Initial Posting Date:

Application Deadline:

Agency:

Salary Range:

Position Type:

Position Title:

Job Description:

OREGON YOUTH AUTHORITY

Accountant 3 - Senior Accountant

SALEM, OREGON - Equitable Building - Financial Services Division

The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) seeks an experienced Senior Accountant (Accountant 3) to lead complex accounting functions serving Oregon's youth and communities. Reporting to the Budget & Fiscal Manager within OYA's Financial Services Division, this position provides expert direction to accounting staff across general ledger operations, statewide financial reporting, and internal control design. The Senior Accountant resolves the agency's most complex accounting problems, designs and improves financial systems and interfaces, and develops the policies and procedures that keep OYA's accounting practices compliant with GAAP, the Oregon Accounting Manual, and state and federal law. This recruitment is open only to current State of Oregon employees, reflecting the institutional knowledge of statewide financial systems the role requires. If you want senior-level accounting work with statewide visibility and the chance to strengthen the financial backbone of an agency dedicated to youth reformation, we encourage you to apply.

Your role as a Senior Accountant:

• Provide expert leadership and direction to OYA's accounting team — overseeing general ledger operations, journal entries, and internal accounting controls.
• Oversee preparation of the agency's annual financial statements and statewide accounting reports, using automation to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Lead special assignments and studies as needed, including work that advances an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace.
• Train accounting staff and agency employees on financial systems, reports, and accounting procedures.
• Design, maintain, and improve OYA's accounting systems, and develop the policies and procedures that guide agency-wide accounting operations.

About OYA

The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) is a national leader in the juvenile justice field, pioneering the implementation of a positive human development framework for its work with staff and youth, and using data to match the right youth with the right services. We seek to foster cultural competence and pursue equitable solutions to support youth under our care. Our agency mission is to protect the public and reduce crime by holding youth accountable and providing opportunities for reformation in safe environments.

If you are looking to join a team that values individual and cultural differences and the opportunity to contribute in the success of youth reformation by enriching our workforce with diversity, OYA wants to hear from you!

People of color, women and other members of historically underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply!

For more information please visit www.oregon.gov/oya.

Our amazing benefits include: 

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family. Additional benefits include life insurance, short- and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings plans, and flexible spending accounts for health and childcare. 

• Generous Paid Time Off: 11 holidays, 3 personal business days, monthly sick leave and vacation leave that increases with years of service. 

• Retirement Benefits: Membership in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP). 

• Wellness Resources: Support for work-life balance, health, and overall well-being. 

• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. 

• Commuting: Access to Get There - Oregon’s carpool matching tool and trip planner. 

• Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. 

• Live, work, and play in Salem, Oregon.

Would you like to learn more about this position or how our application process works? Join our Recruitment team on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 during our OYA Career Chat Sessions between 11am-11:30am PST. We can assist you with all your application and agency questions!

Click Here to Register for OYA Career Chats!

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possession of a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Government Financial Manager certificate AND three years of accounting experience equivalent to Accountant 2 work to include designing and modifying accounting systems that require frequent changes in requirements to meet specific business objectives, consulting with program managers or external organizations, and assuring the proper functioning and accountability of fiscal operations; OR

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or in any discipline that includes or is supplemented by 32 quarter (21 semester) credit hours from an accredited institution in Accounting AND three years of related accounting experience equivalent to Accountant 2 work to include designing and modifying accounting systems that require frequent changes in requirements to meet specific business objectives, consulting with program managers or external organizations, and ensuring the proper functioning and accountability of fiscal operations; OR

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

15 quarter (10 semester) graduate-level accounting credit hours may substitute for one year of the accounting experience. Graduate-level courses used to satisfy the educational requirement may not be used to satisfy the experience requirement.

Desired Attributes:

If you have these qualities, let us know! It’s how we will choose whom to move forward!

Note:You do not need to have all of these qualities to be eligible for this position.

