Accounting Technician - Limited Period Position

Department of Administartive and Financial ervices 

Accounting Technician - Limited Period Position 

Opening Date: February 11, 2025

Closing Date:  February 26, 2025

Job Class Code: 0328
Grade: 16
Salary: $17.69 – $24.27/Hourly
Position Number: 004000364

JOB DESCRIPTION: This is paraprofessional support work involving the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines in independently maintaining non-complex accounts within an established accounting system or assisting senior accounting personnel responsible for maintaining complex accounts. Non-complex accounts are characterized by a relatively small number of fund types, revenue sources, cost centers, and cost allocations. 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 programmatic staff to exchange factual information, explain accounting processes, and resolve accounting discrepancies and disputes. This classification is distinguished from Account Clerks by the fact that Accounting Technician work requires knowledge of accounting principles and includes preparing financial and statistical reports and summaries. Supervision may be exercised over office support and/or clerical staff.  Work is performed under general supervision.

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.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting theories, principles, methods, practices, and terminology.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting standards and systems.
• Knowledge of computerized accounting systems.
• Knowledge of standardized desktop technology and products.
• Ability to apply generally accepted accounting principles to account for revenue, expenditures, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Ability to prepare narrative and statistical financial reports.
• Ability to review fiscal transactions for conformity with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to recommend improvements in accounting procedures.
• Ability to function effectively as a member of a project team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Entry-level to intermediate education, training, and/or experience in accounting or another closely related field demonstrating competency applying accounting principles, reviewing and processing business transactions, and preparing reports.

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.