a public-service environment.

The roles require a university degree in accounting or business administration (or an associate degree with relevant accounting credits) and experience; some positions may require

Qualifications

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration or related field; OR,
• An Associate of Arts degree in accounting or business administration, including six semester or equivalent quarter units in Intermediate Accounting, and two years of paraprofessional accounting experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Financial Office Professional III with Santa Barbara County; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required for some positions.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles and procedures is desirable.
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex fiscal data and draw valid conclusions; detect weaknesses in internal control; plan and complete work with minimal direction.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the preparation, evaluation, justification, and maintenance of budgets and budgetary controls; assists in developing, preparing, and reviewing Federal and State grant budgets.
• Prepares detailed accounting, statistical, and narrative financial statements or reports requiring analysis and interpretation; collaborates with the Auditor-Controller and data processing personnel.
• Reviews and analyzes grants, contracts, and proposals for financial soundness and adherence to GAAP and County policies.
• Collects data on direct, indirect, and overhead costs of operations related to rates and fees.
• Recommends and assists in implementing new or revised accounting systems, procedures, and records.

Skills

Accounting principles

Spreadsheet software

Numerical ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration

Associate of Arts degree in accounting or business administration with Intermediate Accounting

Job description

Salary

• Accountant I: $79,243.84 - $95,047.68 Annually


• Accountant II: $85,186.40 - $102,298.56 Annually

The Position

Are you passionate about public service and ready to put your accounting skills to work in a meaningful way? The County of Santa Barbara is currently accepting applications to establish an employment list for Accountant I/II positions.

The current vacancies are in the Sheriff's Office and Probation Department. If you are interested in working with the Sheriff’s Office or the Probation Department, you must select “All Locations” on the agency-wide questions and supplemental questionnaire.

This list will also be used to fill current and future full-time and part-time vacancies in multiple departments and locations throughout the County of Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, Carpinteria, Lompoc, etc.) When completing your application and supplemental questionnaire, please ensure you select the departments and locations you are willing to accept current and future employment.

Under general supervision, the Accountant I/II learns to perform professional accounting duties including the examination, analysis, maintenance, reconciliation and verification of financial records; and performs related work as required. Don’t miss this chance to grow your skills and serve your community.

Benefits

The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits,

• Retirement reciprocity


• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Examples of Duties

• Participates in the preparation, evaluation, justification, and maintenance of budgets and budgetary controls; and assists in developing, preparing, and reviewing Federal and State grant budgets.


• Prepares a variety of detailed accounting, statistical, and narrative financial statements or reports requiring analysis and interpretation; and works with the Auditor-Controller and with data processing personnel regarding work of fiscal and clerical personnel in making entries, reconciliations, and performing other fiscal record keeping work.


• Reviews and analyzes grants, contracts, and proposals for financial soundness and adherence to generally accepted accounting principles and County policies.


• Collects data on direct, indirect, and overhead costs of operations as they relate to the setting of rates and fees.


• Recommends and assists in the implementation of new or revised accounting systems, procedures, and records.

Employment Standards

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate how they meet the employment standards.

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration or related field; OR,


• An Associate of Arts degree in accounting or business administration, including six semester or equivalent quarter units in Intermediate Accounting, and two years of paraprofessional accounting experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Financial Office Professional III with Santa Barbara County; OR,


• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Qualifications

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required for some positions.

Knowledge of

accounting principles and practices; computer software applications of accounting procedures; and basic math.

Ability to

analyze fiscal data and draw logical conclusions; define accounting problems and recommend effective solutions; verbally communicate accounting procedures and policies clearly to others; use personal computer applications including spreadsheet software; write memos and reports clearly and concisely; organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines; read, understand and apply legal requirements and administrative policies to departmental accounting functions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and perform basic mathematical calculations.

Desirable Qualifications

Knowledge of: principles and procedures of governmental accounting.

Ability to: interpret and analyze complex fiscal data and draw valid conclusions; detect possible weaknesses of internal control and standard accounting procedures and recommend revisions; plan, initiate and complete work assignments with a minimum of direction; use personal computer applications including word processing and database software.

Supplemental Information

Selection Process

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.


• Microsoft Excel Assessment. Candidates will be notified by email with instructions on completing this online skill assessment. The deadline to complete the assessment will be clearly stated in the invitation emailed to candidates. You must complete and pass this assessment to continue in the selection process.


• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

Veteran's Preference Points

Veteran’s preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans’ hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.

To receive veteran’s preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran’s Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the online financial office professional examination test date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

County Health Department Requirements

The County Health Department (CHD) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the PHD Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.

Additional Process for Sheriff's Office and Probation Department

• Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Once candidates are placed on the employment list, the Human Resources Department will email candidates a notice regarding completion of a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Candidates must pass to continue in the selection process.

Candidates Who Pass The PHQ And Are In The Top Group Will Be Certified To The Hiring Department For Consideration. A Candidate Selected For a Position With The Sheriff’s Office Or Probation Department Will Advance To The Next Step In The Hiring Process, Which Includes The Following

• Polygraph Examination: measures the accuracy of information disclosed on the PHQ and during the background investigation.


• Background Investigation: includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of arrest records, personal, military, social media, credit, and employment history; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and a safe driver.


• Live Scan: Electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice.

Conditional Job Offer

Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Additionally, the Behavioral Wellness Department requires successful completion of a live scan. A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter.

Post-Offer Conditions

Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Worker

Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

Application Deadline

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 11/6/2026; at 4:59p.m. PST; postmarks not accepted.Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty.