Tentative Classification Standards issued by the Division of Classification & Compensation are shared with the operating agencies of State government for their consideration and comment. Accordingly, this document that you are viewing is subject to change and will be issued in final form at the completion of the review period.

TENTATIVE

Occ. Code 0403600

 

ASSISTANT CHIEF ACCOUNTANT, GRADE 29

0403600

CHIEF ACCOUNTANT, GRADE 31

0403700

 

New York State Department of Civil Service

 

Classification Standard

 

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

 

          Positions in this title series function as directors or assistant directors of large-scale accounting programs. Incumbents plan and manage financial reporting, accounting, collection and reconciliation for an agency; manage the preparation of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) mandated by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB); and oversee accounting for taxes, refunds, miscellaneous revenues and receivables of the State. Incumbents direct or assist in the direction of accounting operations and oversee a staff of professional accountants and auditors.

          These positions are classified in several State agencies with the largest number at the Office of the State Comptroller.

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

 

          ASSISTANT CHIEF ACCOUNTANT: assists in directing a large accounting program; directly oversees multiple units led by Principal Accountants.

 

          CHIEF ACCOUNTANT: directs a large accounting program; directly supervises Assistant Chief Accountants or oversees multiple units led by Principal Accountants.

 

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

 

          ASSISTANT CHIEF ACCOUNTANT: directs a large staff of professional accountants and auditors; oversees the development and maintenance of ledgers; manages the recording, reconciliation and reporting of deposits, collections, refund payments and miscellaneous receipts; provides technical assistance regarding the establishment of cash and reconciliation controls; manages the design, development, and implementation of procedures involving accounting and reporting requirements; ensures financial transactions and reports conform to State and federal regulations; establishes administrative and fiscal controls; prepares responses to requests for financial data and analyses; participates in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report; reviews and responds to audit requests and comments; acts as a liaison for retail banking relationships; analyzes legislation to determine impact on program; represents the agency at conferences and meetings; formulates and prepares financial analysis studies and reports; and reviews current systems and implements changes as needed.

 

          CHIEF ACCOUNTANT: directs a large staff of professional accountants and auditors; oversees the accounting, maintenance, and reporting of all financial transactions; regulates the establishment of cash and reconciliation controls for all funds; directs and makes determinations regarding accounting and reporting relationships with custodian banks; develops controls for all accounting and financial input data; represents the accounting program in adjudications of payments; implements new Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards; assists in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report; coordinates audits by independent auditors; monitors and reports on cash receipts and deferrals; analyzes changes to legislation and determines impact on program; and coordinates and provides cost analysis and allocation data.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

          ASSISTANT CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

 

Promotion: one year of service as a Principal Accountant, Principal Accountant (State Accounts & Systems), or Principal Auditor.

 

          CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

 

Promotion: one year of service as an Assistant Chief Accountant.

Date:  6/18

 

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent, and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe. Standards cannot and do not include all the work that might be appropriately performed by a class. The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written. Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on the minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.