Staff Accountant

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

Job Description

Staff Accountant

Maine Revenue Services

Staff Accountant

Code: 0329 Pay Grade: 20 – $18.94 – $25.43/Hour

Open for Recruitment: March 29, 2023

Closes: April 12, 2023

Job Description:

This position is assigned to the Operations Processing Center (OPC), Remittance Operations and Statistical Reporting Unit. This position is responsible for the processing, depositing, and statistical reporting of revenues remitted to Maine Revenue Services. It applies Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAPP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) to multiple complex accounts for revenue recognition, deposit processing, record transfers, and to report the results of agency operations.

This position also is responsible for (1) accurately processed and properly reported revenues, (2) protection of state revenues, (3) development of internal control procedures that increase accountability, separation of duties, physical security, and reconciliation of accounts, and (4) evaluation of processes, procedures, systems, work instructions, and recommending and implementing improvements.

Typical Duties:

+ Manages MRS statistical reporting related to electronic and paper return and payment processing. Collects, analyzes, interprets and summarizes data in the preparation of analytical, operational and financial reports.

+ Develops collection instruments and methods for the evaluation and control of operational and financial data. Monitors daily deposits and revenue transactions, and maintains records and databases as appropriate.

+ Ensures that State revenues and data are protected, accurately processed, and properly reported in accordance with GAAP/GASB. This position requires excellent interpersonal communication skills and a great understanding of resource management planning.

+ This position will communicate in a professional and effective manner with MRS management and division staff when disseminating their results.

+ Coordinates the policies and procedures used in the OPC’s operations, and is responsible for cash and check controls related to receipts. Establishes and enforces internal control procedures that assure accountability, segregation of duties, physical security, and reconciliation of accounts.

+ Reconciles accounts, initiates corrective actions, and formulates and recommends system and process changes through evaluation, analysis of problems, and application of accounting theory. Conducts training with appropriate staff impacted by new processes, and conducts periodic reviews to reinforce understanding and increase productivity.

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.

Please note: All candidates applying for a position at Maine Revenue Services will be subject to a tax clearance check. In order to be selected for a position, an applicant must have filed all his or her Maine returns and paid all Maine tax liabilities.

For all candidates not currently employed at Maine Revenue Services: State law requires that applicants seeking initial employment with Maine Revenue Services undergo a fingerprint based state and federal criminal history record check.

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:

+ Tuition Reimbursement (including reimbursement for CPA exam) – MRS encourages employees to further their self-development through higher learning by offering generous tuition reimbursement.

+ Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit theFederal Student Aid office (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) .

+ Continuing Professional Training – MRS is committed to providing ongoing professional training and development opportunities to our employees.

+ 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.

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

+ 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 thepremium costs (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/som-health-plan/premium-rates) 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 aboutprogram requirements (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/health-premium-credit) .

+ Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($379.60 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.

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

+ 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.

+ 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 theFamily and Medical Leave Act (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/rules-policies/policy-practices-manual/Employee-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Federal) .

+ Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/health-premium-credit) .

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