Financial Specialist

State of Idaho Office of the State Board of Education Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date. STATE OF IDAHO EMPLOYEES: If you are a current or temporary State of Idaho employee you MUST apply through Luma Opportunities. Applying through the State of Idaho’s external career website will cause duplicate profiles and will slow the processing of your application for a new position.

About the Agency: The Idaho State Board of Education (Board) is established in the Idaho Constitution for the “general supervision of the state educational institutions and public school system.” State law charges the Board with the general supervision, governance and control of public schools and postsecondary institutions, including community colleges.

The Board is comprised of eight members: seven appointed by the Governor, as well as the statewide elected superintendent of public instruction. The Office of the State Board of Education (OSBE) is charged with providing professional staff support to the Board and implementing the Board’s policies, programs, and initiatives.

Summary: The Financial Specialist will use accounting theory and practice to ensure the agency applies Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards correctly and consistently. The position applies statutory requirements and agency policy to functions such as requisition requests, accounts payable (including an understanding of vendor 1099s), payroll, P-card, and travel transactions to ensure compliance.

This position requires efficiency and excellent attention to detail in conducting day-to-day functions. The incumbent must have a proficient understanding of the agency’s chart of accounts structure to ensure correct coding of financial transactions. The ideal candidate will have experience reviewing existing processes and making recommendations for process changes and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

This position performs professional-level accounting and fiscal duties in support of the OSBE Fiscal team. The position works independently and collaboratively to ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and operational effectiveness. Examples of Duties: Utilize the current state ERP system (Luma) to analyze, research, and maintain financial data, develop financial documents, and resolve problems, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and accounting principles established within the guidelines of GAAP and GASB.

Analyze technical financial problems and provide professional assistance and advice concerning their solutions. Develop and maintain necessary Fiscal Operating Policies and Procedures for the OSBE Fiscal team. Communicate effectively and collaboratively with team members and stakeholders. Review, code, and process invoices, daily deposits, P-cards, and travel transactions in the Luma ERP system for policy compliance, including reconciliation and research of discrepancies, and process financial adjustments and issue refunds, as needed.

Review, process, and submit biweekly payroll timesheet entries. Maintain strong internal controls and support audit documentation efforts. Provide financial guidance and support to staff and program areas. Establish a working relationship with the State Controller’s Office. Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Good knowledge of accounting principles and practices, typically gained by the successful completion of an associate’s degree in accounting, financial management, or another closely related field OR at least four (4) years of work experience in analyzing, researching, and maintaining financial data and developing financial documents and reports.

Experience using personal computers to develop, analyze, and report on financial data and documents. Typically gained by two (2) or more years of related work experience. Ability to research reporting and data integrity issues and solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

Proficiency in Excel. Typically gained by a minimum of three (3) years of practical application or education. Experience with government accounting systems and reporting tools (Luma/Infor or a similar ERP system). Typically gained by a minimum of one (1) year of practical application. Governmental accounting experience with budgets, reconciliations, financial reporting and analysis, adjustments, purchasing card, and travel reimbursements.

Typically gained by at least two (2) years of related full-time work experience. Well-developed interpersonal skills; ability to work with other people on sensitive/controversial issues; ability to communicate orally and in writing with a variety of constituents. Ability to work independently, multitask, and adapt to changing priorities and workload.

Application Procedure: Prepare a cover letter and resume and attach to your candidate profile. Recruitment Contact: Questions about the position or the application process can be directed to Casie Silvia, Human Resource Business Partner II, at (208) 854-3014 or [email protected] Special Notification: This position is exempt from the rules of classified service under the provisions of Section 67-5303, Idaho Code.

This position is educational administrative exempt from overtime. The successful applicant will be required to pass a background check.

Benefits

In addition to salary, the State of Idaho contributes an average of nearly 40% of an employee’s annual salary toward comprehensive benefits, creating a competitive total compensation package! This robust total compensation and benefits package includes, but is not limited to: Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date.

All contributions can be pre-tax 11 paid holidays Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time) Paid parental leave Life insurance for self, spouse, and children Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility Employee assistance program Tuition reduction benefits The State Board of Education requires participation in the Idaho Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) for benefited and non-classified staff who do not have previous credited service with PERSI.

The Idaho ORP is a defined contribution plan (401(a)) where both the employer and employee make contributions to the individual employee's account. Employees are immediately vested when enrolled in the ORP. The record keeper for the ORP is Fidelity Investments, and the ORP plan is administered by the State Board of Education.

The State Board of Education also provides supplemental deferred compensation (457(b)) and 403(b) plans. More information can be found here : https://boardofed.idaho.gov/data-research/finance-administration/retirement-plans/ Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.

idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/ EEO/ADA/Veteran: The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.

idaho.gov . (If you have a contact for applicant accommodations at your agency, please replace the contact information). Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.