Accountant

State of Connecticut • Hartford, CT

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS), is seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented Accountant to support the fiscal management of a major federal grant focused on advancing rural health transformation in Connecticut. These positions play a critical role in ensuring grant funds are managed responsibly, expenditures align with approved budgets and program goals, and financial reporting and compliance requirements are met. The role offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with internal fiscal and program staff, as well as partner agencies, while contributing to high-impact initiatives that improve access to care and health outcomes for communities across the state. Candidates with experience in federal grant accounting, budget management, and financial compliance are strongly encouraged to apply. The Department of Social Services (DSS) delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency, serving about 1 million residents across all 169 Connecticut cities and towns. DSS supports the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities, through various services and programs.

Requirements

• Six (6) years of experience in accounting or auditing
• Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been at the paraprofessional level
• Knowledge of professional accounting principles and practices
• Knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting
• Knowledge of basic auditing principles and practices
• Interpersonal skills
• Oral communication and written skills
• Ability to prepare, analyze and evaluate financial statements and other accounting records and reports
• Ability to analyze and evaluate accounting methods and procedures
• Ability to utilize EDP systems for financial management
• Ability to read and interpret written materials

Nice To Haves

• Experience in federal grant accounting within a state government or public-sector environment, including responsibility for fiscal oversight and compliance
• Experience developing, monitoring, and reconciling grant budgets, spending plans, and budget allocations, ensuring alignment with approved funding and program requirements
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, functions, pivot tables, and data analysis tools used for budget tracking and financial reporting
• Experience reviewing, tracking, monitoring, and reconciling grant-funded expenditures for compliance with state and federal regulations, allowable cost principles, internal controls, and cost categories such as payroll, fringe benefits, and indirect costs
• Experience supporting grant-related audits and financial reviews, including maintaining fiscal documentation, responding to audit inquiries, and assisting with grant closeout activities

Responsibilities

• Records complex and compound journal entries
• Prepares balance sheets and financial statements involving multiple accounts
• Analyzes and interprets accounting records and reports
• Assists higher level staff in planning, design and implementation of accounting procedures or systems
• Reviews expenditures and prepares or reviews financial statements
• Assists in budget management by compiling and reviewing agency manager program budget proposals, preparing estimates and calculations of projected expenditures and quarterly allotments, and preparing monthly reports
• Monitors fiscal aspects of grant programs by preparing or reviewing financial reports, reviewing expenditures for compliance with grant contracts, providing technical assistance to grantees in maintaining accounting records
• Recommends accounting related improvements to business practices such as accounting controls and financial reviews
• Utilizes electronic data processing (EDP) systems for financial records, reports and analysis
• Assists in EDP experts in planning and implementation of financial aspects of EDP systems
• May supervise bookkeeping (e.g., maintenance, balancing and reconciling of accounts), accounts payable and/or receivable functions or other accounting related paraprofessional or clerical functions
• Performs related duties as required

Benefits

• Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage
• Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings
• Paid time off - including 13 paid holidays per calendar year
• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities
• A work culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance to all employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level