Financial Specialist

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/.

The Financial Specialist will report to the Director of School Finance and will assist the Public Schools Finance staff with data collection and processing, as well as the calculation and preparation of payments to public school districts and charter schools.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Assume and/or participate in various financial and accounting tasks to include, but not limited to:

· Oversees the collection, processing and analysis of each school district’s and charter school’s annual budget to ensure compliance with state statutes and regulations.

· Collects, processes, and analyzes data on school district tax levies, ensuring accuracy and compliance with State Tax Commission levy rate data and prepares the annual Market Values and Tax Levy report.

· Assists in the collection, analysis and interpretation of financial data from Idaho’s public schools.

· Assists in the collection, analysis and interpretation of attendance, staffing, financial, and other data to administer the distribution of funds to public school districts and charter schools in compliance with statutory requirements.

· Assists in the collection, analysis and reporting of data and statistics required to ensure compliance with state and federal statutes.

· Assists in the collection and review of emergency school closure reports.

· Prepares and/or reviews various reports based on the data mentioned above. 

· Assists in the processing of payments to Idaho’s public school districts and charter schools.

· Provides training for the Program Information Coordinator positions.

· Assists Financial Specialist, Senior positions with their responsibilities as needed.

· Perform multiple tasks simultaneously, including handling interruptions, and return to and complete tasks in a timely manner.

· Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under stress and the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.

· Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

· Maintain office, school, and individual confidentiality.

· Works independently as well as in a team effort.

· Other related tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Good knowledge of accounting principles and practices typically gained from college course work or certification and/or at least one year work experience.

· Proficient computer skills to analyze, research, and maintain financial data and develop financial documents and reports.

· Experience in creating and using spreadsheet applications with MS Excel software.

DESIRED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or general business.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (with or without reasonable accommodation) 

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical and job-related tasks:

· Operate standard office equipment such as a computer, telephone, copier, and scanner.

· Perform general administrative duties including typing, filing, answering phones, processing paperwork, and assembling office materials.

· Read, review, and process both printed and digital documents.

· Navigate websites and online systems; identify and respond to safety concerns; greet and assist visitors.

· Maintain focus and attention to detail for extended periods.

· Understand, communicate, and follow through on program support tasks and responsibilities.

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

· Approximately 10% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, or kneeling.

· Occasionally lift items, typically weighing under 5 lbs., and occasionally up to 20 lbs.

TRAVEL REQUIRED: 

This position may require limited travel throughout the state for training and monitoring.

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.