Overview
From $86,681 to $109,650 Annually
110 State Street
Albany, NY 12236
Minimum Qualifications
You must be currently reachable on the appropriate eligible list for this title or eligible to transfer to this title under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.
For 70.1 transfer to an Associate Accountant (State Accounts & Systems), SG-23, you must have one year of permanent competitive, or 55-b/55-c service in an approved title for transfer allocated to an SG-21 or above.
To determine if your current Civil Service title is eligible for transfer to this title, visit the Career Mobility GOT-IT website: Career Mobility Office » GOT-IT (ny.gov)
Appointments via transfer must not result in a second, consecutive transfer with an advancement of more than two S-grades or one M-grade.
Duties
Supervision and Staff Development
- Work closely with the Supervising Accountant in carrying out the statutory activities and organizational priorities of the Section and Bureau.
- Convey assignment expectations, provide technical guidance and coaching to staff on Section activities and priorities.
- Provide a context for assignments within the Bureau framework as a whole to assist staff understanding of how work fits into the Bureau mission and goals.
- Perform Unit business process reviews for efficiency or improvement opportunities and encourage continuous innovation.
- Review and make recommendations to existing procedures, the Guide to Financial Operations, and OSC advisories based on identified business process improvement opportunities and review of accounting transactions under the responsibility of the Unit.
- Recommend updates to Section management on any key performance measures identified during Unit business process reviews.
- Identify and recommend needed resources (staff, equipment, and technology) to provide efficient management of Unit duties and initiatives, including assignment delegation and staff training.
- Make recommendations to the Supervising Accountant and Section management regarding ways to manage the Unit’s workload including routine tasks, new initiatives and special requests.
- Assist Section management with periodic security reviews to ensure security is assigned appropriately.
- Provide supervisory guidance and technical assistance to staff to ensure accurate and complete information is provided to internal and external customers.
- Foster an environment of continuous learning and support a positive work environment.
- Supervise professional accountants and support staff.
- Ensure adherence to Bureau work schedules and deadlines.
- Continually review Senior Accountant workload status, time and attendance policies, and special assignments.
- Conduct performance appraisals of Senior Accountants and communicate issues to the Supervising Accountant and Section management as necessary.
- Ensure adherence to a system of internal controls over agency-originated transactions, to comply with applicable laws and ensure proper and accurate financial and statistical reports are prepared.
- Perform internal control reviews and testing and make recommendations for compliance.
- Keep abreast of training courses and seminars available and make recommendations for staff training to Section management.
- Communicate Unit issues and status upwards to Section Management.
- Engage staff in periodic team meetings to confirm expectations, project status and share information.
- Perform a variety of special assignments as required and assigned by Section management, the Assistant Director or Director of the Bureau and assist in the implementation of the Bureau’s strategic and performance measurement, budget, business contingency and continuity, and disaster recovery plans.
Financial Plan Execution, Accounting Policy Execution, and Financial Compliance
- Provide direction, guidelines and advice to OSC and other Agency staff on the development and implementation of the State’s financial plan.
- Review, interpret, and communicate present and proposed legislation (including the Financial Plan and Annual Information Statement) which affect Bureau activities as well as the accounting/financial operations and financial activity of the State.
- Provide technical advice on financial practices and current and proposed legislation to Section and Bureau management.
- Assist in the design, development and implementation of new policies and procedures resulting from legislation changes and financial updates, and direct staff and agency training in implementing these changes.
- Ensure that financial information is accurately accounted for in the Statewide Financial System pursuant to New York State laws and financial regulations.
- Provide information as requested, including FOIL requests assigned to the Unit, and review information provided by Senior Accountants to ensure all questions are addressed appropriately.
- Participate as a technical liaison with other BSAO Units, OSC Bureaus, other agencies and SFS staff to ensure that accounting transactions are posted thoroughly and accurately in SFS and payments are released according to statutory requirements.
Accounting Transaction Review, Approval and Analysis
- Review and approve budget and/or accounting transactions for appropriateness and accuracy. Provide guidance to Senior Accountants as needed when questions arise.
