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 correctly and consistently. The position applies State and agency policy to functions such as requisitions requests, accounts payable - including understand of vendor 1099s, payroll, P-card and travel transactions to ensure the agency is compliant with State and agency policy.

This position requires efficiency and excellent attention to detail in conducting day-to-day functions. Incumbent will have to have a proficient understanding of the agency's chart of account structure to ensure correct coding of financial transactions. The agency is in the process of rebuilding all financial system procedures. 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.

Key responsibilities include:

• Processing and approving P-card and travel transactions.
• Processing and approving accounts payable transactions as needed.
• Preparing adjusting journal entries as required.
• Assisting staff with policy interpretation and training related to P-card, travel, requisition requests, and accounts payable.
• Preparing general ledger reconciliations and ad hoc financial reports.
• Reviewing financial processes and procedures and recommending improvements.
• Reviewing internal control procedures and recommending enhancements as business needs evolve.
• Preparing training documentation and reference materials.
• Reviewing and processing bi-weekly payroll time entry.
• Processing payroll-related maintenance in the State ERP system, including position transfers, compensation changes, employee onboarding, and separations.
• Preparing assigned monthly reconciliations.
• Assisting with month-end close processes.
• Completing special projects in support of the Fiscal Division.
• Cross-training other fiscal staff and functions to support continuity and succession planning.
• Adapting responsibilities as needed with implementation or updates of statewide financial systems, including the SCO Luma application.

This classification is distinguished by its operational fiscal responsibilities, technical expertise, and accountability for agency-wide fiscal accuracy and compliance.

Minimum Qualifications:

Good knowledge of:

• State accounting, payroll, purchasing, and travel processes
• Accounting principles and practices
• Office support functions including preparation of professional documents, ordering supplies

Typically gained by:

• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, payroll, or fiscal operations, preferably within state government, education or a public-sector environment.

Experience:

• Interpreting and applying financial policies, regulations, and statewide procedures.
• Using enterprise financial systems (e.g., Luma or similar ERP systems) for accounting, payroll, and purchasing.
• Coordinating and overseeing payments with competing deadlines.
• Providing training, technical assistance, or guidance to staff.

MQ Specialties:

Good knowledge of:

• Financial record keeping
• Legal terminology
• Organizational awareness
• Teamwork
• Investigative procedures

Some knowledge of:

• Financial record keeping
• State and local government organization structure

Experience:

• Public relations
• Composing official correspondence, reports, research papers and other complex documents
• Taking minutes
• Providing administrative support to an administrator, director, or senior staff member
• Using Microsoft Excel for complex data analysis
• Using Power Point
• Using Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
• Using Microsoft Word at the advanced level

Ability to:

• Type at the rate of 50 words per minute or 60 words per minute
• Operate Microsoft Word at the rate of 40 words per minute

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in fiscal operations in a government, education, or public sector setting.
• Knowledge of Idaho statewide financial systems (Luma), policies, and reporting requirements.
• Experience with payroll administration using Infor WFM/HCM or similar systems.
• Experience in expense reimbursement.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Good knowledge of internal control procedures.
• Experience building financial systems procedures.
• Work proficiently in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Experience preparing or reviewing journal entries.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with experience collaborating across departments and agencies.

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 casie.silvia@dhr.idaho.gov

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 professional 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.