Contractual Agency Fiscal and Budget Officer

State of Maryland • Baltimore City, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland Office of Correctional Ombudsman (OCO) is an independent unit within the Maryland State Government established in July of 2024. The OCO provides independent oversight of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Department of Juvenile Services. The primary purpose of the agency is to provide public reports and recommendations concerning the needs and rights of incarcerated individuals, their families, and prison volunteers. The OCO will improve safety and other conditions within Maryland’s prisons. This is a Special Appointment position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. The position is located at 300 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Five years of administrative staff or professional work.
• Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
• Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) background.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs).
• Experience with ERP systems, and financial software like FMIS, Web Focus, or Portfol.
• Experience in budget preparation, cost allocation, financial reporting, and GAAP compliance.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, along with experience in supervising staff or handling complex reconciliations.

Responsibilities

• Perform all fiscal services for the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the State of Maryland.
• Prepare and manage the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman’s budget in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the State of Maryland.
• In collaboration with the Correctional Ombudsman or designee, performs all fiscal services for the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures prescribed and disseminated by the Department of Budget and Management.
• In collaboration with the Correctional Ombudsman or designee, prepare, develop, and implement the annual budget, including recommending additions, deletions, or changes to the Administration prior to submission of the budget to OBA and MGA.
• Analyze, process, and report on accounts receivable and payable, including maintaining the databases and reviewing, calculating, verifying, recording and reconciling all transactions.
• Reconciling agency timekeeping and payroll systems and developing automated spreadsheets, ledgers and reports or identifying trends and analysis of employee salaries, wages, overtime, shift differential and leave.
• Develop, implement and manage short and long-range plans for fiscal operations and resources, with the Correctional Ombudsman, their Deputies, and/or designee.
• Monitors expenditures, prepares periodic and special budget projections and recommends adjustments in budget appropriations to meet operational necessities subject to the approval of the Correctional Ombudsman and/or their designee.
• Establish agency wide fiscal policies and procedures and oversee their implementation, evaluating the effectiveness of those policies and procedures and implementing major revisions, with the approval of the Correctional Ombudsman, their Deputies, and/or designee.
• Prepares and analyzes periodic and special reports to keep management advised of the fiscal status of the agency.
• Conducts the annual fiscal year end closeout in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Provides information to auditors reviewing the Agency and develops and implements corrective action plans resulting from audit exceptions.
• When requested by the Ombudsman may represent the agency before federal, state and local officials, legislative committees and senior managers and executives of other agencies concerning program and fiscal activities.
• May oversee procurement, inventory and supply activities.
• Performs other related duties.

Benefits

• Subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents (75% paid by the State of Maryland).
• Option to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance (full premium paid by employee).
• Leave granted at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED