Staff Accountant, Accountant 1

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Opportunity awaits! The Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Financial Services are seeking an Accountant 1 to join our team. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce where everyone feels welcome and supported. In this role, you’ll apply standard accounting knowledge to ensure transactions align with agency and statewide accounting objectives. The position performs work of standard complexity, including reconciling accounts, preparing basic reports, interpreting accounting records, and supporting internal controls and financial reporting. You may also provide guidance to accounting technicians. This is a great opportunity for someone with foundational accounting knowledge who is ready to grow their career in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment. If this aligns with your skills and goals, consider joining us and supporting the Office of Financial Services. Summary of Duties As a Staff Accountant, you will: Accounting Functions Apply standard accounting practices to maintain procedures and controls for areas such as accounts payable/receivable, contracts, grants, reconciliations, and purchasing. Set up new ledgers and account codes. Review and analyze accounting transactions and enter appropriate adjustments. Reconcile accounts, correct errors, and recommend changes to prevent future issues. Interpret and follow applicable laws, rules, policies, and fiscal procedures. Reporting and Analysis Generate and reconcile accounting reports, including fund balance sheets, operating statements, and other required financial statements. Prepare expenditure, revenue, budget status, and management reports, and assist with statewide financial reporting and annual financial statements. Conduct routine analysis of fiscal data, including cash forecasts, revenue estimates, and expenditure projections. Monitor budget balances and bring concerns or recommended actions to management. Maintain and review financial information for assigned programs or funds and provide analysis and solutions within policy and funding limits. Communicate relevant accounting information clearly to staff and leadership. Consultation Work with agency staff to improve transaction processing, recording, and classification. Recommend improvements to accounting-related business practices. Participate in projects to enhance system efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with accounting policies. Minimum Qualifications Possession of a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Government Financial Manager certificate; OR A bachelor’s degree in accounting; OR Successful completion of the State of Oregon Accounting Career Mobility Program or equivalent accounting certificate program from an accredited college or university; OR 32 quarter (21 semester) credit hours in Accounting from an accredited institution AND two years of technical, para- professional accounting experience to include: a) classifying, analyzing, and reconciling financial data and records; b) designing, recommending, and installing modifications of accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records; c) preparing financial statements and reports; d) analyzing and interpreting laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances to ensure the legality of financial transactions; and e) analyzing, interpreting, and making recommendations related to accounting transactions, accounts and account relationships resulting in accounting entries. Essential Attributes We are looking for candidates with: Experience communicating clearly in both verbal and written formats Experience applying strong analytical and problem‑solving skills Experience using Microsoft Excel for data organization, analysis, and reporting Experience applying general accounting principles in day‑to‑day tasks Attention all candidates! We are seeking an Accountant 1, who has knowledge to ensure transactions align with agency and statewide accounting objectives. In your cover letter, please address both of the following: 1) Describe a time you worked with numerical data or financial information. What steps did you take to ensure your work was accurate and complete. 2) Explain how you meet the essential attributes for this position. Applications that do not include a cover letter addressing items 1 and 2 will not be considered. We strongly encourage you to include the required cover letter. Your cover letter, along with your detailed work and education history, will help us determine whether you move forward in the selection process. We look forward to learning more about you and your background! Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Requirements

Possession of a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Government Financial Manager certificate; OR
A bachelor’s degree in accounting; OR
Successful completion of the State of Oregon Accounting Career Mobility Program or equivalent accounting certificate program from an accredited college or university; OR
32 quarter (21 semester) credit hours in Accounting from an accredited institution AND two years of technical, para- professional accounting experience to include: a) classifying, analyzing, and reconciling financial data and records; b) designing, recommending, and installing modifications of accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records; c) preparing financial statements and reports; d) analyzing and interpreting laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances to ensure the legality of financial transactions; and e) analyzing, interpreting, and making recommendations related to accounting transactions, accounts and account relationships resulting in accounting entries.
Experience communicating clearly in both verbal and written formats
Experience applying strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
Experience using Microsoft Excel for data organization, analysis, and reporting
Experience applying general accounting principles in day‑to‑day tasks

Responsibilities

Apply standard accounting practices to maintain procedures and controls for areas such as accounts payable/receivable, contracts, grants, reconciliations, and purchasing.
Set up new ledgers and account codes.
Review and analyze accounting transactions and enter appropriate adjustments.
Reconcile accounts, correct errors, and recommend changes to prevent future issues.
Interpret and follow applicable laws, rules, policies, and fiscal procedures.
Generate and reconcile accounting reports, including fund balance sheets, operating statements, and other required financial statements.
Prepare expenditure, revenue, budget status, and management reports, and assist with statewide financial reporting and annual financial statements.
Conduct routine analysis of fiscal data, including cash forecasts, revenue estimates, and expenditure projections.
Monitor budget balances and bring concerns or recommended actions to management.
Maintain and review financial information for assigned programs or funds and provide analysis and solutions within policy and funding limits.
Communicate relevant accounting information clearly to staff and leadership.
Work with agency staff to improve transaction processing, recording, and classification.
Recommend improvements to accounting-related business practices.
Participate in projects to enhance system efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with accounting policies.