Job Details

Auditor-Appraiser I

Do you have an accounting degree and an interest in real estate? Would you like to serve your community and grow your career with the County of Sonoma? If so, apply today to become an Auditor-Appraiser I! Starting salary up to $49.95/hour ($104,251/year) and a competitive total compensation package!

As an Auditor-Appraiser I in the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor's Office (CRA), you will gain experience auditing accounting records based upon data contained in those records and from physical inspections of properties in the field. Additionally, you will learn how to explain business assessment auditing procedures and methods to the general public, businesses, and commercial firms. You will also learn to apply auditing and appraisal theories and techniques to assess valuations of businesses' assets and improvements, as well as personal items like boats and aircraft.

As an Auditor-Appraiser I, you will also be responsible for the following:

• Conducting business property tax audits on various sizes and types of businesses and properties
• Determining assessed values for business assets and fixtures
• Providing customer service via phone and in person to taxpayers
• Assisting taxpayers with their property tax matters and property statement filings
• Verifying the accuracy of property statement data that is reported by the taxpayer
• Preparing for assessment appeals and testifying before the Assessment Appeals Board
• Performing in-person site inspections when needed to collect and verify property data, equipment, fixtures and other improvements
• Performing computer searches of data for property ownership, valuations and other information

As an ideal candidate, you will be knowledgeable of the California Revenue and Taxation Code and will be familiar with creating financial statements and related financial reports and completing both Business Property and Agricultural Property Statements. You will also possess many of the following:

• Experience with bank and general ledger reconciliations, tracking fixed assets, and preparing depreciation schedules
• The ability to obtain permanent certification through the California Board of Equalization
• Effective public-speaking and communication skills
• Empathy, compassion, and patience toward others
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) skills
• Possession of the Certified Public Accountant license is highly desirable

Please note: The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is responsible for the certification of state and county assessors' personnel performing appraisals for property tax purposes. Statutes require the BOE to certify Auditor-Appraisers before they perform these duties. The certification includes an initial evaluation of the candidate's education and experience, and the successful completion of a qualifying examination. Please visit the California State Board of Equalization website for the certification requirements.

Board of Equalization License/Certification Requirements

• Hold a four-year degree with a specialization in accounting from a recognized institution of higher education (accredited) or be a licensed accountant in California or have passed a government civil service or merit system examination regularly given for the position of accountant or auditor by the Board of Equalization.
• A degree with a specialization of accounting consists of either 18 semester units (or quarter equivalents) of accounting and/or auditing courses from a recognized institution of higher education.
• Business law and economic classes may not contribute toward the 18 units; or 19 semester units (or quarter equivalents), 16 of which must be accounting and/or auditing courses from a recognized institution of higher education, and 3 semester units may be either business law or economic classes.
• Examples of accounting courses would include Principles of Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Advanced Accounting, Governmental Accounting, Cost Accounting, Tax Accounting or Auditing.

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Auditor Appraiser II (salary up to $113,977/year)
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits: Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill an Auditor-Appraiser I position in the Clerk Recorder-Assessor (CRA) Department. This position is 100% in-office Monday through Friday, with an 8am to 5pm schedule. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Education*: Any combination of education, training and/or work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally this would include a Bachelor's degree, or equivalent from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in accounting and auditing, or an active licensed accountant in the State of California; AND one year of recent, professional experience in accounting or auditing. The qualifications for this classification are subject to the California State Board of Equalization's current standards. License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The position advertised on this announcement does require possession of a valid California Driver's License. Certificate: Incumbents are required to obtain an Appraiser's Certificate within the one year probationary period. Temporary certificates will be issued by the State Board of Equalization to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and receive a job offer from the County.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of personal computers and commonly available software. Knowledge of the methods and practices used in auditing the accounting and financial records of businesses. Ability to read, interpret and apply the rules, regulations, policies and procedures that relate to the Assessor's Office; analyze financial and accounting data and draw logical conclusions from this review; speak and write effectively and establish and maintain cooperative relations with the public and with other employees; apply accounting and auditing techniques to practical field problems; obtain an Appraiser's Certificate within one year from the date of employment.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses