Contracts & Financial Specialist

Posting Begin Date: 2024/09/06

Posting End Date: 2024/09/20

Category: Education

Sub Category: K-12

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Boise, ID, United States

Minimum Salary: 24.38

Maximum Salary: 26.00

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Description

Idaho Department of Education

This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

Please note: Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department’s employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/.

The principal function of this position is to perform a variety of professional financial duties, including accounting, auditing and monitoring, budgeting, financial analysis, and financial reporting. This position also creates, implements, and monitors all special education-related contractual agreements. The incumbent will audit, resolve issues, and process state grant reimbursement requests and provide technical assistance to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) regarding special education-related financial systems such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B and Preschool Application, and the Grant Reimbursement Application (GRA) accounting system. The incumbent will also work with LEAs regarding federal grant reporting and will respond to inquiries/resolve accounting and auditing problems. The incumbent will research and analyze data for accuracy, trends, and variances to ensure acceptable business practices and procedures have been followed and for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Due to the nature of the work, the incumbent must be detail-oriented to process this position’s responsibilities quickly and accurately and provide financial and data analysis. Work is performed under the supervision of the Special Education Principal Financial Specialist, with some work assignments coming from the Special Education Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Analyze, research, forecast, reconcile, and process complex financial documents and reimbursement requests.

· Prepare payment submission requests against special education team contracts and process other payment transactions utilizing a broad knowledge of an organization’s programs and financial requirements.

· Review, complete, and process financial documents to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies for approval.

· Develop ad-hoc reports, spreadsheets, and other financial documents and procedures including the IDEA Part B Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Reduction and Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) and the Exceptional Child Tuition Equivalency Report.

· Creation, implementation, and monitoring of all special education-related contractual agreements.

· Initial review and approval of all IDEA Part B and Preschool Grant Reimbursement Application Requests.

· Track the completion of program and fiscal monitoring required by federal statutes and regulations - providing technical assistance and the standardization of guidelines concerning oversight, evaluation, and monitoring of each LEA and sub-recipient.

· Review and format funding and fiscal accountability-related public documents for ADA accessibility per SDE policies and procedures. Review documents for 508 Compliance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Good knowledge of accounting principles and practices typically gained from college coursework or certification and/or at least one year of work experience.

· Some experience auditing, analyzing, and developing statistical, financial, and budget reports using an enterprise-wide accounting system and spreadsheet applications with Microsoft Excel software.

· Strong organizational skills.

· Excellent customer service skills; ability to work with other people on sensitive/controversial financial issues; ability to communicate orally and in writing with a wide variety of clients.

· Proficient computer skills to analyze, research, and maintain financial data and develop financial documents and reports.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.

· Some experience using and a working knowledge of Idaho's statewide procurement standards.

· Working knowledge of federal grants management or federal cost principles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (with or without accommodation)

· Dexterity to operate office tools and equipment;

· Ability to perform standard office administrative functions, including but not limited to: typing, filing, answering phones, processing documents, collating and preparing office materials as needed;

· Good vision to review hard copy and electronic documents; operate standard office equipment, including, but not limited to: computer, copier/scanner, multi-line phone system; navigate website resources; greet and direct patrons; identify safety concerns;

· Ability to concentrate for extended periods of time;

· Mental acuity to comprehend, communicate, monitor and ensure adequate program support;

· Approximately 90% of time is spent sitting at desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time;

· Approximately 10% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, and kneeling;

· Occasional lifting may be required, frequently less than 5 lb., but may be up to 20 lb.

TRAVEL REQUIRED:

This position may require moderate travel. This position may require travel for conferences and trainings relating to job responsibilities.

BENEFITS:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency.

Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.

TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized letter of interest, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Attach the resume to your online application. Insert your letter of interest and references into the space provided in the questions section of the application.

Your letter of interest should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a letter of interest, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your letter of interest. A resume does not substitute for a letter of interest. Applications that do not include a letter of interest will not be accepted.

EEO/ADA/VETERAN:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email[email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.