Cost Analyst I/II - Santa Barbara County, CA

 
We are currently accepting applications to fill multiple Cost Analyst I/II positions. The Cost Analyst position is utilized by 13 departments within the County of Santa Barbara. We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in multiple departments and locations throughout the County of Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, Carpinteria, Lompoc, etc.) for full-time and part-time positions.
 
The current vacancies are in the Fire, Public Works, and Behavioral Wellness Departments.
 
When completing your application and supplemental questionnaire, please ensure you select the departments and locations you are willing to accept current and future employment. If you are interested in working with the Sheriff’s Office, you must select “All Locations” in the agency-wide questions and supplemental questionnaire.
 
BENEFITS OVERVIEW:
o      Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
o      Holidays: 13 days per year
o      Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year; Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
o      Health Plan: Choice of dental, vision and medical plans; County contributes toward medical and dental premiums
o      On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 5
 
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

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

Click on the Benefits Tab above or click here for more information on County benefits for this position.
 
The Position
Under general direction, coordinates County programs whose funding crosses departmental lines with detailed cost analysis and cost reports; responsible for reporting, calculating, and estimating federal and state reimbursements or service charges; responsible for analyzing and negotiating state rates for services provided; prepares proper documentation for audits; interprets and resolves audit findings; consults with County Administrator staff regarding budgets for major programs and the Auditor-Controller staff to assure full cost recovery and proper reporting; participates in the development of specialized cost accounting systems; and performs related duties as required.
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Cost Analyst I/II is a flexibly staffed series. This class series is found in the Auditor-Controller’s office and financially complex departments. This series is distinguished from the Financial Systems Analyst I/II by the complex policies and legislation that the Cost Analyst routinely encounters and the latter’s emphasis on the technical development of financial accounting systems. Furthermore, the Cost Analyst is responsible for interpreting audit findings, resolving audit findings, and representing the department during audits. The Cost Analyst series is distinguished from the Accountant or Accountant-Auditor series in that, these series are generalist series while the Cost Analyst is a specialty class focused on cost accounting and analysis to optimize revenues from fee reimbursements and grants.
 
Cost Analyst I is the journey level in which incumbents apply Federal, State, and County accounting policies and procedures; analyze, learn, and interpret complex legislation related to assigned program; use complex accounting systems and applications; learn and apply federal and state cost reimbursement standards. Incumbents in selected departments will be responsible for optimizing reimbursements for state and federally funded programs, grants, or fee reimbursable programs.
 
Cost Analyst II is the advanced level in which incumbents are expected to have advanced knowledge about complex legislation and regulations pertaining to the implementation of multi-departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents at the II level are expected to have advanced in their knowledge of computer systems, spreadsheet skills, and database management.

About the Public Works Department:
The County's Public Works Department is filled with talented and driven employees who are passionate about public service and are committed to the department’s mission to efficiently provide, operate and maintain public works infrastructure, facilities and services to make everyday life as safe and convenient as possible for the public we serve.
 
The department is committed to professional growth and development, leveraging technology and data to improve processes and outcomes, and collaborating effectively to provide excellent public service.
 
About the Behavioral Wellness Department: 
Founded in 1962, it is the mission of the Department of Behavioral Wellness to promote the prevention of and recovery from mental illness and addiction among individuals, families and communities, by providing effective leadership and delivering state-of-the-art, culturally competent services. The Department provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to 10,000 clients with mental illness and substance use disorders annually through its professional staff of over 400, in addition to its many contracted Community-Based Organization (CBO) providers.
For more information, please visit:  http://www.countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness.