Financial Specialist, Principal

Idaho Department of Education

This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

Please note: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department's employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/.

This position supports the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER) for Federal programs. The primary purpose of this role is to maintain the financial operations of the Federal Programs Department to ensure the most efficient and transparent use of funding. This includes monitoring of Federal programs' grants at the State level and monitoring of sub-recipients to ensure fiscal compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This position provides financial support to the Federal Programs Director and Coordinators on the allowable and effective use of funding. This position serves as the primary contact for internal and external fiscal audits for the Federal Programs Division.

In addition, the Financial Specialist, Principal provides outreach including technical assistance, support and training to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in the areas of grant administration, compliance issues, data collection and use of Consolidated Federal and State Grant Application.

This is a full-time position serving under an appointment of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Budget and cash management of multiple years' funds for all ESSA Federal programs and for State administration following Federal and State guidelines, regulations, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Create long term cash flow projections for multi-year programs.
• Budget control and analysis; track timely obligation, liquidation and carryover of Federal funds. Submit and approve journal entries to correct transactions or close a grant.
• Consult with Program Coordinators regarding program budgets, expenditures, and use of funds.
• Provide the Federal Program Director with regular program budget and expenditure reports.
• Use of Idaho Code, ESEA and ESSER rules, Federal Register (C.F.R Part 200), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requirements, such as Uniform Grant Guidance (UGG) and Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and other program regulations to track changes in requirements.
• Compile financial reports and monitor the Federal Programs' Department expenditures and appropriate use of funds and resolve any financial issues.
• Review of contracts and sub-award agreements to ensure appropriate funding, allowable use of funds and other procurements requirements.
• Provide guidance to fiscal reviewers for Federal Programs monitoring, which may include review of fiscal documentation, grant reimbursement reports, and LEA technical assistance on monitoring fiscal findings.
• Analyze and resolve financial problems, consult with program coordinators and draw informed conclusions.
• Develop and implement fiscal policies and procedures and update fiscal documents and manuals, as needed.
• Calculate, allocate and track federal funds awarded to eligible LEAs.
• Upload and monitor funds in the Grant Reimbursement Application (GRA).
• Provide support to grantees and sub-grantees on allowable grant expenditures and general grant administration.
• Provide training and workshops for LEAs related to Federal funding and fiscal compliance.
• Work closely with the internal IT developers and Federal Programs team regarding Federal Programs application tools.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent knowledge of accounting principles and practices typically gained by the successful completion of a bachelor's degree in accounting, financial management, or another closely related field OR At least six (6) years of work experience in analyzing, researching, and maintaining financial data and developing financial documents and reports; monitoring/reviewing internal financial controls; resolving technical accounting, auditing, or budgeting problems; preparing financial documents for management review; analyzing financial activities and recommending or implementing management actions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters Degree in Business Administration or Public Administration
• Some knowledge of ESSA federal grants.
• Some experience with state government accounting and reporting systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (with or without reasonable accommodation)

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical and job-related tasks:

• Operate standard office equipment such as a computer, telephone, copier, and scanner.
• Perform general administrative duties including typing, filing, answering phones, processing paperwork, and assembling office materials.
• Read, review, and process both printed and digital documents.
• Navigate websites and online systems; identify and respond to safety concerns; greet and assist visitors.
• Maintain focus and attention to detail for extended periods.
• Understand, communicate, and follow through on program support tasks and responsibilities.
• Approximately 90% of time is spent sitting at a desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time.
• Approximately 10% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, or kneeling.
• Occasionally lift items, typically weighing under 5 lbs., and occasionally up to 20 lbs.

TRAVEL REQUIRED:

This position may require limited travel for meetings throughout the state.

BENEFITS:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency.

Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.

TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized cover letter, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Please upload your resume, cover letter, reference list, and any additional supporting documents in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

Your cover letter should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a cover letter, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your cover letter. A resume does not substitute for a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be accepted.

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.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.