Research Assistant MSEA-B

Office of the Attorney General seeks a Senior Staff Accountant (Research Assistant) to work full-time (40 hours) in the Administrative Services Division at its Augusta office.

• Analyze and interpret complex fiscal information to account for revenues, expenditures, transfers, accounts payable, and accounts receivable in accordance with GAAP/GASB.
• Support process improvement for grant management, financial tracking, and reporting.
• Manage contract paperwork, tracking, and funding.
• Monitor multiple accounts regarding budgets and contracts to prepare cash forecasts, revenue estimates, and expenditure projections.
• Document and prepare various state and federal required financial reporting.
• Collaborate efficiently with internal and external staff to provide technical accounting advice and guidance.
• Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable – Advantage payment and approval, billing assistance, quarterly analysis and journals.
• Grant Management – financial queries, grant cash draws and reporting.
• Allotment Analysis – actual to budget analysis, financial order recommendations, and budget order recommendations.
• Petty Cash Management – disbursement, reconciliation, annual reporting.

The ideal candidate seeks a career in accounting and is organized, efficient, accurate, and flexible with strong interpersonal skills.

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Accounting (or any Bachelor’s Degree with 18 semester hours of Accounting coursework) and 2 years of professional accounting experience; or an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and 5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience (3 years at the professional level); or 8 years of progressively responsible accounting experience (4 years at the professional level).

Accounting coursework must include Principles of Accounting I & II, Intermediate Accounting I & II, and two other accounting related courses. Experience must demonstrate comprehension and application of GAAP and GASB guidelines and the ability to (1) analyze and reconcile financial data and records for business financial planning; (2) design, recommend, and implement modifications of accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records;

(3) prepare financial statements and reports such as balance sheets and other operating statements; (4) analyze and interpret laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances to ensure appropriateness of financial transactions and accounting structure; and (5) analyze complex accounts and accounting relationships that result in complex accounting entries.

Prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications in accounting that make you a strong candidate for the position and the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Include resume, three references, and complete the application as directed. The Office is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to mail service, faxing malfunctions or electronic transmission malfunctions.

• Work‑Life Balance – 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service. Overtime‑exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee‑only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee‑only premiums by 5%.
• Dental Insurance – 100% of employee‑only dental premiums.
• Retirement Plan – Contribution of 13.29% of pay to Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Up to $40 per month.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Pre‑tax funds for health care and daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program.
• Living Resources Program – Employee assistance program.
• Parental Leave – Six weeks of fully paid parental leave; unpaid leave may also be available under FMLA.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Additional pre‑tax funds through Maine Saves
  457(b) account.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Maine State Government and the Office of the Attorney General is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Finance Director, Summer Carter – email or call  for questions.