Job Details
Accountant 1
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Accountant 1
Salary
$49,839.00 - $75,795.00 Annually
Location
Dauphin County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2024-84555-03020
Department
State Employees' Retirement System
Division
SR Invmt Cont Div
Opening Date
05/21/2024
Closing Date
6/4/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
03020
Position Number
00080073
Union
Non-Union
Bargaining Unit
A3
Pay Group
ST06
Bureau / Division Code
00704040
Bureau / Division
Investment Control Division
Worksite Address
30 North 3rd Street, 4th Floor
City
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17101
Contact Name
Phil Belic
Contact Phone
717.###.####
Contact Email
...@pa.gov
+ Description
+ Benefits
+ Questions
THE POSITION
Do you have accounting experience or training? Do you also have a keen eye for detail, possess superior organizational and multi-tasking skills, and enjoy data analysis and problem-solving? If you answered "yes," we encourage you to apply for this Accountant 1 opportunity with the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS)! SERS requires team members who are passionate about our mission to help members and participants achieve financial security in retirement. We invite you to apply for this opportunity to maximize your skills and experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that impacts our members' lives each day.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This Accountant 1 position performs investment operations and accounting functions on the Investment Operations team within the Investment Control Division (ICD). If selected, you will be responsible for tracking, monitoring, and classifying all cash movement for Private and Public Market investments on a daily basis. This includes analyzing reports, researching unique transactions, and communicating with internal and external parties to resolve discrepancies or issues. You also will be responsible for preparing a number of investment-related journal entries and reconciliations relating to cash flows, stock distributions, investment income, and investment expenses on a monthly basis. This position also prepares the instructions related to wire payments and performs other ad hoc projects.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. (
About SERS: Established in 1923, SERS is one of the nation's oldest retirement plans for public employees and manages the pension benefits of nearly 240,000 employees and retirees for 101 public sector employers. In 2022, SERS paid about $3.9 billion in benefits and managed $33.7 billion in assets. A wealth of information is available at www.SERS.pa.gov .
Our mission is to prepare our members and participants to achieve financial security in retirement. We achieve this through focusing on our mission, acting ethically and with integrity, empowering our members, embracing innovation, fostering life work balance, modeling an inclusive and respectful workplace, valuing and developing team members, collaborating, and finding joy in our work.
SERS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified individuals to our team. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful work environment that fosters personal and professional growth, embraces the contributions of all team members, and values diversity in people, ideas, and experiences to achieve our highest potential.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
+ Full-time employment
+ A work schedule beginning and ending between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., inclusive, with a half-hour or one-hour unpaid meal period will be considered, dependent on operational requirements. The requested work schedule may not end prior to 4:00 p.m.
+ Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time, with occasional onsite visits as needed. In order to telework, 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 work on-site.
+ Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
+ 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:
+ Successful completion of the Commonwealth's Accounting Intern Program;or
+ One year as a Financial Programs Trainee;or
+ One year as a Fiscal Technician, and fifteen college credits in accounting;or
+ Five years of Bookkeeping experience and fifteen college credits in accounting;or
+ A Bachelor's Degree including or supplemented by fifteen credits in accounting.
+ Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
Other Requirements:
+ You must meet the PA residency requirement ( Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link ( Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
+ You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
+ Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe 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).
+ If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
+ 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 may 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 www.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ...@pa.gov .
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/testoncefor this posting.
+ Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo ( !
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 visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Fiscal Technician for one 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 successfully completed the Commonwealth's Accounting Intern Program?
+ 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 been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Financial Programs Trainee for one or more years full-time?
+ Yes
+ No
06
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.
07
Have you completed or are you within three months of completing a bachelor's degree? 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. 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 a 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 Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.
+ Yes
+ No
08
If you do not have a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.
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 a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was 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 Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.
09
Have you completed 15 or more college level credits in 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. 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 a 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 Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.
+ Yes
+ No
10
Do you possess five or more years of full-time bookkeeping experience?
+ Yes
+ No
11
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.
12
Are you currently licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
+ Yes
+ No
13
If you answered yes to the above question, please provide your CPA license number. If you answered no to the above question, type N/A in the text box below.
14
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. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe 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 question 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 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 ourFAQ page ( Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
+ Yes
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - ACCOUNTING TRANSACTIONS
Applies relevant accounting principles and practices for a variety of transactions, such as reporting, recalculation, and reconciliation of funds. Monitors, reconciles, and corrects funds as well as processes transactions.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience applying relevant accounting theories and practices to complete various accounting transactions. I monitored, reconciled, and corrected funds. I was responsible for evaluating and validating the posting of accounting entries to general ledger accounts.
+ B. I have experience applying relevant accounting theories and practices to complete various accounting transactions. I monitored, reconciled, and corrected funds; however, someone else was responsible for evaluating and validating the posting of accounting entries to general ledger accounts.
+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to accounting or forensic accounting.
+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
16
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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ Your experience monitoring, reconciling, and correcting funds.
+ Your experience evaluating and validating the posting of accounting entries to general ledger accounts.
+ Your level of responsibility.
17
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three 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
18
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - ANALYSIS OF DATA
Utilizes data analysis software, such as Microsoft Excel, to enter data and prepare worksheets. Analyzes data/financial statements to ensure transactions are properly recorded and inconsistencies and missing information are detected. Independently computes figures to confirm data provided by external entities.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience utilizing data analysis software to enter data and prepare worksheets. I was responsible for analyzing data/financial statements in order to properly record transactions and/or detect inconsistencies and missing information.
+ B. I have experience utilizing data analysis software to enter data and prepare worksheets. Someone else was responsible for analyzing data/financial statements in order to properly record transactions and/or detect 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.
19
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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ Your experience utilizing data analysis software to enter data and prepare worksheets.
+ Your experience analyzing data/financial statements in order to properly record transactions and/or detect inconsistencies and missing information.
+ Your level of responsibility.
20
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three 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
21
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Prepares written materials such as cash flow logs and accounting worksheets. Authors technical and analytical reports that convey findings of investments and accounting transactions, as well as resolution of discrepancies in investments and transactions.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience preparing in-depth, analytical reports that outlined the discrepancy, analysis, findings, and recommendations for correction.
+ B. I have experience preparing documents or reports that provide information and data without the need for analysis regarding discrepancies.
+ 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.
22
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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ Your experience preparing in-depth, analytical reports that outlined the discrepancy, analysis, findings, and recommendations for correction.
+ Your experience preparing documents or reports that provide information and data without the need to analysis regarding discrepancies.
+ Your level of responsibility.
23
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three 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
24
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Collaborates with investment managers, brokers, and the treasury department in order to resolve discrepancies during the verification of accounting and investment transactions. Utilizes appropriate customer service skills when dealing with adversarial situations.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience utilizing customer service skills in order to resolve discrepancies involving accounting or investment transactions. I was the escalation point for complex questions
+ B. I have experience utilizing customer service skills in order to answer general questions involving accounting or investment transactions.
+ 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.
25
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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ Your experience answering complex questions.
+ Your experience answering general questions.
+ Your level of responsibility.
26
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three 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
27
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - RESEARCH
Conducts research by gathering, analyzing and organizing information. Evaluates information gathered 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 gathering and reviewing various files and documents. 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 gathering and reviewing various files and documents. 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.
28
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(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ Your experience researching information.
+ Your level of responsibility.
29
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three 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