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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Dauphin County or Harrisburg

Accountant 1 (Investment Control Division)

Hybrid$53,008 - $80,646/yrPosted 2 weeks agoOther

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Job details

Location
Dauphin County or Harrisburg
Work type
Hybrid
Compensation
$53,008 - $80,646/yr
Clearance
Other
Posted
2 weeks ago
Apply on
governmentjobs.com

About this role

About the Department


Are you a self-motivated accountant who is organized, takes pride in your work, and can manage deadlines and multiple priorities?  Are you proficient in Microsoft Excel, and do you appreciate collaborating and making meaningful contributions to your team?  If so, then you have come to the right place!  The Office of Financial Management of the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) invites you to apply today to join our investment operations team.

Position Duties

The individual in this position performs a key role in the operational functions within the Investment Control Division (ICD) of the Office of Financial Management (OFM) at SERS. The position is a member of a small team that works to fulfill both the SERS Investment Committee and Board's directives and initiatives in managing the Defined Benefit Plan investment portfolio. The position assists with the processing of all routine investment (including STIF Cash) transactions and assists with processing non-routine investment transactions. This work includes, but is not limited to, opening accounts, processing investment activity with the custodian, capital calls, distributions, etc.

Key responsibilities as an Accountant 1 include:

  • Capital Calls: Review capital call notices, check supporting documents, and enter payment details into required systems
  • Daily Tracking: Maintain the Daily Cash Flow Tracker to record capital calls, distributions, fee payments, and transaction details
  • Invoice Review: Check investment-related invoices and confirm public market management fee invoices
  • Distribution Monitoring: Track pending cash and stock distributions until funds or shares are received at the custodian
  • Ledger Work: Prepare journal entries and complete general ledger reconciliations each month
  • Record Maintenance: Update key tracking tools and document assigned processes to keep information accurate and current

Interested in learning more? Additional details can be found in the position description.
 
About SERS: Established in 1923, SERS is one of the nation's oldest retirement plans for public employees and manages the pension benefits of more than 246,000 employees and retirees for 96 public sector employers. In 2025, SERS paid more than $4.0 billion in benefits and managed nearly $50 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.SERS.pa.gov.
 
Our mission is to prepare our members and participants to achieve financial security in retirement. We achieve this through focusing on our mission, acting ethically and with integrity, empowering our members, embracing innovation, fostering life work balance, modeling an inclusive and respectful workplace, valuing and developing team members, collaborating, and finding joy in our work. 
 
SERS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified individuals to our team.  We are committed to an inclusive and respectful work environment that fosters personal and professional growth, embraces the contributions of all team members, and leverages diversity in people, ideas, and experiences to achieve our highest potential.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week, Monday through Friday. 
  • A work schedule beginning and ending between 8:00 a.m.  - 5:00 p.m., inclusive, with a half-hour or one-hour unpaid meal period will be considered, dependent on operational requirements.  The requested work schedule may not end prior to 4:00 p.m.
  • Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time with occasional onsite visits as needed. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you must work on-site at the work location specified in this job posting. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. 
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

  • Successful completion of the Commonwealth's Accounting Intern Program; or
  • One year as a Fiscal Technician (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration), and fifteen college credits in accounting; or
  • One year as a Financial Programs Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
  • Five years of Bookkeeping experience and fifteen college credits in accounting; or
  • A Bachelor's Degree including or supplemented by fifteen credits in accounting.
  • Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.


Other Requirements:

  • You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. 
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.


Legal Requirements: 

  • You must pass a background investigation.


How to Apply:

  • Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 
  • All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.


Veterans:

  • Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.


Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

  • 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).


If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.


The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Other Qualifications

  • Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
  • Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
  • Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
  • You must provide complete and accurate information or:
    • your score may be lower than deserved.
    • you may be disqualified.
  • You may only apply/test once for this posting.
  • Your results will be provided via email.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!


See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*


Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Supplemental Questions

01
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Fiscal Technician for one or more years full-time?
  • Yes
  • No
02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03
Have you successfully completed the Commonwealth's Accounting Intern Program?
  • Yes
  • No
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Financial Programs Trainee for one or more years full-time?
  • Yes
  • No
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
Have you successfully completed, or are you within three months of completing a bachelor's degree? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer “Yes” to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
  • Yes
  • No
08
If you are within three months of completing a bachelor's degree, on what date do you expect to graduate? If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box.
09
Have you completed 15 or more college level credits in accounting? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer “Yes” to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
  • Yes
  • No
10
Do you possess five or more years of full-time bookkeeping experience?
  • Yes
  • No
11
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
12
Are you currently licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
  • Yes
  • No
13
If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide your CPA license number in the box below. If you answered no, please type N/A in the box below.
14
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.
  • Yes
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 1- TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Communicates verbally and in writing with customers, business organizations, and citizens to explain applicable laws, regulations, business practices, policies, and procedures. Utilizes customer service skills when dealing with adversarial situations.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience interacting with individuals and utilizing customer service skills to understand concerns and explain relevant information regarding applicable laws, regulations, business practices, policies, or procedures.
  • B. I have experience interacting with individuals and utilizing customer service skills to understand concerns and explain relevant information related to areas other than applicable laws, regulations, business practices, policies, or procedures.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to counseling, psychology, sociology, public relations, education, or employment law.
  • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
16
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. Your experience explaining relevant information regarding applicable laws, regulations, business practices, policies, or procedures.
  3. Your experience explaining relevant information related to subjects OTHER THAN applicable laws, regulations, business practices, policies, or procedures.
17
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
18
WORK BEHAVIOR 2- ACCOUNTING TRANSACTIONS

