Accounting Technician

at State of Maine, Bureau of Human Resources in Augusta, Maine, United States

Job Description

Accounting Technician

Department of Administrative and Financial Services

Office of the State Controller

Accounting Technician (PART TIME 32 hours/week)

CLASS CODE: 0328 PAY GRADE:16 – $15.58 – $20.56/Hourly

OPEN FOR RECRUITMENT: February 17, 2022

CLOSES: March 04, 2022

DESCRIPTION:

This is technical accounting services work as well as paraprofessional support work involving the review of financial transactions and the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines.

Employees in this classification examine, account for, reconcile, analyze, and interpret basic accounting data and records in accordance with GAAP/GASB standards, state/agency accounting procedures, and appropriate internal controls. Employees use and apply basic accounting theory to analyze and resolve standard accounting transaction problems. Employees interact with program staff to exchange information, explain accounting processes, and resolve accounting discrepancies and disputes.

This position operates as a member of the Accounting Division reviewing disbursement transactions to ensure compliance with laws, rules and regulations. Additionally, the Division identifies any anomalies with financial transactions processed by State agencies.

The position has authority and responsibility for determining the appropriateness of all disbursement transactions in excess of $5,000. Additionally, the position will be responsible for determining the appropriateness of general ledger transactions and carrying out other ongoing projects as determined by the Manager, which would be consistent with the overall operations of the Accounting Division.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:

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

+ Reviews and verifies the correctness and classification of transactions posted to accounting journals, general ledger accounts, and other subsidiary records in order to ensure accuracy of records.

+ Reviews and processes accounts payable, accounts receivable, travel expenses, financial contracts, pre- and post-audit billings and payments in order to ensure compliance with state policies and procedures and satisfy financial obligations.

+ Sets-up, monitors, and makes adjustments and closing entries for books, ledgers, and journals in order to document financial activity for a project or program.

+ Reviews and balances subsidiary and control accounts, collections, inventory, and other accounts to ensure reasonableness and accuracy.

+ Prepares financial and statistical reports such as statements of cash receipts and disbursements, accounts payable and receivable, supporting schedules, profit and loss, and other detail and summary reports in order to provide pertinent information about financial operations to senior accounting personnel and program staff.

+ Applies knowledge of GAAP and agency accounting systems, procedures, and structure to troubleshoot existing systems, test new systems, and report functionality in order to assist senior accounting staff in problem resolution and system testing activities.

+ Monitors status of accounts, budgets, and contracts in order to provide information to senior accounting staff.

+ Meets with financial and program staff in order to exchange relevant information, explain accounting processes and applicable regulations, and resolve accounting discrepancies or disputes associated with payment authorizations, fund transfers, payroll accounting, collections, account and budget balances, and other financial transactions.

+ The immediate tasks for this position would be with supporting staff with the review, approval and processing of vendor forms and direct deposit requests.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

In order to qualify, you must haveoneof the following:

+ Associate’s Degree in Accounting from an accredited educational institution; or,

+ Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution, that includes at least 12 semester hours in accounting coursework or,

+ Three 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 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. Preference will be given to those with an Associate’s Degree or higher.

BENEFITS:

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 ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 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 13.16% 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/) .

Maine State Government is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.