• Experience using the Statewide Financial Management Application (SFMA/R★STARS) for accounting, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Experience designing, modifying, or administering complex accounting systems and interfaces.
• Experience preparing accounting entries and supporting schedules for Oregon's Annual Consolidated Financial Report (ACFR).
• Experience with bond or other long-term debt accounting and disclosure requirements.
• Depth of accounting experience at or above the Accountant 2 level within Oregon state government.
• Ability to interpret and apply the Oregon Accounting Manual (OAM) and GAAP to resolve complex or unusual accounting problems. (will be assessed in your cover letter and/or at time of interview)
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills applied to ambiguous or high-stakes financial situations. (will be assessed in your cover letter and/or at time of interview)
• Oral and written communication skills, including explaining complex financial information to non-accounting staff and external partners. (will be assessed in your cover letter and/or at time of interview)
• Ability to provide functional leadership and direction to peers on a team without formal supervisory authority (this position has no direct reports). (will be assessed in your cover letter and/or at time of interview)
• Ability to apply an equity lens to daily accounting work and contribute to an inclusive, respectful workplace culture. (will be assessed in your cover letter and/or at time of interview)

How to Apply

• Click on the "Apply" link above to complete your online application and submit by the posted closing date and time. For step-by-step instructions click apply to work for the state or current state employee.

• Cover Letter and Resume Required:  Include in your cover letter a response to these questions:
  1. Describe how your work experience aligns with the desired attributes for this position.
  2. How does accounting relate to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)?
  3. Why do you want to work for OYA?

• The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the minimum qualifications and desired skills and attributes listed above. Failing to attach required documents may result in disqualification of your application.

• 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. 

• Be sure to check Workday and your email for additional tasks and updates. After hitting submit there may be additional required tasks for you to complete prior to the announcement closing. Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.

• 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.  Be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting in order to have the preference considered.

Tentative Interview Schedule:

• First Round Interviews (MS TEAMS): October 13, 2026
• Second Round Interviews (IN PERSON): October 20, 2026

Additional Information:

• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill multiple, current, and future vacancies.

• Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying. For more information on pay equity, click here.

• The salary range listed is the non-PERS participating rate. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.

• This position receives annual increases on anniversary date until the maximum of the salary range is reached.

• This position is represented by SEIU.

• Please save a copy of this job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job closes.

IN-STATE HYBRID WORK INFORMATION:

Candidates may be approved for hybrid work. Hybrid work suitability is evaluated based upon business needs at the time of hire. Hybrid work approval can be revoked at any time. Candidates are expected to:

• Be able to report to the office location listed in the job posting 4-5 days a month. (no travel reimbursement will be offered for this requirement)
• Demonstrate access to a broadband internet connection that meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable requirements; Click Here to view the minimum acceptable requirements. OYA IT Services will provide the necessary hardware to employees who are approved for remote work.
• Have a private workspace.
• Maintain good standing (i.e., no performance or attendance issues).

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity

Additional Information:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we are here to serve. OYA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be individualized based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or ​expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.” The more diverse we are, the better our work will be.

Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process. For assistance regarding reasonable accommodation or for alternative format please contact OYA Recruitment at 971-345-1236. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.

Pre-employment Checks:

In keeping with our mission, OYA will conduct a criminal record check, per OAR 416 Division 800, a driving record background check and a vulnerable population abuse and neglect check. Information obtained about an individual is confidential. An individual who refuses to consent to a criminal records/background check shall be disqualified from consideration in the position for which you applied. All applicants are subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as fingerprint based on criminal records check, pre-employment drug screening and/or education verification as required for the position.

In 2003 Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), the first federal civil statue focused specifically on addressing sexual violence in juvenile facilities, jails, prisons, and other facilities.  In recognition of the rights, safety, and well-being of the youth we serve you will be asked specific questions about your background to ensure our hiring and promotion practices comply with the National PREA standards. 

All positions in OYA will require the incumbent to serve as a "mandatory reporter" of child abuse.

Visa Sponsorship:

We do not offer Visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. OYA uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Have Questions?:          

For questions about the job announcement, email OYAJobs@oya.oregon.gov .