Applies relevant accounting principles and practices for a variety of transactions, such as reporting, recalculation, and reconciliation of funds. Monitors, reconciles, and corrects funds as well as processes transactions.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience applying relevant accounting theories and practices to complete various accounting transactions. I monitored, reconciled, and corrected funds. I was responsible for evaluating and validating the posting of accounting entries to general ledger accounts.
  • B. I have experience applying relevant accounting theories and practices to complete various accounting transactions. I monitored, reconciled, and corrected funds; however, someone else was responsible for evaluating and validating the posting of accounting entries to general ledger accounts.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to accounting or forensic accounting.
  • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
19
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. Your experience monitoring, reconciling, and correcting funds.
  3. Your experience evaluating and validating the posting of accounting entries to general ledger accounts. .
20
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
21
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - DATA SOFTWARE UTILIZATION

Utilizes data analysis software, such as Microsoft Excel, to enter data and prepare worksheets. Analyzes data/financial statements to ensure transactions are properly recorded and inconsistencies and missing information are detected. Independently computes figures to confirm data provided by external entities.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience utilizing data analysis software to enter data and prepare worksheets. I was responsible for analyzing data/financial statements in order to properly record transactions and/or detect inconsistencies and missing information.
  • B. I have experience utilizing data analysis software to enter data and prepare worksheets. Someone else was responsible for analyzing data/financial statements in order to properly record transactions and/or detect inconsistencies and missing information.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data analysis or spreadsheet applications.
  • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
22
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. Your experience utilizing data analysis software to enter data and prepare worksheets.
  3. Your experience analyzing data/financial statements in order to properly record transactions and/or detect inconsistencies and missing information.
23
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
24
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - ANALYZING INFORMATION

Reviews and analyzes financial documents including payment records, revenue transactions, or reports to assist in the determination of their accuracy or impact. Communicates findings in order to make adjustments or corrections.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience analyzing reported data. My analysis included a verification for accuracy of content.
  • B. I have experience analyzing reported data. Someone else was responsible for the verification and accuracy of content.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data analysis, statistics, or logic.
  • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
25
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. Your experience analyzing reported data.
  3. Your experience verifying data content for accuracy.
26
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
27
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - REVIEWING AND MAINTAINING PROCESS PROCEDURES

Provides a uniform and auditable system of accounting and financial controls to ensure accountability of funds. Monitors agency compliance with established accounting standards. Identifies areas of risk related to the accuracy and completeness of revenue channels, banking, and reporting. Conducts researched assessment of process procedures and makes recommendations for revisions.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience monitoring compliance with established accounting standards to ensure accountability of funds. I was responsible for developing and implementing procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.
  • B. I have experience monitoring compliance with established accounting standards to ensure accountability of funds. I was responsible for implementing procedures that someone else developed in order to eliminate unacceptable risk.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business management or business law.
  • D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
28
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. Your experience monitoring compliance with established accounting standards.
  3. Your experience developing procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.
  4. Your experience implementing procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.
29
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
30
WORK BEHAVIOR 6 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

Prepares reports that include data such as status of funds, appropriations, budgets, and expenditures. Designs, produces, and modifies worksheets to be used for accounting purposes. Prepares correspondence to communicate issues with various customers and business partners.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience preparing reports that included data such as status of funds, appropriations, budgets, or expenditures. I was responsible for the final report that conveyed findings.
  • B. I have experience designing, producing, or modifying existing worksheets to be used for accounting purposes.
  • C. I have experience preparing documents or written materials not listed in the above levels.
  • D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, or financial reports.
  • E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
31
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. Your experience preparing reports that included data such as status of funds, appropriations, budgets, or expenditures.
  3. Your experience designing, producing, or modifying existing worksheets to be used for accounting purposes.
  4. Your experience preparing documents or written materials not related to financial reports or worksheets.
32
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov
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About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Dauphin County or Harrisburg
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