DEFINITION:
Under supervision, this confidential, non-exempt, position performs professional financial analysis work; assists with fiscal and strategic analysis; performs analysis, design and implementation of official procedures, processes and systems and performs financial and accounting audits.
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the entry and journey level of the Financial Analyst Series.  This class is distinguished from the higher level Senior Financial Analyst class in that the latter may lead, train and assign the work of Financial Analysts and Financial Clerks and/or perform the more difficult, specialized and complex duties of the series.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this classification.  Other duties may be required and assigned.  
 

1. Maintains financial and statistical records by posting transactions to journals and ledgers; adjusts accounts according to established procedures; reviews and reconciles accounting data


2.  Compiles and analyzes financial and budgetary data, statistics and other information to aid in program monitoring, evaluation planning and improvement as directed


3. Computes obligations, and collects and verifies supporting documentation and approvals for payables


4. Prepares accounting systems documents (e.g. vouchers, encumbrances, warrants, transfers and checks) for approval and distribution


5. Assists in preparing narrative, graphic and statistical reports with alternative methods for revolving issues


6. Audits financial accounts and validates expenditure claims; tracks and monitors compliance with budgets, contracts, grants and purchasing according to Judicial Branch guidelines as directed


7. Conducts regularly scheduled and year-end closing of account ledgers and books


8. Receives revenue payments and maintains accurate records of monies received


9. Answers financial inquiries from the public or court staff


10. Expenses payroll; assists with the preparation of sensitive budget information that may be used in employee relations and labor negotiations as directed.


11. Assist with budgeting as directed


12. Distributes fines and fees; makes appropriate journal entries; issues receipts and balances cash drawers as directed; performs technical financial and statistical record keeping; sends adjustment transmittals to the County and/or State of California, when appropriate 


13. Other duties as assigned

 
SUPERVISORY DUTIES:
None

WORK HOURS
As directed, per Division needs, including overtime.
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course study in business or public administration, accounting, economics or a closely related field

OR

• AA/AS in accounting or an accounting certification or equivalent

AND 
Experience:

• AA/AS - Two (2) years of accounting and budgeting work experience

Necessary Employment Standards
Knowledge of:

• Business correspondence


• General office practices


• Filing and record keeping methods


• Customer service, receptionist and telephone techniques


• English Language Arts: correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation


• California Trial Court Funding and/or California Trial Court Financial policies and procedures are desired


• Computer programs Excel and Word


• Financial software (SAP desirable) to include Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and General Ledger required for Finance positions

 
Skill/Ability to:

• Perform difficult and complex court financial accounting work which involves a high degree of independent judgment and includes analyzing data, interpreting directions, procedures and regulations and developing appropriate responses.


• Plan, direct and review the work of others on a project or day-to-day basis.


• Read and understand statutes and instructions related to court proceedings. 


• Follow verbal and written directions and use correct legal terminology.


• Adapt to new computer programs and technology as required.  Operate and maintain various office equipment and machines (including, but not limited to, personal computer, printers, photocopier, cash register, calculator, typewriter, multifunction telephone, scanner, 10 key, microfiche, power files and file stamp). 


• Assign work and monitor office workflow, when directed.


• Communicate effectively - verbal and written - in person, over the telephone and in writing with judicial officers, managers, supervisors, co-workers, judicial partners and the public.


• Prepare clear, concise records and reports with attention to detail. 


• Prepare and/or process various legal documents including court orders and warrants.


• Perform technical financial and statistical record keeping with correct basic arithmetic processes and simple accounting procedures. 


• Possess excellent organizational skills with ability to appropriately prioritize work. 


• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or other regulations.


• Be dependable, punctual and have good attendance.


• Establish and maintain effective working and cooperative relationships with the public, co-workers, supervisors, judges, commissioners, independent contractors and other management.  Work effectively with and assist individuals of various ages and diverse cultural backgrounds.  Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and legal representatives in providing information about court functions and proceedings.


• Work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.


• Possess a valid California Driver's License or self-arranged transportation between courts, storage facility, etc., if required.  Driver must have acceptable driving record.


• Successfully complete fingerprinting and Criminal Record Background Check.


• Maintain professional demeanor as defined in the Court Code of Ethics and professional appearance.


• Follow Court Personnel Policies, Safety Procedures, Court Code of Ethics and Court Harassment Prevention Policy.


• Follow verbal and written directions.


• Attend training as offered and/or directed.


• Travel to off-site courts, as needed.

A valid class C California driver's license may be required.  The requirement will be reviewed on a position basis in accordance with ADA regulations.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

Data Utilization:  Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data.  Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships. 
 
Human Interaction:  Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.
 
Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization:  Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
 
Verbal Aptitude:  Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information.
 
Mathematical Aptitude:  Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.
 
Functional Reasoning:  Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.
 
Situational Reasoning:  Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.
 
Physical Ability: 

• Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard, computer monitor, and other office equipment on a daily basis and for extended periods of time


• Fine finger manipulations, dexterity, and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper


• Forceful and repetitive gripping, grasping, and pinching


• Occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 20 lbs.


• Frequent reaching for items on shelves, above, at, and below desk/shoulder level


• Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move, torque, twist, push, and pull objects


• Frequently sit for extended periods; frequently stand for extended periods; and frequently walk, move, bend, stoop, lift, and stretch


• Able to move to different locations such as, but not limited to: courtrooms, clerk's office, various departments, other court facilities, and desk assignments based on the operational needs of the Court


• Able to traverse inside and outside over uneven ground and pavement


• Perform repetitive writing, typing, copying


• Employees are regularly required to verbally communicate both in person and by telephone


• Corrected hearing and vision to normal range

 
Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
 
Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS:  Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying.  Court employees shall be subject to a modified background investigation and fingerprinting.  False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.