Accountant

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The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Opportunity awaits! The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Financial Services (OFS) is seeking a skilled professional with knowledge of accounting principles and practices to join their team!

Summary of Duties

The Office of Financial Services (OFS) operates as a shared financial service for ODHS and Oregon Health Authority (OHA). OFS is the steward of ODHS and OHA financial resources ensuring honesty, integrity, and accountability by efficiently and effectively providing accurate, accountable, and responsive financial management and business services to clients, stakeholders, and employees in support of ODHS and OHA missions and in compliance with state laws and federal policies, rules and regulations.

This position supports House Resolution 1 (HR1) implementation by performing standard level accounting duties and maintaining routine accounting systems in the Office of Financial Services. This position applies standard accounting knowledge to reconcile accounts, prepare basic financial reports, and ensure transactions align with agency and statewide accounting objectives. The role maintains accounting records, internal controls, and financial reporting processes of limited complexity, and may provide guidance to accounting technicians. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Apply established accounting practices, including GAAP, OAM, GAAS and GAAFR, to maintain routine procedures and controls across accounts payable, contracts, grants, and related functions with the primary focus on HR1 implementation.

• Analyze a variety of accounting transactions to decide and initiate appropriate entries in agency accounting subsystems and the Statewide Financial Management System (SFMS).

• Reconcile accounts, make routine correcting entries, and recommend changes to management when recurring reconciliation issues are identified.

• Apply standard accounting practices to design, prepare, and reconcile balance sheets, operating statements, and other financial reports for assigned funds.

• Conduct routine analysis of fiscal data and prepare cash forecasts, revenue estimates, and expenditure projections to assist with agency planning needs.

• Provide explanations of routine accounting data to agency staff and leadership to assist with understanding accounting records and reports.

• Recommend improvements to OFS accounting procedures and practices. Support projects that enhance efficiency and standard accounting practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Government Financial Manager certificate; OR

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting; OR

• Successful completion of the State of Oregon Accounting Career Mobility Program or equivalent accounting certificate program from an accredited college or university; OR

• 32 quarter (21 semester) credit hours in Accounting from an accredited institution AND two years of technical, para- professional accounting experience to include: a) classifying, analyzing, and reconciling financial data and records; b) designing, recommending, and installing modifications of accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records; c) preparing financial statements and reports; d) analyzing and interpreting laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances to ensure the legality of financial transactions; and e) analyzing, interpreting, and making recommendations related to accounting transactions, accounts and account relationships resulting in accounting entries.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience applying accounting theory in practical work settings.
• Experience performing routine financial analysis.
• Experience communicating effectively in writing and verbally with internal and external partners.
• Experience using problem‑solving and analytical skills to evaluate information and resolve issues.
• Experience organizing work, maintaining attention to detail, and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience using computerized accounting systems to compile, maintain, and analyze accounting information.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheets, graphing, tables, calculations, and automation tools, to efficiently process large quantities of business data.

Attention all candidates - A cover letter is required!

• Clearly describe how you meet the essential attributes listed above in your cover letter. Failure to submit the cover letter may result in disqualification of your application.
• Your resume (recommended but not required) and cover letter (required) may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. Do not upload documents in the Education section, as those are not visible to recruiters or hiring managers at this time.
• Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process and will be used to determine your starting salary range if you are selected as a final candidate.
• Please include detailed work history that includes the month/year start date and month/year end date for each role/job. If applicable for college degrees, please clearly indicate if a degree has been completed when providing educational history (graduation dates are not required).
• If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is used to qualify you for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

Working Conditions

• This position follows a standard professional work schedule.
• Initial training is conducted in person at the Salem office for approximately three weeks (five days per week). The training period may vary based on experience and business needs.
• After successful completion of training, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Hybrid schedules require up to two in‑office workdays per week, with additional on‑site days as needed during periods of increased workload.
• Note: some travel expenses not provided, nor reimbursable for remote work employees per travel policy paragraph 105: https://www.oregon.gov/das/Financial/Acctng/Documents/40.10.00.pdf
• Works in an integrated environment where diverse programs, partners and staff create the work team.

• Serve a diverse range of customers with compassion and professionalism through a trauma informed lens.

• General work conditions include high stress environment due to a high-volume workload with short time frames.
• Priority and scope of projects must be intensely monitored and frequent adjustments are required.

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.
• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
• Requires a valid driver's license or other acceptable method of transportation for travel.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

• Cost of Living Adjustments.

• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).

• Amazing benefits package.

• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:

• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Alissa Walker. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number:
• Email: ALISSA.WALKER@odhs.oregon.gov
• Phone (call or text): 503-519-1807