- Monitor compliance with state budgetary and “enabling” legislation, Federal regulations, Accounting Advisories, Bureau policies and procedures and other statutory requirements.
- Review accounting reconciliations, reporting, and flux analysis, adhoc reporting, data analysis and projects assigned to Senior Accountants.
- Research accounting issues, identify non-compliance issues and formulate possible solutions to transaction discrepancies and business process inefficiencies.
- Review the preparation and ensure the accuracy of daily, monthly, annual and/or periodic reports required by State statutes and financial policies.
Accounting and Other Systems Integration
- Serve as a subject matter expert for SFS query, PS query and other data analytical tools, and provide training to Section staff on how to utilize these tools to promote personal and organizational efficiencies.
- Maintain and develop a knowledge of SFS transactions, ledgers and accounting control records.
- Provide feedback when requested regarding changes to the SFS, including the onboarding of new agencies, new functionality, reporting and queries to ensure accurate accounting for accounting transactions.
- Perform testing for new functionality and upgrades in SFS, reviewing and recommending test scenarios and coaching Senior Accountants through testing and test documentation.
- Where appropriate, provide feedback to Section and Bureau management for chart of accounts governance for the Statewide Financial System (SFS), including reviewing or submitting new fund requests and other changes to chartfield values such as projects, activities and analysis types.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
(1) Educational background including accounting courses. At least 24 hours are preferred
(2) Experience with Governmental/Fund Accounting
(3) Experience with accounting and financial systems, such as the Statewide Financial System, including analysis of data using SFS query, PS query and other analytical tools
(4) Ability to work with others in a team setting and demonstrates the ability to convey ideas and develop project activities
(5) Ability to multitask and establish and communicate priorities
(6) Ability to work within specific time frames and meet deadlines
(7) Positive attitude toward meeting goals
(8) Asks questions when appropriate, listens for instructions and independently proposes sound solutions to issues based on technical knowledge
(9) Eager to learn and contribute to the activities of the Bureau
(10) Understands the importance of attention to detail
Additional Comments
Telecommuting
The Office of the New York State Comptroller (OSC) supports telecommuting where it is reasonable to do so based upon the agency’s mission and operational needs. Generally, employees new to OSC will be restricted from telecommuting for at least 8 calendar weeks. After the initial 8 calendar week restriction, if an employee’s primary residence location, duties, and work performance are aligned with telecommuting and operational needs they may be allowed to do so. Generally, OSC employees may telecommute up to 5 days per pay period but may be approved to telecommute less.
Reasonable Accommodation
The NYS Office of the State Comptroller provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Division of Human Resources at (518) 474-1924.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The Office of the NYS Comptroller values a workforce with a broad, diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives. All employees are expected to contribute to a professional environment focused on self-evaluation and improvement, as well as acceptance and support of coworkers.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
OSC offers competitive salaries and benefits, and opportunities for advancement, continuing education, and professional development. We provide a professional environment where employees are encouraged to push themselves while maintaining work-life balance. Our generous benefits package includes:
- A state pension with vesting after five years’ service
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance available to all employees and their dependents
- Flexible spending accounts for dependent and health care
- Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP), allowing eligible employees to exchange previously accrued leave in return for a credit to be applied toward their health insurance
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- NYS Deferred Compensation plan
- Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
- Holiday and paid time off
- Shift and geographic pay differentials
- A committed continuous learning environment
- Informational Brown Bag sessions
- Wellness at Work Programs to promote employee health and wellness
- OSC Mentoring Program to network, contribute, and provide an opportunity to strengthen competencies in a variety of areas
- And much more
Jaylin Frese
P: (518) 474-1924
F: (518) 486-6723
[email protected]
Division Contact
Melissa Clayton
[email protected]
To Apply
Submit a clear, concise cover letter and resume stating how you meet the above minimum qualifications. Reference Item #02498-JCF on your cover letter for proper routing. Documents must be sent as unlocked and accessible attachments.