Staff Accountant

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

　　Apply by: Jan. 31, 2024

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　　Department of Administrative and Financial Services - Security and Employment Service CenterJob Class Code: 0329

　　Grade: 20 (Professional/Technical)

　　Salary: $41,766 - $56,076

　　Location: Augusta, MEOpening Date: January 17, 2024Closing Date: January 31, 2024

　　Want to be a part of a dynamic group that supports critical state departments? The Security and Employment Service Center (SESC) is looking for people committed to providing financial services and human resources support to the Departments of: Public Safety; Labor; Professional and Financial Regulation; and Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management.

　　Financial Service Centers provide professional financial expertise to manage the economic activities of multiple Departments and Bureaus with accounts that vary in size and complexity. Services for customer agencies include accounting and financial processing, cash management, budget development and monitoring, financial analysis, grant management, legislative support, and administrative functions.

　　In this role, you will:

　　Verify source documents for accuracy and completeness.

　　Submit requests for federal funds.

　　Review financial transactions and apply accounting theory and principles to ensure compliance with GAAP/GASB and applicable laws, rules, policies, and procedures.

　　Reconcile accounts, initiate corrective actions, usually in the form of journal entries, and formulate and recommend system and process changes through evaluation, analysis of problems, and applying accounting theory to eliminate future issues.

　　Monitor budget balances, identify issues, and formulate corrective actions to inform and support program and accounting managers.

　　Confer with financial and program staff to explain accounting policy and process and resolve accounting discrepancies or disputes associated with account balances and reconciliations, reporting clarifications, payment authorizations, expenditures, and budget balances.

　　Skills or knowledge required:

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

　　Knowledge of computerized accounting systems.

　　Ability to apply accounting principles in locating and correcting accounting errors.

　　Ability to verify fiscal source documents and application of fees, refunds, collections, and discounts.

　　Ability to prepare narrative and statistical reports and financial statements, projections, and schedules, and analyze and interpret information from reports.

　　Ability to review fiscal transactions for conformity with applicable laws, rules, policies, and procedures.

　　Ability to communicate effectively.

　　Ability to write clearly and effectively.

　　Ability to function effectively as a member of a project team.

　　Minimum qualifications:

　　A Bachelors Degree from an accredited educational institution in Accounting-OR-any other Bachelors Degree from an accredited educational institution that includes at least 18 semester hours in accounting coursework-OR-An Associates Degree from an accredited educational institution in Accounting and 3 years of practical work experience providing complex technical support to professional accounting staff-OR-6 years of practical work experience providing complex technical support to professional accounting staff. 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) classify and analyze 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; and (4) analyze accounts and accounting relationships that result in complex accounting entries.

　　Contact information:

　　Questions about this position should be directed to Marilyn Leimbach [email protected]

　　Application Instructions:

　　Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

　　If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.

　　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 Balance – 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 ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 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.

　　Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

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

　　Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.41% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

　　Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

　　Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

　　Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

　　Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

　　Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/rules-policies/policy-practices-manual/Employee-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Federal) .

　　Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

　　Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

　　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.