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Accountant 1

Accountant 1-February 2024

Pennsylvania

Feb 10, 2026

About Accountant 1

　　Accountant 1

　　Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/newprint/4354137)

　　Apply

　　Accountant 1

　　Salary

　　$49,839.00 - $75,795.00 Annually

　　Location

　　Dauphin County, PA

　　Job Type

　　Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

　　Job Number

　　CS-2024-73812-03020

　　Department

　　State Employees' Retirement System

　　Division

　　SR Gen Acctg Dfnd Cntrbtn Plns

　　Opening Date

　　01/24/2024

　　Closing Date

　　2/7/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

　　Job Code

　　03020

　　Position Number

　　00060942

　　Union

　　Non-Union

　　Bargaining Unit

　　Pay Group

　　ST06

　　Bureau / Division Code

　　4010

　　Bureau / Division

　　General Accounting and Defined Contribution Plans Division

　　Worksite Address

　　30 North Third Street

　　City

　　Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

　　Zip Code

　　17101

　　Contact Name

　　DJ Korlewitz

　　Contact Phone

　　(717) 237-0395

　　Contact Email

　　[email protected]

　　Description

　　Benefits

　　Questions

　　THE POSITION

　　Do you have an accounting background? Are you organized, proficient in Excel, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with ease? If so, look no further, as this Accountant 1 opportunity at the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) may be the job for you! Read on for more details, and don’t delay—apply today!

　　DESCRIPTION OF WORK

　　This position is located in the General Accounting and Defined Contribution Plans Division (GADCP) of the SERS Office of Financial Management. It reports to an Accountant 3 and focuses primarily on accounting operations and financial reporting for the SERS Defined Benefit Plan. The GADCP Division maintains Defined Benefit Plan general ledgers; processes employer contributions, member contributions, and benefit payments; processes and reconciles financial data; and collaborates with other work groups in preparing various monthly, annual, and ad hoc financial statements and reports.

　　Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=00060942)

　　About SERS: SERS is celebrating our 100th year anniversary! Established in 1923, SERS is one of the nation’s oldest retirement plans for public employees and manages the pension benefits of nearly 240,000 employees and retirees for 101 public sector employers. In 2022, SERS paid about $3.9 billion in benefits and managed $33.7 billion in assets. A wealth of information is available at www.SERS.pa.gov.

　　Our mission is to prepare our members and participants to achieve financial security in retirement. We achieve this through focusing on our mission, acting ethically and with integrity, empowering our members, embracing innovation, fostering lifework balance, modeling an inclusive and respectful workplace, valuing and developing team members, collaborating, and finding joy in our work.

　　SERS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified individuals to our team. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful work environment that fosters personal and professional growth, embraces the contributions of all team members, and values diversity in people, ideas, and experiences to achieve our highest potential.

　　Work Schedule and Additional Information:

　　Full-time employment

　　A work schedule beginning and ending between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., inclusive, with a half-hour or one-hour unpaid meal period will be considered, dependent on operational requirements. The requested work schedule may not end prior to 4:00 p.m. 37.5-hour work week, Monday through Friday.

　　Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, depending on operational needs and progress in learning assigned tasks. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to work on-site.

　　Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

　　You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

　　REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

　　QUALIFICATIONS

　　Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

　　Successful completion of the Commonwealth's Accounting Intern Program;or

　　One year as a Financial Programs Trainee;or

　　One year as a Fiscal Technician, and fifteen college credits in accounting;or

　　Five years of Bookkeeping experience and fifteen college credits in accounting;or

　　A Bachelor's Degree including or supplemented by fifteen credits in accounting.

　　Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

　　Other Requirements:

　　You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.

　　You must be able to perform essential job functions.

　　How to Apply:

　　Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

　　If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

　　Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

　　Failure to comply with the above application requirements will eliminate you from consideration for this position.

　　Veterans:

　　Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at [email protected] .

　　Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

　　711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

　　If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

　　The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

　　EXAMINATION INFORMATION

　　Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

　　Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

　　Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

　　You must provide complete and accurate information or:

　　your score may be lower than deserved.

　　you may be disqualified.

　　You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.

　　Your results will be provided via email.

　　Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !

　　Health & Wellness

　　We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

　　Compensation & Financial Planning

　　We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

　　Work/Life Balance

　　We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, six weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

　　Values and Culture

　　We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

　　Employee Perks

　　Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

　　For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

　　*Eligibility rules apply.

　　Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Fiscal Technician for one or more years full-time?

　　Yes

　　If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

　　Have you successfully completed the Commonwealth's Accounting Intern Program?

　　Yes

　　Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Financial Programs Trainee for one or more years full-time?

　　Yes

　　Have you completed or are you within three months of completing a bachelor's degree? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.

　　Yes

　　If you do not have a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.

　　Have you completed 15 or more college level credits in accounting? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted. If you answer "yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.

　　Yes

　　Do you possess five or more years of full-time bookkeeping experience?

　　Yes

　　Are you currently licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?

　　Yes

　　If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide your CPA license number in the box below. If you answered no, please type N/A in the box below.

　　CS-INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

　　All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

　　Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

　　If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

　　If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .

　　Yes

　　CS-03020 WB1 V4 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

　　Communicates verbally and in writing with customers, business organizations, and citizens to explain applicable laws, regulations, business practices, policies, and procedures. Utilizes customer service skills when dealing with adversarial situations.

　　Levels of Performance

　　Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

　　A. I have experience interacting with individuals and utilizing customer service skills to understand concerns and explain relevant information regarding applicable laws, regulations, business practices, policies, or procedures.

　　B. I have experience interacting with individuals and utilizing customer service skills to understand concerns and explain relevant information related to areas other than applicable laws, regulations, business practices, policies, or procedures.

