Principal Accounting Systems Technician (N438)

Salary Range: $7,239.09 - $10,444.10 monthly

SUMMARY

The Los Angeles County Department of Homeless Services and Housing (HSH) consolidates our countywide response to homelessness. The driving force behind HSH is increasing accountability and transparency, improving care for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and streamlining collaboration with partners including services providers, the County’s 88 cities, and unincorporated areas to deliver high-quality, life-saving care. Staff schedules are based on business need and may include the option of a hybrid work schedule where employees work remotely and from the office.

This position supervises professional fiscal and accounting systems analysis work involving the development, evaluation, review, and internal audit of complex fiscal control systems supporting the Department of Homeless Services and Housing’s financial operations and State and Federally financed programs. The position provides oversight and direction for complex budgeting, forecasting, claiming, financial reporting, and fiscal control activities to ensure the effective and accountable management of departmental resources.

Responsibilities include overseeing the development and monitoring of budgets and annual financial plans, reimbursement claiming, expenditure and revenue projections, funding utilization, contract expenditures, and financial reconciliations. The position reviews and evaluates complex fiscal issues, financial processes, and internal controls; provides direction and guidance on corrective actions; supports departmental audits and contract fiscal monitoring; and oversees complex and special fiscal assignments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of professional staff engaged in accounting systems analysis, fiscal controls, financial reporting, and related projects; provides technical direction and training.
• Directs studies of existing accounting procedures, transaction workflows, forms, and controls; identifies weaknesses and develops recommendations to improve accuracy, efficiency, and accountability.
• Plans and oversee the design, testing, implementation, and evaluation of accounting systems, reporting tools, and control procedures in coordination with technology and fiscal partners.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of financial schedules, data extracts, reconciliations, and management reports used to monitor expenditures, revenues, funding, and financial performance.
• Leads budget planning and the development of full-year expenditure estimates, revenue forecasts, and funding projections across programs; compares actual activity with forecasts, identifies variances and funding gaps, and recommends adjustments to management.
• Evaluates fiscal processes supporting budget development, expenditure monitoring, reimbursement, and financial reporting to ensure accurate data, effective controls, and timely management decisions.
• Oversee the review of audit findings and the preparation of responses, supporting analyses, corrective actions, and requests for exceptions, as appropriate.
• Reviews changes in laws, regulations, funding requirements, and policies affecting accounting procedures, revenue recovery, and financial reporting; recommends implementation measures.
• Coordinates with management, program offices, budget staff, auditors, technology staff, and other agencies on fiscal matters, systems plans, project findings, and implementation issues.
• Develops and updates accounting policies, procedures, documentation standards, and staff guidance; monitors implementation and the effectiveness of internal controls.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in Excel, Access, and Microsoft Office applications; experience with financial systems and accounting records.
• Strong analytical skills
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions.

Completion of 21 semester or 32 quarter units of accounting coursework at an accredited college or university, including cost accounting and auditing, and at least one year of advanced professional accounting, auditing, or accounting systems analysis experience. Experience planning and directing complex fiscal systems or control projects and supervising professional staff is required.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Successful clearance of the Live Scan process with the County of Los Angeles.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles, fiscal policies and procedures, internal controls, and requirements applicable to State-, Federal-, and locally funded programs.
• Experience managing complex programs involving multiple and/or braided funding streams.
• Ability to evaluate financial systems and fiscal processes, identify deficiencies and control weaknesses, and recommend appropriate corrective measures.
• Experience conducting fiscal reviews and audits of financial records and supporting documentation for government-funded programs, grant-funded agencies, nonprofit organizations, or contracted service providers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand: Frequently

Walk: Frequently

Sit: Frequently

Reach Outward: Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally

Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 15lbs

Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 15lbs

See: Constantly

Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions

Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.