Accountant I, Ramsey County, Finance Division

Minnesota Judicial Branch is a public sector organization committed to quality public service and diversity. They are seeking an Accountant I for Ramsey County's Finance Division to manage accounting tasks including contract management, procurement, and maintaining court fiscal and financial records. This role involves coordinating accounting activities, monitoring expenditures, ensuring compliance with policies, and assisting with audits and fiscal problem resolution.

What you'll do:

• Coordinate activities of a specialized accounting unit to maintain proper control and uniformity. Execute month-end and year-end reconciliation processes; review and verify payroll postings for accuracy and proper account allocation; reconcile department records with statewide accounting reports; analyze and monitor changes in operational trends to optimize current spending; and maintain a set of control accounts to verify accuracy of transaction records
• Monitor expenditures and receipts against established spending plans to ensure fiscal compliance; generate and analyze financial data to identify variances, discuss discrepancies with the supervisor, and assist with necessary allocation adjustments
• Monitor departmental and/or activity cash flow to ensure adequate operating balances by identifying excesses or deficiencies of funds; analyze disbursement patterns to manage current liquidity; review and process special expenses for policy compliance; and recommend and implement accounting procedures to maintain proper balances
• Ensure purchases conform to federal, state, and departmental requirements and are properly reflected in the accounting system by analyzing and interpreting applicable laws and department policies. Develop, recommend, and implement internal procurement procedures; review expenditures for accuracy and timeliness; and advise program and activity managers of concerns and/or policy deviations
• Review and analyze court contracts to maintain full financial compliance and alignment with budgetary constraints. Track contract milestones and payment schedules to facilitate timely processing. Manage the amendment process by drafting and reviewing changes to scope, compensation, or duration, verifying that all modifications remain within authorized fiscal limits
• Assist management and/or higher-level accounting personnel to resolve a variety of complex fiscal problems or questions by answering inquiries relating to fiscal policies and procedures; gathering information for special reports; analyzing and interpreting financial data; and recommending alternative operational solutions
• Compile and interpret fiscal data to assist in federal, legislative, and/or internal audits by serving as a liaison for auditors, responding to informational inquiries, and developing worksheets and supporting financial schedules

What they're looking for:

• Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting or related field and some experience in accounting or finance
• Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, abilities, and skills listed below will be considered
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices sufficient to apply them to specialized accounting activities
• Knowledge of budget terminology and principles sufficient to assist in preparing a department, division, or agency budget
• Knowledge of statewide accounting (or comparable) system sufficient to compile, analyze, and interpret fiscal information for use by management
• Knowledge of auditing principles and procedures sufficient to provide information to assist in the audit of a division or agency
• Ability to analyze and interpret federal and/or state laws and department policies
• Ability to interpret and analyze fiscal reports and records
• Ability to develop and implement new procedures to resolve problems
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with management, other staff, and auditors
• Public sector experience is preferred

Benefits:

• Hybrid work arrangement (Remote or Hybrid Eligible: Yes - Hybrid)
• Health and wellness benefits
• Enhanced fertility benefits
• Short- and long-term disability
• Pension
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• May also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (qualified individuals may have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service)