Careers

Principal Accounting Analyst (NY HELPS)

Erie County

Posted 10/14/2026

Job Type: Full-time

Responsibilities

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The work involves planning, supervising and performing complex accounting analysis work in the Comptroller’s Office or other County departments. The work includes the analysis of an accounting and financial information and the daily supervision of an accounting staff engaged in the analysis and operation of an accounting system. This is highly technical work requiring expertise in both accounting and financial analysis techniques. This position differs from the Accounting Analyst in the level of responsibility, the supervision exercised and the development of accounting and financial policies and procedures. Supervision is received from higher level departmental employees. Supervision may be exercised over a small accounting staff. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

– Serves as the lead person in the analysis of accounting and financial information;

– Develops complex reports and presentation to evaluate the integrity of the accounting records;

– Supervises and directs professional staff of accounting analysts and other accounting personnel engaged in the collection, analysis and interpretation of complex accounting data;

– Participates in technical, policy setting discussions regarding County-wide financial policies;

– Supervises the preparation of financial reports in accordance with generally accepted reporting standards;

– Acts as a liaison with independent auditors and other departments seeking accounting information; Meets with the department managers on a regular basis to discuss project status.

Probationary Period Notice

Permanent appointments are subject to a probationary period. The probationary period provides an opportunity for the employee to demonstrate their ability to perform the duties of the position satisfactorily. During this time, performance and conduct will be evaluated to determine whether permanent status should be granted at the end of the probationary term. The probationary period typically ranges from eight (8) to twenty-six (26) weeks.

NY-HELP

This position is being filled through the New York State Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) Program. For the duration of this program, this title has been reclassified to the non-competitive class. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be appointed on a non-competitive basis. In accordance with the program’s guidelines, employees appointed under NY HELPS will be transitioned to permanent competitive status without further examination after successfully completing one year of satisfactory service in the title.

Minimum Qualification

Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree** in Business Administration or related field, including or supplemented by twenty-four (24) semester credit hours in accounting and five (5) years of experience in the field of accounting, at least two (2) years of which must have been in a responsible supervisory or administrative capacity.

NOTE: Possession of a Master’s Degree** in Business Administration or a C.P.A. certification issued by New York State may be substituted for one (1) year of the required accounting experience but may not be substituted for the required supervisory or administrative experience.

SUPERVISION – Responsible direction and control of subordinate employees. This involves the assignment of work, approval of work, training, evaluation and discipline of employees. The supervisory aspects must be an integral part of the job, not incidental or occasional.

ADMINISTRATION – Responsible direction and control of an organization or organizational unit. In addition to the supervision of work groups, the administrator is involved in planning, resource allocation, program evaluation and policy formulation.

ACCOUNTING – Recording, classifying, verifying, reporting and analysis of financial data.

Salary: $76,076