Staff Accountant

Position Title: Staff Accountant 

Classification: Accountant 1 

Salary: $4,519 - $6,904 ($4,833 - $7,386 PERS) 

Type: Permanent, Full-time, Non-Exempt 

We are seeking a Staff Accountant (Accountant 1) to join our Office of Finance Administration (OFA) team at the Oregon Department of Education. This is a permanent position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  
 

This position follows a hybrid work model. Onsite presence will be required when business or operational needs are best supported in person, such as collaboration, training, or work that requires access to onsite resources. Employees approved to work remotely must have a reliable and secure internet connection and maintain a professional work environment that supports productivity. While working remotely, employees are expected to maintain the same level of performance, responsiveness, communication, and availability as they would in the office. 

What you will do!

Within the CFO Accounting Unit, you will work independently to improve unit processes; use accounting theory to interpret laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and compile and analyze data for federal and state compliance reports. 

This role offers a unique opportunity to join a supportive and experienced team that values collaboration, continuous learning, and process improvement. You can enjoy a hybrid work environment while contributing to meaningful financial operations that support education programs across the state. You will have the opportunity to independently analyze data and improve processes by solving problems and ensuring accurate reporting. 
 
Typical duties include: 

• Review and Improve Accounting Processes: Independently reviews accounting processes and uses accounting principles to understand policies and regulations. Identifies strengths and areas for improvement, recommends process changes, updates procedures, and provides training and guidance to staff. 

• Prepare and Support Federal, State, and Internal Reporting: Reviews and analyzes financial data to prepare and submit accurate and timely federal, state, and internal reports. Responds to data requests and completes ad hoc reporting as needed to support compliance requirements. 

• Reconcile Accounts and Review Financial Transactions: Reconciles accounts and resolves discrepancies within grant and accounting systems. Prepares adjusting entries and reviews transaction corrections for accuracy, appropriate justification, and proper authorization. 

• Customer Service: Performs position duties in a manner which promotes customer service across the agency and collaborates with team members to ensure work is performed accurately, completely, and timely. 

Please click here to view the full position description 

If you would like to retain a copy of this job post or the PD linked above, please print a copy before submitting your application. Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting. 

Application Instructions: 

A cover letter and resume are required and are an important part of the application process. Only these materials are considered during the screening process:  

• A cover letter (no more than 2 pages), highlighting your skills and experience, and demonstrating how your qualifications align with the required and desired qualifications for this role. 

• A current resume detailing your relevant experience and education as it will be used in place of the detailed Workday work history for this agency-specific recruitment.   

Additional application materials (such as letters of recommendation or transcripts) will not be reviewed. Cover letters and resumes are reviewed throughout the recruitment process by Human Resources and the Hiring Manager. 

Minimum Qualifications (required) 
 
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. 
 
Preferred Skills & Knowledge (Desired Attributes) 

• Demonstrated experience analyzing, reviewing, and verifying data to identify discrepancies and ensure accuracy in reporting, using query and reporting tools.   

• Demonstrated experience creating or reviewing job aids, procedures, templates, or process guides.   

• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying accounting laws, rules, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance.  

• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Excel at an intermediate level or higher. 

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex or technical information clearly and effectively to a variety of stakeholders, both verbally and in writing (e.g. reports, summaries, and training). 

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage workload, prioritize competing deadlines, and complete tasks accurately and on time, as evidenced by examples of meeting multiple deliverables or managing concurrent responsibilities. 

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of the attributes listed.    

Our Agency Mission and Office Culture:  

The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well–rounded, and equitable education system.  
 
This position is within the Chief Financial Office (CFO) Accounting Unit. It has a staff of fourteen employees and supports a biennial department budget of over $17 billion. The revenue and expenditure streams are complex and include the General Fund, lottery funds, federal funds, and other revenues for dedicated purposes. The Accounting Unit serves all levels of the agency’s operations and provides controls for the distribution of funds to local education agencies, individuals, and several other state agencies and service providers statewide. 
 
Oregon State provides amazing benefits! Follow the link below to learn more:  

Oregon Job Opportunities : Benefits : State of Oregon  

Application Resources & Information:  

• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard service members (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 to have the preference considered.  

• Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.  

• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submission. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.  

• Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions on the application process or need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please be sure to include the job requisition number.  

• Oregon Job Opportunities: How to Apply (Internal & External)  

• Understanding the State Application Process  

• Resources for Job Seekers  

Additional Information:  

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%.  

• Review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity.  

• Future Vacancies: This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.  

• Visa Sponsorship: The Oregon Department of Education does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Applicants who require VISA sponsorship will not be considered at this time.  

The Department of Education is an equal employment opportunity & affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce. The Department strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.  We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed.   If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.   

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