Auditor-Appraiser I

NOTICE OF CHANGE: This recruitment will now be open until filled with first considerations beginning on Tuesday November 4 2025 and tentative testing scheduled for Monday November 17th and Tuesday November 18th.

** Please note the testing and selection process includes an Onsite Examination in Santa Barbara CA.Qualified candidates must be available to travel to the assessment site in Santa Barbara to complete the examination in person.

This is a great and exciting entry-level opportunity in County of Santa Barbaras Clerk-Recorder-Assessor and Elections Officewithin the Assessors division. We are seeking motivated individuals who have strong problem-solving abilities to fill two Auditor-Appraiser I vacancies in the Santa Barbara office. The position requires being fully onsite Monday-Friday.

Highlighted Benefits:

• Health Plan: Choice of medical (with vision care) and dental plan options. The County contributes 100% of the EPO employee-only premium. The County also offers flexible spending plans such as; Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending account voluntary options.
• Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit (Pension plan). The County also offers voluntary participation into a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Holidays:13 days; Sick Leave:12 days with unlimited accumulation; Vacation:12 to 25 days per year based on length of service
• Applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit toward an advanced vacation accrual rate.
• For more information on benefits for this position click here.

The Positionthe Auditor-Appraiser I is an entry-level position that offers growth and career advancement opportunities. Under general supervision the Auditor-Appraiser I participates in and performs audits and appraisals of business and personal property and fixtures for tax assessment purposes and performs related duties as required. Please note working for the Assessors Office does not fulfill CPA training hour requirements.

Candidates are hired at the Auditor Appraiser I level and can progress to the Auditor Appraiser II level upon completing the required training meeting the qualifications and satisfactory performance which typically takes about one year.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Auditor-Appraiser I/II/III is a flexibly staffed series. Incumbents of these classes learn and perform increasingly responsible audit-appraisal work. The Auditor-Appraiser I is the trainee level in which incumbents are gaining knowledge and experience. The Auditor-Appraiser II is the journey-level class working with greater independence and participating in the training of subordinate personnel. The Auditor-Appraiser III is the advanced journey-level class which is expected to perform all types of audits and appraisals in a proficient and efficient manner and may supervise subordinate-level staff.

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

• A Bachelors degree in Auditing or Accounting
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Ability to enthusiastically interact with the public and provide exceptional customer service
• Ability to reach decisions and support their conclusions
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing; and
• Confidence in learning interpreting and applying complex CA Revenue and Taxation Codes

• Performs audits and appraisals of personal property and improvements; inspects and analyzes books records ledgers journals income tax reports and other pertinent information to determine market value.
• Prepares detailed work sheets and makes physical inspections of property in order to estimate market value by capitalizing income analyzing market and sales data and determining replacement cost; appraises improvements trade fixtures leased equipment supplies and expensed assets heavy construction equipment boats airplanes farm and ranch equipment and similar items. Computes appraised value and taxable value using computer spreadsheets and database application.
• Prepares reports for and presents the Assessors case before the Assessment Appeals Board.
• Explains property tax rules and regulations and valuation and taxation methods to the public.

1. Possession of a bachelors degree in Accounting Finance Business Administration or related field; OR
2. Possession of a bachelors degree in any subject supplemented by coursework or work experience that provides the knowledge of general accounting and auditing principles; OR
3. A combination of training education and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above provides the required knowledge and abilities and is compliant with the California State Board of Equalization requirements for appraiser certification.

Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid permanent appraiser certificate with an Auditor designation issued by the State of California within twelve months of employment.

For specific positions possession and maintenance of a valid California Drivers License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs may be required.

Knowledge of: general accounting and auditing principles practices and methods; accounting systems used in industrial and commercial corporations partnerships and individual proprietorships; automated accounting system concepts and audit control; computer spreadsheet database and word processing applications.

Application & Selection Process

1. Review application and supplemental questionnaire to determine applicants that meet the employment standards.

2. Onsite Examination: Qualified candidates will be required to successfully pass an onsite written examination(multiple choice/scantron). Candidates final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by the score on the examination. The written examination istentativelyscheduled on the week ofNovember17th. Candidates will be provided with additional information regarding the written examination by e-mail. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the written examination to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s) rank on the employment list and exact duration of the employment list.

NOTE: Veterans preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or (2) discharge from a military or veterans hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.

To receive veterans preference points you must: (1) check the Veterans Preference Points box on the employment application form; and (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 and any other supporting materials to the Human Resources Department on or before the onsite written examination date; and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS:The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mailduring each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Conditional Job Offer:Once a conditional offer of employment has been made the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check which includes a conviction history check and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Worker:Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100 all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination harassment and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law state law or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.