Accountant III

Salary : $91,865.28 - $110,527.04 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 24-0016-03 (O)
Department: Multiple Departments
Opening Date: 10/16/2024
Closing Date: 11/6/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Salary: $91,865.28 - $110,527.04 Annually DOE/DOQ*
Uniform and bilingual allowance when applicable
The County of Santa Barbara is currently accepting applications to fill one Accountant III vacancy in Santa Barbara. The current vacancy is in the Social Services Department .
Although the current vacancy listed is in Santa Barbara, the established employment list may also be used for future Full-Time, Part-Time, and Extra-Help Accountant III vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Carpinteria, and Lompoc. This position is utilized by 10 departments in the County of Santa Barbara. Each Accountant III's duties may vary from one department to another, depending on the needs of the department and the nature of the work that you will be performing. The work schedule for this position will depend upon the needs of the Department.
Please select which vacancy location(s) you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies. If you qualify for this position and pass the required selection steps your name will be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) where you have expressed that you are willing to work.
THE POSITION: Under direction, the Accountant III performs complex professional accounting duties; supervises clerical, paraprofessional, and professional staff involved in accounting and fiscal recordkeeping work; and performs related duties as required. The candidate selected for this position will be expected to provide professional accounting services and advice to the managers of their respective department(s) and division(s).
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The class of Accountant is found in various County departments and divisions. The Accountant series is distinguished from the Accountant-Auditor class series in that the work of the Accountant series is limited in scope to the finances of a department or division. Further, the Accountant-Auditor class series is found only in the Auditor-Controller's Office.
Accountant III is the advanced journey level in the professional accounting series. Incumbents independently perform complex professional accounting responsibilities and/or supervise a major accounting function in a large department under the supervision of a division head or department head.
Responsibilities will include collecting and analyzing historical data to project future expenditures, reviewing actual expenditures against budget in order to anticipate problems and prepare budget adjustments. In addition, this position is also responsible for developing the department's annual budget, conducting required contract reviews, and completing special projects that may be assigned based on requests from department management, the Auditor-Controller's Office, and/or the CEO's office.
BENEFITS: For more information on County benefits, please visit In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

The Ideal candidate will possess:

• 5 or more years of professional accounting experience, with knowledge of Governmental Accounting and more specifically in Enterprise Fund Accounting.
• Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in working with employees/management at all levels; ability to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to exchange information in a clear, concise and organized manner to diverse groups of people to help them understand process objectives and priorities
• Ability to process, interpret and document fiscal/accounting information, and write clear and concise reports and organize records accordingly.
• Ability to multi-task, handle high stress situations, thrive under pressure and adapt to change.
• Proven successful budget analysis experience.
• Microsoft Office Suite products (Excel, Word, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint) skills and experience.
• Experience researching and preparing reports to assist external and internal auditors; and generating periodic accounting or statistical reports to management or regulatory agencies.
• The ability to analyze expenditure trends and assisting in monitoring departmental operating or capital improvement budgets.
• The ability to work successfully in a team environment, make positive contributions and assist others as necessary.
• Experience in working on department driven projects and presenting ideas to senior management.
• Capable of making informed decisions based on data and use metrics to evaluate success.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Examples of Duties

• Prepares or verifies a variety of complex accounting, statistical, and narrative statements or reports requiring extensive analysis and interpretation of data;
• Establishes and maintains new departmental accounting processes and procedures; makes recommendations on the implementation of departmental accounting system improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness; establishes and maintains effective accounting controls;
• Participates in the preparation, evaluation, justification, and maintenance of budgets and budgetary controls; confers and cooperates with Auditor-Controller staff and systems analysts to implement and improve automated fiscal systems;
• Prepares, reviews, and monitors grants, contracts, claims and other fiscal agreements and proposals;
• Prepares financial statements, balance sheets, income and expense reports, and cash flow analyses for general fund, internal service funds, or major programs;
• Trains, supervises, and evaluates clerical and paraprofessional staff; may supervise professional staff;
• Recommends rates and fees based on cost accounting analysis;
• Reviews and analyzes proposed and new regulations and legislation impacting revenues; prepares recommendations regarding alternatives available to minimize fiscal impact.

Employment Standards

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or related field, AND two (2) years of professional accounting experience; OR ,
• One (1) year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Accountant II 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.

Knowledge of: generally accepted accounting principles, practices and procedures including cost accounting; application of computer software to accounting operations.
Ability to: plan, initiate and complete work assignments with a minimum of direction; understand and apply legal requirements and administrative policies to departmental accounting functions; interpret and analyze complex fiscal data and draw logical conclusions; detect possible weaknesses of internal control of standard accounting procedures and recommend revisions; verbally communicate accounting procedures and policies to staff and others; write memos and reports clearly and concisely; use personal computer applications including spreadsheet software; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required for some positions.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of: principles and practices of governmental accounting; and principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Ability to: use personal computer applications including word processing and database software.
• Possession of a valid certificate as a Certified Public Accountant.

Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

• Review application and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility 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 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.
Conditional Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.
The Public Health Department (PHD) 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.
The following process is only used for the Sheriff's Office and the 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).
• If candidates pass and are in the top group, they will be sent to the hiring department for consideration. Those that are interviewed and are still being considered for a position 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, 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.

After a conditional offer of employment has been accepted, appointee must successfully complete the following:

• Medical Examination
• Submit written documentation of his/her LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK in the United States.

