Photo: David (far left) poses for a photo with his family at a wedding.
Yuba Water Agency's staff accountant, David Yang, is part of the team that ensures the agency remains in sound financial standing, which also includes making sure that employees get paid on time and handling their retirement contributions. Scroll to learn more about David, his position and background, and what he enjoys in his free time.
What does your average day look like? Or what are some of your essential duties?
If it is payroll week, then my time is largely committed to submitting payroll followed by payroll-related duties, which include computing California Public Employees' Retirement System and International City/County Management Association contributions, preparing payroll journal entries, billbacks for general fund wages, etc.
If it is a nonpayroll week, then it is my usual accounting work, which may include dealing with invoices from vendors, recording transactions with Yuba County, generating cost committed reports for the engineering team and putting people to sleep by talking about my work.
Do your duties differ throughout the year? And if so, how?
My duties are roughly the same throughout the year. The variety comes from projects that need budget adjustments, grants that the agency has been awarded that require putting together invoices, and of course my favorite, when the auditors are here.
Photo: David explores Pismo Beach on an all-terrain vehicle.
How did you get involved in your current career path?
While attending Sacramento State University, I took a few accounting courses and was told that I was a natural at it; now looking back, I’m not sure if that was compliment. I joined a club for fellow accounting enthusiasts, got a job offer before graduating and then realized I disliked said job due to long hours and constant traveling to undesirable cities. Luckily, the stars aligned and I eventually ended up working with the great minds at Yuba Water.
Before working here, what was the most interesting job you had?
I was an auditor at a small accounting firm in Sacramento and the Oakland Zoo was one of the clients. It was my lucky year as I was assigned to fixed assets testing. They had just acquired a variety of animals that year (giraffes, elephants, monkeys and lions) and one of the ways to confirm that they did acquire these “assets” was visual confirmation. I got to go into areas where the public did not have access to verify the existence of the newly acquired animals. The gondola construction was also completed that year, so I was able to go on a ride before the grand opening.
What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water?
To continue the theme of past Faces of the Yuba Water, the best part about working here is the people. Also, the fridge is surprisingly stocked most of the time and we get occasional team lunches.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and family. We get competitive when it comes to board, card and party games (Settlers of Catan, Taboo, Texas Hold’em, etc.) and it provides a great opportunity to establish dominance.
What are three words you would use to describe Yuba Water Agency?
Resourceful, flexible and supportive.
David completes a challenging obstacle during a Tough Mudder endurance event in Sonoma.