Senior Staff Accountant (Anticipated Vacancy)

Augusta , Maine , United States | Accounting, Business & Finance | Full-time

Apply by: July 17, 2024

Apply with Linkedin Apply

Opening Date: July 1, 2024

Closing Date: July 17, 2024

Job Class Code: 0330

Grade: 23

Salary: $49,275.20 – $66,478.67/Year

Position Number: 016201393

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) coordinates a number of central services for agencies within Maine State Government. As part of DAFS, the Office of the State Controller’s mission is to promote and achieve sound financial management practices with measurable, transparent results which garner public confidence.

The position will be responsible for maintaining complex accounts comprised of multiple fund types and revenue sources and is responsible for ensuring assigned accounts are managed in accordance with GAAP/GASB standards, state and agency accounting procedures and appropriate internal controls. The position will be responsible for applying accounting skills to analyze and resolve nonstandard accounting transactions, reconcile and resolve outstanding items in suspense/holding accounts, and independently initiate appropriate corrections into accounting records. The position will be responsible for assisting others within in the Office of the State Controller, Accounting Unit on any processing or accounting issues involving the State of Maine accounting system, Advantage. The position will be expected to assist senior management in researching, calculating and summarizing financial data as part of their daily functions.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:

• Communicate with management to relay financial information, highlighting areas of concern and recommending options for resolution.

• Applies accounting principles in accordance with GAAP and GASB to post revenues, record transfers, and report the results of agency operations.

• Prepare and/or review reports for accuracy, timeliness, and usability.

• Monitors accounting activity for compliance with applicable standards.

• Reconcile complex accounts, making corrections through adjusting entries.

• Develop corrective action plans to address deficiencies in accounting processes or procedures, and oversees implementation.

• Provide for needed staff training and development, and ensures sufficient cross-training among staff and functions.

• Develops, presents and oversees statewide accounting system training.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting theories, principles, methods, and practices.

• Knowledge of governmental accounting and fund accounting, including sources of funds, segregation and display of expenditures and revenues, and budgetary accounting.

• Ability to apply accounting theory to account for revenues and transfers, makes account reconciliations in reporting financial results, initiates corrections and adjusting entries, and ensures the proper allocation of revenues.

• Knowledge of computerized accounting systems and standardized desktop technology.

• Knowledge of modern management principles, practices, and techniques.

• Ability to develop, evaluate and modify accounting policies, procedures, and controls.

• Ability to analyze and reconcile complex accounting problems.

• Ability to prepare and/or oversee the preparation of expenditure, revenue, budget status reports and annual financial statements including related notes and disclosures.

• Ability to train professional, technical, and clerical staff.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to communicate effectively.

• Ability to analyze nonstandard accounting transactions to decide and initiate appropriate entries.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:(Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following course work/training and/or experience).

Certification as a CPA, CIA, or CGFM -OR- A Master’s Degree from an accredited educational institution in Business Administration -OR- a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution in Accounting (or any Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution which includes 18 semester hours of Accounting coursework) and 2 years of professional accounting experience -OR- an Associate’s Degree from an accredited educational institution in Accounting and 5 years of practical, progressively responsible accounting experience (3 years of which must be at the professional level) -OR- 8 years of practical, progressively responsible accounting experience (4 years of which must be at the professional level). Accounting coursework must include successful completion of Principles of Accounting I & II, Intermediate Accounting I & II, plus two other accounting-related courses.

Experience must demonstrate comprehension and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines and must demonstrate the ability to (1) analyze and reconcile financial data and records for the purpose of business financial planning; (2) design, recommend, and implement modifications of accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records; (3) prepare financial statements and reports such as balance sheets and other operating statements; (4) analyze and interpret laws, regulations, codes and ordinances to ensure appropriateness of financial transactions and accounting structure; and (5) analyze complex accounts and accounting relationships that result in complex accounting entries.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

  State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

  Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.