Accounting Associate - Harrisburg, United States - State of Pennsylvania

    State of Pennsylvania
    State of Pennsylvania Harrisburg, United States

    1 month ago

    Default job background
    Description

    THE POSITION


    Are you looking for new ways to utilize your accounting knowledge? Step into a pivotal role at the heart of our Bureau of Accounting and Financial Management.

    In this crucial role within our Subrecipient Single Audit Desk Review Unit, you will ensure that every dollar of federal grant money is used efficiently and transparently.

    Your work will help uphold public trust in government operations and ensure the responsible utilization of federal grants. Join us and be a part of a team that directly shapes the integrity of public spending


    DESCRIPTION OF WORK


    As an Accounting Associate, you will be instrumental in performing detailed desk reviews of single audit reports from various educational, county, non-profit, and local government entities.

    Attention to detail is critical for maintaining our database and ensuring audit reports accurately reflect whether each entity meets requirements.

    This position assists with preparing acceptance and rejection letters to notify each entity of their report status and determines the acceptability of revised audit reports submitted because of rejection letters.

    You will provide technical guidance to subrecipients and independent auditors regarding performance and reporting on the single audit reports.


    Do not miss this opportunity to gain unmatched experience and knowledge in governmental audit and financial management while staying updated on the latest standards and practices through ongoing training.

    Become part of our team and your work will directly influence the efficacy and transparency of how public funds are used, positively impacting communities and setting standards for excellence.

    Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.


    Work Schedule and Additional Information:

    • Full-time employment
    • Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
    • Telework: You may be expected to work from home (telework) full-time, with occasional in-office days when work dictates such requirements. Please keep in mind that while this is a full-time telework position, that can change at any time at the Governor's discretion. You must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
    • Salary: All new employees with the Commonwealth will start at the minimum salary.
    • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
    REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY


    QUALIFICATIONS

    Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

    • Two years as a Fiscal Technician (commonwealth title) and completion of 21 college credits in accounting and an additional 3 credits in finance or accounting; or
    • Three years as an Accounting Assistant (commonwealth title) and completion of 21 college credits in accounting and an additional 3 credits in finance or accounting; or
    • A bachelor's degree including 21 credits in accounting and an additional 3 credits in finance or accounting; or
    • An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 21 college credits in accounting and an additional 3 credits in finance or accounting.

    Other Requirements:

    • You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
    • You must be able to perform essential job functions.

    Legal Requirements:

    • You must pass a background investigation.

    How to Apply:

    • Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
    • This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
    • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
    • Failure to comply with the above application requirements will eliminate you from consideration for this position.

    Veterans:

    • Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).


    If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

    The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

    The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

    The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

    All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.


    EXAMINATION INFORMATION

    • Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
    • Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
    • Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
    • You must provide complete and accurate information or: your score may be lower than deserved.
    * you may be disqualified.

    You may only apply/test once for this posting.
    Your results will be provided via email.

    Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video

    Health & Wellness

    We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.

    Compensation & Financial Planning


    We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

    Work/Life Balance


    We know there's more to life than just work Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S.

    holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.

    Values and Culture


    We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good.

    As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

    Employee Perks

    Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

    For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.


    • Eligibility rules apply.
    01

    Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an Accounting Assistant for three or more years full-time?


    • Yes
    • No
    02


    If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below.

    The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision.

    If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

    03

    Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Fiscal Technician for two or more years full-time?


    • Yes
    • No
    04


    If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below.

    The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision.

    If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

    05

    Have you completed 21 college credits in accounting and an additional 3 college credits in finance or accounting?


    If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision.

    Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

    You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left.

    You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.


    If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation.

    For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.


    • Yes
    • No
    06

    How much college coursework have you completed?


    If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision.

    Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

    You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left.

    You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.


    If you are claiming credits/degree based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation.

    For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.


    • Conferred Bachelor's degree or higher
    • 120 credits or more
    • 90 but less than 120
    • 60 but less than 90
    • 30 but less than 60
    • Less than 30 credits
    • No
    ne

    07

    How many years of full-time paraprofessional or technical level experience do you possess?


    • 4 or more years
    • 3 but less than 4 years
    • 2 but less than 3 years
    • 1 but less than 2 years
    • Less than 1 year
    • No
    ne

    08


    If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below.

    The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision.

    If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

    09

    You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored.

    They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position.

    Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification.

    You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions.

    Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

    All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty.

    If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

    Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.

    The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.

    In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.


    If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

    If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.


    • Yes
    10

    WORK BEHAVIOR - ANALYSIS OF DATA

    Utilizes computer-assisted audit tools, such as spreadsheet and word processing programs, as well as data analysis software packages. Analyzes data to identify trends, as well as to detect inconsistencies and missing information.

    Levels of Performance

    Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.


    • A. I have experience utilizing computer-assisted audit tools to enter data. I was responsible for analyzing the information in order to identify trends, inconsistencies, and missing information.
    • B. I have experience utilizing computer-assisted audit tools to enter data. Someone else was responsible for analyzing the information in order to identify trends, inconsistencies, and missing information.
    • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data analysis, spreadsheet applications, or statistics.
    • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
    11


    In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

    Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.


    • The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
    • The actual duties you performed related to utilizing computer-assisted tools for data analysis.
    • Your level of responsibility.
    12


    If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below.

    If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.


    • College/University
    • Course Title
    • Credits/Clock Hours
    13

    WORK BEHAVIOR - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

    Drafts written material in order to record information, request information from others, or disseminate information. Formats document submissions for review, approval, and distribution to a variety of audiences.

    Levels of Performance

    Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.


    • A. I have experience compiling and presenting information in written format. I was responsible for the final content of the document or report.
    • B. I have experience compiling and presenting information in written format. Someone else was responsible for the final content of the report using the information I gathered.
    • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, English composition, or journalism.
    • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
    14


    In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

    Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.


    • The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
    • The actual duties you performed related to compiling and presenting information.
    • Your level of responsibility.
    15


    If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below.

    If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.


    • College/University
    • Course Title
    • Credits/Clock Hours
    16

    WORK BEHAVIOR - ORAL COMMUNICATION


    Presents information in business/staff meetings in order to gather, review, discuss, and resolve issues, taking into consideration the nature of the audience.

    Maintains complete and continual communication with interested parties regarding relevant issues and updates.

    Levels of Performance

    Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.


    • A. I have participated in business/staff meetings in order to gather information. I was responsible for disseminating information to interested parties regarding relevant issues and updates.
    • B. I have participated in business/staff meetings in order to gather information. Someone else was responsible for disseminating information to interested parties regarding relevant issues and updates.
    • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public speaking or communications.
    • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
    17


    In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

    Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.


    • The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
    • The actual duties you performed related to oral communication.
    • Your level of responsibility.
    18


    If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below.

    If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.


    • College/University
    • Course Title
    • Credits/Clock Hours
    19

    WORK BEHAVIOR - RESEARCH

    Conducts research by gathering, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting information.

    Evaluates information gathered from personnel, auditees, or other sources to determine if it is reliable and appropriate for the project/assignment at hand.

    Levels of Performance

    Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.


    • A. I have experience researching records and files for various projects and reports, and gaining information through interviews and discussions. When given a topic, I was responsible for compiling all available information from a variety of data sources and determining if the information was relevant to the project.
    • B. I have experience researching records and files for various projects and reports, and gaining information through interviews and discussions. When given a topic, I was responsible for compiling all available information from a variety of data sources; however, someone else determined if the information was relevant to the project.
    • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to research methods, research design and analysis, or data collection.
    • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
    20


    In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

    Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.


    • The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
    • The actual duties you performed related to researching records and files.
    • Your level of responsibility.
    21


    If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below.

    If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.


    • College/University
    • Course Title
    • Credits/Clock Hours
    22

    WORK BEHAVIOR - CUSTOMER SERVICE


    Interacts with the public, coworkers, or other personnel to gather information, act as a liaison, and explain rules, regulations, and policies.

    Provides appropriate responses to inquiries and refers individuals to the appropriate area for assistance as necessary.

    Levels of Performance

    Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.


    • A. I have experience receiving customer inquiries. I was responsible for answering questions and providing technical information as necessary.
    • B. I have experience receiving customer inquiries. I was responsible for answering general questions but referred customers to someone else for responses to technical questions.
    • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communications, public speaking, public relations, conflict resolution, or interviewing.
    • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
    23


    In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

    Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.


    • The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
    • The actual duties you performed related to customer service.
    • Your level of responsibility.
    24


    If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below.

    If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.


    • College/University
    • Course Title
    • Credits/Clock Hours
    Required Question

    Agency Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    Address 613 North Street

    Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

    Website