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Accounting Branch Chief

Fiscal Services Administrator V

Recruitment #24-004532-0005

Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

GRADE

23

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

POSITION DUTIES

This management position plans, directs and controls the activities of the 30-member Accounting Branch to ensure that financial transactions are verified, recorded, and reported to management in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and in compliance with State and federal regulations and practices.  The position oversees drawdown of more than $8 billion in federal and State grants, control of encumbrances, and asset management at the MSDE headquarters building and other sites Statewide.  The position is responsible for the development and monitoring of fiscal policies and controls; coordination of fiscal year-end closeout; responding to multiple State and federal audits; providing fiscal policy advice to MSDE managers; and providing feedback on financial reporting, vendor payment, and grant reporting information systems.

Duties include:
- Plans, oversees, and evaluates the work of the accounting staff to ensure the effective and efficient processing of accounting transactions and the reporting of accounting information to program and executive management.
- Directs the development and implementation of training and professional development activities for the accounting and department staff.
- Plans, coordinates, and conducts the fiscal year-end closeout in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and guidelines established by the State Comptroller’s Office and the Department of Budget and Management.
- Advises State, public, and Federal auditors on fiscal policy and detailed accounting procedures during their periodic reviews of agency accounting records.
- Reviews audit reports and prepares responses to audit exceptions and development of corrective action plans.
- Serves as key advisor to the Division of Business Services Assistant State Superintendent and Division Directors on accounting information issues, provides analytical support for special projects, and prepares or supervises the completion of special reports as required.
- Analyzes and recommends changes to such complex financial information systems as MSDE’s Annual Financial Reporting (AFR) grants system and Child Care Automated Tracking System (CCATS), including improved reporting and multiple system interfaces.
- Represents the agency on State-level Financial Management Information System (FMIS) committees for the purpose of recommending, evaluating, and developing policies, procedures, and modifications for the FMIS.  Communicates, develops, and implements system modifications and accounting control procedures at the agency level.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience with managing, designing, and developing financial control systems for multiple programs. Two (2) years of the required experience must be in State Government Accounting.

Note: 
1. Applicants may substitute possession of a Master’s Degree, or 36 post-baccalaureate credit hours of coursework, from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, or Economics for one year of the required experience.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet the selective qualification(s) to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

- Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is required. 

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

- Knowledge of accounting, program budgeting, and allocation of financial resources.
- Knowledge of governmental and/or fund accounting and State procurement policies and regulations.
- Experience in the interpretation of State and Federal Statute and regulations.
- Open to innovations to Accounting practices, processes, and improvements.
- Proficiency in the use of spreadsheet software.
- Skill in scheduling and managing multiple tasks and adhering to established timelines.
- Ability to effectively lead as well as supervise and train staff, manage projects, monitor performance, and provide timely feedback.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be in effect for at least one year.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must complete the MD State Government online application for employment and submit their professional resume. The application and resume must clearly demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application. Postmarks will not be accepted.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. All application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.



Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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