　　C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to counseling, psychology, sociology, public relations, education, or employment law.

　　D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

　　CS-EXPERIENCE DETAILS V1 WB 1 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

　　The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

　　Your experience explaining relevant information regarding applicable laws, regulations, business practices, policies, or procedures.

　　Your experience explaining relevant information related to subjects other than applicable laws, regulations, business practices, policies, or procedures.

　　CS-EDUCATION If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

　　College/University

　　Course Title

　　Credits/Clock Hours

　　CS-03020 WB2 V4 – ACCOUNTING TRANSACTIONS

　　Applies relevant accounting principles and practices for a variety of transactions, such as reporting, recalculation, and reconciliation of funds. Monitors, reconciles, and corrects funds as well as processes transactions.

　　Levels of Performance

　　Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

　　A. I have experience applying relevant accounting theories and practices to complete various accounting transactions. I monitored, reconciled, and corrected funds. I was responsible for evaluating and validating the posting of accounting entries to general ledger accounts.

　　B. I have experience applying relevant accounting theories and practices to complete various accounting transactions. I monitored, reconciled, and corrected funds; however, someone else was responsible for evaluating and validating the posting of accounting entries to general ledger accounts.

　　C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to accounting or forensic accounting.

　　D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

　　CS-EXPERIENCE DETAILS V1 WB 2 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

　　The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

　　Your experience monitoring, reconciling, and correcting funds.

　　Your experience evaluating and validating the posting of accounting entries to general ledger accounts. .

　　College/University

　　Course Title

　　Credits/Clock Hours

　　CS-03020 WB3 V4 DATA SOFTWARE UTILIZATION

　　Utilizes data analysis software, such as Microsoft Excel, to enter data and prepare worksheets. Analyzes data/financial statements to ensure transactions are properly recorded and inconsistencies and missing information are detected. Independently computes figures to confirm data provided by external entities.

　　Levels of Performance

　　Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

　　A. I have experience utilizing data analysis software to enter data and prepare worksheets. I was responsible for analyzing data/financial statements in order to properly record transactions and/or detect inconsistencies and missing information.

　　B. I have experience utilizing data analysis software to enter data and prepare worksheets. Someone else was responsible for analyzing data/financial statements in order to properly record transactions and/or detect inconsistencies and missing information.

　　C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data analysis or spreadsheet applications.

　　D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

　　CS-EXPERIENCE DETAILS V1 WB 3 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

　　The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

　　Your experience utilizing data analysis software to enter data and prepare worksheets.

　　Your experience analyzing data/financial statements in order to properly record transactions and/or detect inconsistencies and missing information.

　　College/University

　　Course Title

　　Credits/Clock Hours

　　CS-03020 WB4 V4 ANALYZING INFORMATION

　　Reviews and analyzes financial documents including payment records, revenue transactions, or reports to assist in the determination of their accuracy or impact. Communicates findings in order to make adjustments or corrections.

　　Levels of Performance

　　Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

　　A. I have experience analyzing reported data. My analysis included a verification for accuracy of content.

　　B. I have experience analyzing reported data. Someone else was responsible for the verification and accuracy of content.

　　C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data analysis, statistics, or logic.

　　D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

　　CS-EXPERIENCE DETAILS V1 WB 4 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

　　The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

　　Your experience analyzing reported data.

　　Your experience verifying data content for accuracy.

　　College/University

　　Course Title

　　Credits/Clock Hours

　　CS-03020 WB5 V4 REVIEWING AND MAINTAINING PROCESS PROCEDURES

　　Provides a uniform and auditable system of accounting and financial controls to ensure accountability of funds. Monitors agency compliance with established accounting standards. Identifies areas of risk related to the accuracy and completeness of revenue channels, banking, and reporting. Conducts researched assessment of process procedures and makes recommendations for revisions.

　　Levels of Performance

　　Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

　　A. I have experience monitoring compliance with established accounting standards to ensure accountability of funds. I was responsible for developing and implementing procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.

　　B. I have experience monitoring compliance with established accounting standards to ensure accountability of funds. I was responsible for implementing procedures that someone else developed in order to eliminate unacceptable risk.

　　C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business management or business law.

　　D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

　　CS-EXPERIENCE DETAILS V1 WB 5 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

　　The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

　　Your experience monitoring compliance with established accounting standards.

　　Your experience developing procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.

　　Your experience implementing procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.

　　College/University

　　Course Title

　　Credits/Clock Hours

　　CS-03020 WB6 V4 WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

　　Prepares reports that include data such as status of funds, appropriations, budgets, and expenditures. Designs, produces, and modifies worksheets to be used for accounting purposes. Prepares correspondence to communicate issues with various customers and business partners.

　　Levels of Performance

　　Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

　　A. I have experience preparing reports that included data such as status of funds, appropriations, budgets, or expenditures. I was responsible for the final report that conveyed findings.

　　B. I have experience designing, producing, or modifying existing worksheets to be used for accounting purposes.

　　C. I have experience preparing documents or written materials not listed in the above levels.

　　D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, or financial reports.

　　E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

　　CS-EXPERIENCE DETAILS V1 WB 6 In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

　　The name of the employer where you gained this experience.

　　Your experience preparing reports that included data such as status of funds, appropriations, budgets, or expenditures.

　　Your experience designing, producing, or modifying existing worksheets to be used for accounting purposes.

　　Your experience preparing documents or written materials not related to financial reports or worksheets.

　　College/University

　　Course Title

　　Credits/Clock Hours

　　Required Question

　　Agency

　　Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

　　Address

　　613 North Street

　　Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

　　Website

　　http://www.employment.pa.gov

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