DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCIAL SERVIES

OFFICE OF THE STATE CONTROLLER

-Repost-

Opening Date: November 4, 2024

Closing Date:  November 19, 2024

Job Class Code: 0328
Grade: 16
Salary: $17.69 – $24.27/Hourly
Position Number: 016200591

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 assigned dollar threshold (currently $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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

In order to qualify, you must have one of the following:

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

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

3. 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 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 13.29% 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, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

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.