Senior Accounting & Chart of Account Specialist

Initial Posting Date: 12/31/2025

Final date to receive applications: 01/07/2026

Agency: Oregon Department of Education

Salary Range: $4,881 - $16,840

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Senior Accounting & Chart of Account Specialist

The senior Accounting & Chart Of Account Specialist joins the Office of Finance and Information Technology within the Oregon Department of Education. This is a limited‑duration position, contingent upon funding approval, with a possible end date of 06/30/2027 or earlier if permanent funding is approved. The position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

This role follows a hybrid work model. On‑site presence is required for collaboration, training, or when onsite resources are needed. Remote employees must maintain a reliable, secure internet connection and a professional work environment. Remote performance, responsiveness, communication, and availability are held to the same standards as in‑office work.

ODE’s mission is to foster equity and excellence for all learners through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. ODE’s vision is to provide every student with a world‑class, well‑rounded, and equitable education system. All employees support diversity and affirmative action goals, creating an inclusive work environment and positioning ODE as a strong “Employer of Choice.” The Office of Finance and Information Technology (OFIT) delivers fiscal, administrative, and technology services, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations while supporting agency and partner needs.

This senior specialist is the agency’s subject‑matter expert on governmental accounting, GAAP, GASB, budgetary accounting, grant accounting, and program accounting for Oregon K‑12 school districts and ESDs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining, updating, and governing Oregon’s statewide Program Budgeting & Accounting Manual (PBAM) Chart of Accounts to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with statutes, GASB standards, Uniform Grant Guidance, and statewide policies.
• Leading ODE’s Technical Assistance Program, providing authoritative guidance to districts, ESDs, charter schools, auditors, and internal programs.
• Designing and delivering training on governmental accounting, chart of accounts structure, fiscal transparency reporting, and related requirements.
• Supporting policy development and rule making related to financial reporting and transparency.
• Representing ODE in discussions with auditors, district leadership, the Oregon Accountability and School Budget Office (OASBO), ESDs, and external partners.

Travel is minimal—primarily conferences and training events. Typical duties include governance of the PBAM chart, review for GAAP and GASB alignment, leading the technical assistance program, and providing interpretive guidance on fund accounting, grant tracking, and program classification.

Must meet at least one of the following:

• Certified Public Accountant or Certified Government Financial Manager certificate
  * and* three years of accounting experience equivalent to Accountant 2 work, including system design, modification, consulting with program managers, and ensuring fiscal accountability.
• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field (32 quarter or 21 semester credits)
  * and* three years of related experience as above.
• 32 quarter (21 semester) credit hours in Accounting
  * and* five years of related experience involving complex financial data classification, analysis, reconciliation, system modifications, audited statements, and interpretation of laws and regulations.

Graduate‑level accounting credits (15 quarter or 10 semester) may substitute for one year of experience. Minimum qualifications are mandatory for consideration.

• Demonstrated commitment to system change that removes barriers for historically underserved students.
• Knowledge of federal and state grant administration, hiring/onboarding processes, Oregon Administrative Rule development, and budget operations.
• Excellent problem‑solving, critical thinking, oral and written communications,…