The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period. It should be noted that the wearing of a uniform is required for employees of the Probation Department.
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.
Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Disaster Service Workers: 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.
This position may be subject to State Health Officer Orders (SHOOs) or County policy regarding vaccine verification and/or testing. Please contact the hiring department for more information.
Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.
We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.
We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.
We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 4:59 PM PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at
Chanel Y. Turner, Talent Acquisition Analyst,
Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit:

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I understand that resumes are not considered as part of the application review process so a thorough and detailed application is required and entering "see resume" is not acceptable.I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

• I understand

02
As part of the application process, a Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes are accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand

03
The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly, it is current, and that you check spam filters continuously during the recruitment and selection process to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.

• I understand.

04
To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or related field, and two years of professional accounting experience; OR,
• One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Accountant II with Santa Barbara County; OR
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equal to the qualifications listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities listed on the job bulletin.
• None of the above - I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

05
If you selected the third option in the preceding question, "A combination of training, education, and/or experience that is equivalent..." then please describe in detail how your combined training, education and experience is equivalent to one of the employment standards. If you did not select this option, please type N/A.
06
IMPORTANT INFORMATION, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY When completing your application and supplemental questionnaire, it is important that you carefully consider all the selections you make and/or the information you provide in the following areas listed below. Make selections or changes prior to submitting your applications.

• Type of positions you will accept
• Types of work you will accept
• Types of shifts you will accept
• Where you will initially accept employment
• Languages other than English
• Additional questions for specific departments

When completing your application and supplemental questionnaire be certain to select locations, and work shifts that you are willing to be considered for. Also, be certain to list any specific skills you possess, such as bilingual skills. Before submitting your application, please take time to check your selections. This is your only opportunity to make these selections. Why? On the large employment list resulting from this recruitment, you will be ranked based on the resume review and the list will be used to fill current and future vacancies for the various departments. From the large employment list, filters are used to create specific lists of candidates based on the above choices you've made and the department's specific needs. For example, if the County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor Department has a vacancy in Santa Barbara for a full -time position, and you have selected the County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor Department, Santa Barbara location, full-time, and have completed Department's supplemental questions, your name will be pulled from the large employment list by rank order and the Department will receive the top 10 candidates for consideration

• I have read the information and understand my options.

07
Below is a list of departments and may have a description of type of work and environment as an Accountant III. Please check which department(s) you would want to be considered to work for. Please keep in mind that during the life of the employment list, some of these departments may not have vacancies that arise. This is your only opportunity to make your selection.

• Behavioral Wellness Department:
• Fire Department:
• First Five:
• General Services Department:
• Planning and Development Department:
• Probation Department:
• Public Health Department: Public Health Department's mission is to improve the health of the community by preventing disease, promoting wellness, and ensuring access to needed health care. As one of the larger County Departments, the Public Health Department offer a rewarding, and varied professional accounting experience. Whether it be working with Health Clinic Programs, Community Health Programs, Animal Shelter Programs, Environmental Health Programs, and other programs, this position has many opportunities for growth and advancement and is ideal for someone who wants to make a difference in the community. To learn more about joining the Public Health team please see our website.
• Public Works Department: The Public Works Department consists of five divisions: Transportation, Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Flood Control & Water Resources, the County Surveyors Office, and Administration. Public Works Department employees are committed to efficiently providing, operating and maintaining public works infrastructure, facilities and services to make everyday life as safe and convenient as possible for the public we serve. To learn more about us, visit
• Sheriff's Office:
• Social Services Department: With an operating budget of $238 million and a workforce of 900 full-time equivalent employees, the Department of Social Services (DSS) offers programs and services to help people maintain their health, improve their economic security, and protect their safety. The Fiscal Division supports the delivery of these programs and services through financial planning, accounting, reporting, and procurement and contract services. Accountants perform functions essential to properly managing federal, state, and local funds, such as administrative revenue claiming, management reporting, financial data analysis, and maintaining financial records. For more information, please visit
• Treasurer-Tax Collector:

08
Describe in detail, your experience gathering and analyzing statistical and/or fiscal data used in forecasting revenues or expenditures to prepare budget analyses in the government and/or private sector. In your response, include the employer name(s), duration of employment, your title, and responsibilities (Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your application under Work History). If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".
09
I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613:

• I understand

10
How many years of experience do you have performing professional accounting?

• 4 or more years of experience
• 3 years to less than 4 years of experience
• 2 years to less than 3 years of experience
• Less than 2 years of experience
• None. I do not have professional accounting experience.

11
How many years of experience do you have gathering, analyzing, and reporting on financial data?

• 4 or more years of experience
• 3 years to less than 4 years of experience
• 2 years to less than 3 years of experience
• 1 year to less than 2 years of experience
• Less than one year of experience
• None. I do not have this type of experience.

12
How many years of experience do you have performing process improvement, procedural stream lining, or policy development?

• 4 or more years of experience
• 3 years to less than 4 years of experience
• 2 years to less than 3 years of experience
• 1 year to less than 2 years of experience
• Less than one year of experience
• None. I do not have this type of experience.

13
How many years of experience do you have training, directing, and evaluating professional staff in an office environment?

• 4 or more years of experience
• 3 years to less than 4 years of experience
• 2 years to less than 3 years of experience
• 1 year to less than 2 years of experience
• Less than one year of experience
• None. I do not have this type of experience.

14
Please select all of the following certifications or licenses you possess.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) License
• Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
• Other financial or accountant license / certification not listed
• None. I do not have any financial or accountant license / certification.

15
How many years of experience do you have preparing, reviewing, and monitoring grants, contracts, claims or other fiscal agreements and proposals?

• 4 or more years of experience
• 3 years to less than 4 years of experience
• 2 years to less than 3 years of experience
• 1 year to less than 2 years of experience
• Less than one year of experience
• None. I do not have this type of experience.

Required Question