REPORT TO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Adjust the Examination Weighting Plan for Accountant (Job Code 205) to a Qualifying Supplemental and 100% Oral Board Examination on an Ongoing Basis
Report
BACKGROUND
The Human Resources Department requests Commission approval of a modification to the examination weighting plan for Accountant (Job Code 205). This request is based on the authority of Civil Service Rule 3.1, “The Commission shall determine whether the examination shall consist of a written, oral, or performance, or psychological, investigative, physical test, or any combination thereof, and shall indicate the procedure in the announcement.” This request has been coordinated with the Finance Department.
DISCUSSION
The Human Resources Department in coordination with the Finance Department is recommending modifications to the examination weighting plan for Accountant (Job Code 205) on an ongoing basis. Currently, the Accountant (Job Code 205) examination weighting plan consists of a 50% written examination and 50% oral board examination. The proposed modification is to make the examination weighting plan based on a qualifying supplemental and 100% oral board examination.
The Accountant (Job Code 205) classification is a professional position in the classified service. The incumbent performs numerous, varied, and complex accounting and financial activities requiring independent judgment and the ability to research, analyze, investigate, and report on technical issues handled by the Finance Department.
As part of this request, the Human Resources department and the department subject matter expert reviewed a copy of the current Accountant written examination. The examination assesses candidates on their knowledge in the following areas:
1. Accounting Principles and Practices: Includes questions that measure basic knowledge which could be obtained by exposure to accounting concepts in a secondary or post-secondary educational setting.
2. Auditing Principles and Practices: Includes questions that measure basic knowledge which could be obtained by exposure to auditing concepts in a secondary or post-secondary educational setting.
3. Mathematics: Includes questions that test candidates’ ability to perform basic and routine arithmetic calculations.
4. Analytical Ability: Includes questions that assess candidates’ ability to read and understand text.
5. English Usage and Writing Skills: Includes questions on correct use of grammar and punctuation.
The written examination tests on basic and routine concepts which candidates who meet the minimum qualifications would already be expected to possess based on the minimum requirements of the job. The Accountant (Job Code 205) is a professional level classification and requires candidates to possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting or approved related field, with a minimum of 12 semester units of specialization in accounting. Additionally, this position requires four (4) years of full-time responsible, professional accounting experience. Candidates are also required to possess experience with spreadsheets and on-line financial systems, which are commonly used tools in the accounting field and are more advanced than what the current written examination would assess.
The subject matter experts in the department opined that completing the written exam is repetitive of basic knowledge candidates at this level would already possess based on the minimum qualifications and predicting future success for a candidate using the types of questions on the written exam is not an accurate measure of the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) needed for success on the job. Furthermore, it is a far more accurate measure to elicit responses to open-ended supplemental questions written to target these KSAs. In addition, the Department will have the opportunity to further assess the KSAs through the oral board examination.
Finally, staff wishes to note that the lower-level paraprofessional classifications in the accounting classifications - Accounting Technician I/II and Senior Accounting Technician - do not have a weighted written examination as part of their respective weighting plans, whereas the Accountant (Job Code 205) does, and it is a professional and higher-level classification. This change would align the testing requirements of the job with the lower-level classifications.
There are no recommended changes to the class specification for Accountant (Job Code 205).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to revising the class specification other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Civil Service Commission agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the modified weighting plan for Accountant (Job Code 205) to a qualifying supplemental and 100% oral board examination on an ongoing basis.
Staff
Reviewed by: Ashley Lancaster, Human Resources Division Manager
Approved by: Aracely Azevedo, Director of Human Resources