Financial Manager I

State of Vermont; Montpelier (VT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vermont Agency of Education's Business Office is seeking a mission-driven Financial Manager I to support statewide fiscal operations and grant administration, ensuring accuracy and timely flow of funds to schools and partners.

Lead complex fiscal work, strengthen financial systems, and partner across agency and external entities to ensure compliance. The role emphasizes budgeting, reporting, and process improvements within a collaborative public service environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field with 20 accounting credits and 2+ years of professional fiscal operations experience.
• Bachelor's degree in any discipline plus 4+ years of professional accounting/fiscal operations experience.
• Associate's degree plus 6+ years of professional accounting/fiscal operations experience.
• High School diploma plus 8+ years of professional accounting experience.
• One year as a Financial Administrator III with the State of Vermont or CPA certification.

Responsibilities

• Support budget development for Agency divisions and major education programs.
• Manage grant accounting activities, including tracking expenditures and grant balances, and processing grant payments to school districts and partners.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, internal reports, and program-level reconciliations.
• Maintain and improve internal financial controls within the Business Office.
• Oversee or perform advanced accounting work including posting, reconciling, and reviewing financial transactions.
• Support federal grant administration by providing fiscal guidance and preparing required reports.
• Collaborate with program teams, state partners, and federal agencies to ensure financial compliance and clear communication.
• Contribute to process improvements and modernization of the Agency's fiscal systems.

Skills

Accounting principles

Grant accounting

Internal controls

Cost allocation

Financial reporting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Bachelor's degree in any discipline with 20 accounting credits

Associate's degree with 6+ years accounting experience

High School diploma with 8+ years accounting experience

CPA certification

Tools

VISION (PeopleSoft)

Financial management software

Job description

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The Vermont Agency of Education's Business Office is looking for a mission‑driven accounting professional who is excited to support Vermont's education system through strong financial stewardship. As a key member of the team, you will play an essential role in managing the financial operations that directly support schools, students, and community partners across the state.

This position offers the opportunity to lead complex fiscal work, strengthen statewide financial systems, and ensure the accurate and timely flow of grant funds that power educational programs.

What You'll Do:

• Support budget development for Agency divisions and major education programs.
• Manage grant accounting activities, including tracking expenditures, monitoring grant balances, and ensuring accurate, timely grant payment processing to school districts and partners.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, internal reports, and program-level reconciliations.
• Maintain and improve internal financial controls within the Business Office.
• Oversee or perform advanced accounting work, including posting, reconciling, and reviewing financial transactions.
• Support federal grant administration by providing fiscal guidance, and preparing required federal financial reports.
• Work closely with program teams, state partners, and federal agencies to ensure strong financial compliance and clear communication.
• Contribute to process improvements and help modernize the Agency's fiscal systems.

What You Bring:

• Strong understanding of accounting principles, governmental budgeting, and fiscal compliance.
• Hands‑on experience with grant accounting and grant payment processes (preferred).
• Familiarity with cost allocation, financial reporting, and internal control practices.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data, troubleshoot accounting issues, and ensure accuracy.
• Proficiency with financial management systems and related software tools.
• Clear, effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships across the Agency and with external partners.

Why Join the Agency of Education?

• Your work has statewide impact‑every financial transaction supports Vermont's students, educators, and communities.
• You'll join a collaborative, mission‑focused Business Office committed to accuracy, service, and continuous improvement.
• Opportunities to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful public service.
• Supportive work environment with predictable hours and strong work‑life balance.

Who May Apply

This position, Financial Manager I (Job Requisition #55958), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Work is performed in a standard office setting.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting or a bachelor's degree in any discipline that includes or is supplemented by 20 credit hours in accounting AND two (2) years or more of professional level accounting, budgeting, fiscal auditing, fiscal analysis, federal program fiscal administration or other professional level fiscal operations experience which has included experience managing programs, funding sources or staff.

OR

Bachelor's degree in any discipline AND four (4) years or more of professional level accounting, budgeting, fiscal auditing, fiscal analysis, federal program fiscal administration or other professional level fiscal operations experience which has included experience managing programs, funding sources or staff.

OR

Associate's degree AND six (6) years or more of professional level accounting, budgeting, fiscal auditing, fiscal analysis, federal program fiscal administration or other professional level fiscal operations experience which has included experience managing programs, funding sources or staff.

OR

High School diploma AND eight (8) years or more of professional level accounting, budgeting, fiscal auditing, fiscal analysis, federal program fiscal administration or other professional level fiscal operations experience which has included experience managing programs, funding sources or staff.

OR

One year as a Financial Administrator III with the State of Vermont.

OR

Certification as a CPA.

Preferred Qualifications

For some positions preference may be given to applicants with supervisory or management experience.

Special Requirements

For some positions experience working with the VISION system (VISION is the State of Vermont PeopleSoft financial management system) may be required.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.