Senior Staff Accountant (Research Assistant)

MAINE STATE BAR ASSN; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Senior Staff Accountant to join their team in Augusta. This full-time role involves a variety of accounting responsibilities, including analyzing complex financial data, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with fiscal policies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting principles, excellent analytical skills, and proficiency in tools like Excel and Advantage. With a focus on work-life balance and comprehensive benefits, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful financial operations while enjoying a supportive work environment.

Benefits

13 paid holidays

12 days of sick leave

3+ weeks of vacation leave

Health Insurance Coverage

Dental Insurance

Retirement Plan

Gym Membership Reimbursement

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

Parental leave

Voluntary Deferred Compensation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Accounting or relevant experience required.
• Proficiency in GAAP and financial reporting essential.

Responsibilities

• Analyze fiscal data to prepare financial reports and budgets.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable, ensuring compliance.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Accounting Principles

Financial Reporting

GAAP Compliance

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

Associate's Degree in Accounting

Tools

Excel

Advantage

DAFS Analytics

Job description

The Office of the Attorney General is seeking one highly motivated individual to fill a full-time 40 hours a week Senior Staff Accountant (Research Assistant) position in the Administrative Services Division located in our Augusta Office. The individual will be responsible for a wide range of accounting/fiscal responsibilities.

Duties include:

• Analyzes and interprets complex fiscal and statistical information to account for revenues, expenditures, transfers, accounts payable, and accounts receivable in accordance with GAAP/GASB in order to accurately report results of agency operations as well as identify trends or issues for agency management.
• Compiles and calculates fiscal data in order to prepare trial balances, financial reports, work programs, budgets, and other financial statements.
• Identifies business needs, compliance issues, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with state/federal fiscal policies or other special requirements.
• Using expenditure information, prepare cash reimbursement requests for several grants.
• Using revenue and expenditure information, prepare quarterly reporting for several grants.
• Allots funds to various accounts in order to distribute funds and grant monies.
• Reviews and analyzes revenues and expenditures in order to accurately assign program costs to proper accounts and grants to ensure the proper utilization and reporting of funds.
• Manages contract paperwork, tracking, and funding.
• Reconciles internal accounting records with computerized/central accounting records to review and verify the correctness and classification of transactions posted to accounting journals, general ledger accounts, and other subsidiary records in order to ensure accuracy and balance accounts.
• Codes and approves payment of invoices, vouchers, and bills in order to account for expenses and ensure bills are processed in a timely manner.
• Posts cash receipts, disbursements, accounts receivable, and accounts payable in order to maintain accountability of funds.
• Monitors status of accounts, budgets, and contracts in order to prepare cash forecasts, revenue estimates, and expenditure projections for planning purposes to ensure adequate cash and allotment in current year as well as assist with development of biennial and supplemental budgets, work programs, financial orders and budget orders.
• Documents and prepares various annual reporting requirements such as Charge Off, Detailed Aging Reports, and SEFA Reporting.
• Recommends changes and improvements to accounting operations in order to assist in the development of more efficient and effective methods and procedures, as well as to respond to changes in requirements.
• Consults and confers with other accountants and professionals in order to provide technical accounting advice and guidance.
• A/P and A/R Management – Advantage payment and approval, billing assistance, quarterly analysis and journals.
• Grant Management – financial queries, grant cash draws and reporting.
• Allotment Analysis – actual to budget analysis; financial order recommendations; budget order recommendations.
• Petty Cash Management – disbursement, reconciliation, annual reporting.
• Controller Reports – Cash reporting, SEFA reporting, contract monitoring, other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate must be looking for a career in accounting and be organized, efficient, accurate, and flexible with strong interpersonal skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution in Accounting (or any Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution which includes 18 semester hours of Accounting coursework) and 2 years of professional accounting experience -OR- an Associate’s Degree from an accredited educational institution in Accounting and 5 years of practical, progressively responsible accounting experience (3 years of which must be at the professional level) -OR- 8 years of practical, progressively responsible accounting experience (4 years of which must be at the professional level). Accounting coursework must include successful completion of Principles of Accounting I & II, Intermediate Accounting I & II, plus two other accounting-related courses. Experience must demonstrate comprehension and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines and must demonstrate the ability to (1) analyze and reconcile financial data and records for the purpose of business financial planning; (2) design, recommend, and implement modifications of accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records; (3) prepare financial statements and reports such as balance sheets and other operating statements; (4) analyze and interpret laws, regulations, codes and ordinances to ensure appropriateness of financial transactions and accounting structure; and (5) analyze complex accounts and accounting relationships that result in complex accounting entries.

Preference will be given to candidates proficient with Excel, Advantage, and DAFS Analytics.

Application Instructions

If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications in accounting that make you a strong candidate for the position and the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Include resume, three references, and complete the online direct hire application.

The Office is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to mail service, faxing malfunctions or electronic transmission malfunctions. Job offer to new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal records, and driver’s license check, and professional license requirements if applicable.

Please direct all questions to Finance Director, Summer Carter via email or by calling 207-626-8839.

BENEFITS

Maine state employees embody our state motto — "Dirigo" or "I lead" — as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays,12 days of sick leave, and3+ weeks of vacation leave.Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service. Overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($12,130.05-$14,270.62 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information aboutprogram requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes13.29%of payto the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit theFederal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program– Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave – One of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additionally, unpaid leave may also be available under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in aMaineSaves457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefitsfor State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness.

Maine State Government and the Office of the Attorney General is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.