FINANCIAL SPECIALIST PRINCIPAL, FUNDING & ACCOUNTABILITY

Description

Idaho Department of Education

This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

Please note: Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department’s employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/.

This position supports the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER) for Federal programs. The primary purpose of this role is to maintain the financial operations of the Federal Programs Department to ensure the most efficient and transparent use of funding. This includes monitoring of Federal programs’ grants at the State level and monitoring of sub-recipients to ensure fiscal compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This position provides financial support to the Federal Programs Director and Coordinators on the allowable and effective use of funding. This position serves as the primary contact for internal and external fiscal audits for the Federal Programs Division.

In addition, the Financial Specialist, Principal provides outreach including technical assistance, support and training to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in the areas of grant administration, compliance issues, data collection and use of Consolidated Federal and State Grant Application.

This is a full-time position serving under an appointment of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

· Budget and cash management of multiple years’ funds for all ESSA Federal programs and for State administration following Federal and State guidelines, regulations, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

· Create long-term cash flow projections for multi-year programs.

· Budget control and analysis; track timely obligation, liquidation, and carryover of Federal funds. Submit and approve journal entries to correct transactions or close a grant.

· Consult with Program Coordinators regarding program budgets, expenditures, and use of funds.

· Provide the Federal Program Director with regular program budget and expenditure reports.

· Use of Idaho Code, ESEA and ESSER rules, Federal Register (C.F.R Part 200), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requirements, such as Uniform Grant Guidance (UGG) and Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and other program regulations to track changes in requirements.

· Compile financial reports and monitor the Federal Programs’ Department expenditures and appropriate use of funds and resolve any financial issues.

· Review of contracts and sub-award agreements to ensure appropriate funding, allowable use of funds and other procurements requirements.

· Provide guidance for fiscal reviewers for Federal Programs monitoring, which may include review of fiscal documentation and grant reimbursement reports.

· Analyze and resolve financial problems, consult with program coordinators, and draw informed conclusions.

· Develop and implement fiscal policies and procedures and update fiscal documents and manuals, as needed.

· Calculate, allocate and track federal funds awarded to eligible LEAs.

· Review and approve the fiscal components of Title I-A and Title IV-A portions of the Consolidated Federal and State Grant Applications (CFSGA).

· Upload and monitor funds in the Grant Reimbursement Application (GRA).

· Provide support to grantees and sub-grantees on allowable grant expenditures and general grant administration.

· Provide training and workshops for LEAs related to Federal funding and fiscal compliance.

· Work closely with the internal IT developers and Federal Programs team regarding Federal Programs application tools.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

· Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or similar with corresponding experience.

· Intermediate EXCEL Skills

· Experience interpreting and applying State and Federal law and regulations.

· Ability to communicate accurately through writing, speaking, and public presentation.

· Ability to manage budgets and track expenditures in accordance with federal or state requirements.

· Ability and interpersonal skills to work effectively as a team member and to establish professional working relationships.

· Ability to prioritize and organize multiple activities to reach established goals.

· Ability to travel periodically to provide technical assistance and training throughout the state.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· MBA or MPA

· Knowledge of ESSA Federal grants.

· Experience managing or knowledge of State of Idaho and internal SDE applications, e.g. P-Cards, IBIS, GRA, CFSGA, ISEE, IDCI, etc.

· Experience in a K-12 District or Charter School.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (with or without accommodation) 

· Dexterity to operate office tools and equipment;

· Ability to perform standard office administrative functions, including but not limited to: typing, filing, answering phones, processing documents, collating and preparing office materials as needed;

· Good vision to review hard copy and electronic documents; operate standard office equipment, including, but not limited to: computer, copier/scanner, multi-line phone system; navigate website resources; greet and direct patrons; identify safety concerns;

· Ability to concentrate for extended periods of time;

· Mental acuity to comprehend, communicate, monitor and ensure adequate program support;

· Approximately 90% of time is spent sitting at desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time;

· Approximately 10% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, and kneeling;

· Occasional lifting may be required, frequently less than 5 lb., but may be up to 20 lb.

TRAVEL REQUIRED: 

Approximately 25% of work hours involve travel within the state.

BENEFITS:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE: 

Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency. 

Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.

TO APPLY: 

To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized letter of interest, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Attach the resume to your online application. Insert your letter of interest and references into the space provided in the questions section of the application. 

Your letter of interest should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a letter of interest, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your letter of interest. A resume does not substitute for a letter of interest. Applications that do not include a letter of interest will not be accepted. 

EEO/ADA/VETERAN:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.