Staff Accountant (Anticipated Vacancy)

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

Apply by: June 5, 2024

Apply with Linkedin Apply

Staff Accountant - Office of the State Controller

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

Opening Date: May 21, 2024

Closing Date: June 5, 2024

Job Class Code: 0329

Grade: 20

Salary: $20.08 – $26.96/Hour

Position Number: 016201428

The State Controller's Office is seeking candidates for a Staff Accounting position located in Augusta, Maine.

Description:

Staff Accountants apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines in maintaining complex accounts within established accounting systems. These complex accounts characteristically have (1) multiple fund types, revenue sources, cost centers, and cost allocations; (2) multiple levels of controlling regulations; and (3) overlapping reporting periods. Staff Accountants ensure assigned accounts are managed in accordance with GAAP/GASB standards, state/agency accounting procedures, and appropriate internal controls. They use and apply accounting skills at the full proficiency level to analyze and resolve nonstandard accounting transactions, and independently initiate appropriate corrections into accounting records. Staff Accountants interact with programmatic staff to explain accounting policies and procedures and resolve accounting discrepancies and disputes.

Representative Tasks:

• Establishes and oversees accounting procedures and internal controls for asset and liability accounts, revenue and expense accounts, and equity accounts to ensure compliance with accounting standards and operating procedures.

• Applies accounting theory to account for revenues, expenditures, transfers, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and inventory in accordance with GAAP/GASB to accurately report the results of agency operations.

• Verifies source documents for accuracy, completeness, authorization, and coding, as well as proper application of fees, refunds, collections, and discounts in order to verify general ledger balances, reconcile subsystems to the general ledger, and identify accounting system problems or weaknesses.

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

• Reconciles accounts, initiates corrective actions, and formulates and recommends system and process changes through evaluation, analysis of problems, and application of accounting theory.

• Prepares agency financial reports including information for the statewide financial report and prepares portions of required annual financial statements and related notes and disclosures.

• Prepares cash forecasts, revenue estimates, and expenditure projections for planning and budgetary purposes and to support budgetary and program staff.

• Monitors budget balances, identifies issues, and formulates corrective actions in order to inform and support program and accounting managers.

• Confers with financial and program staff in order to explain accounting policy and processes and resolve accounting discrepancies or disputes associated with account balances and reconciliations, reporting clarifications, payment authorizations, expenditures, and budget balances.

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.

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 part-time employment.

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.