Financial Specialist, Senior, Child Nutrition Programs

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/.

The principal function of this position is to perform a variety of professional financial duties. This position reviews financial reports for Child Nutrition programs. It provides technical support for programs and organizational activities to convey information, determine compliance, and resolve controversial situations; acts as a resident expert in the implementation and maintenance of technical program guidelines; perform related work. This position functions as a liaison between the USDA, Idaho school districts, Idaho school food service directors, Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsors, Summer Food Service sponsors, and the Child Nutrition Division to answer questions and provide financial information.

Due to the nature of the work, the incumbent must be detail-oriented to process financial reports quickly and accurately and provide financial and data analysis. The position is differentiated from the Finance Specialist position by the level of responsibility exercised and higher level of financial and accounting skills required. Work is performed in coordination with the Director of Child Nutrition. This is a full-time position serving under an appointment of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Read and interpret Federal Regulations for each of the programs. These regulations encompass 7 CFR 210, 7 CFR 225, 7 CFR 226, 2 CFR 200, A133 Audit Guide, along with various IRS Regulations, DUNS and SAM. This position understands the differences contained within these regulations and can apply them to each program;
• Assist with answering regulatory questions specifically on the Administrative Resource Management reviews in the School Meals area and Child and Adult Care (CACFP) budget areas;
• Stay abreast of regulatory and reporting changes and monitor progress of sponsors submitting required financial documents;
• Provide customer support by answering regulatory questions, as needed;
• Design and review training materials for program use; participate in workshops regarding USDA programs;
• Compile reports as needed for submission to the USDA;
• Perform data entry and analysis of financial reports;
• Prepare and maintain a variety of logs, ledgers, and related financial documentation;
• Assist in the implementation of new programs, grants and directives;
• Provide technical assistance and support to employees and program participants;
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with SDE policies, procedures, and safety practices;
• Format any public documents for ADA accessibility per SDE policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as required.

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. Record keeping methods, techniques, and objectives;
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and comply with Department policies and procedures;
• Operate standard office equipment and a personal computer and job-related software applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and other required applications;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing;
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously, including handling interruptions, and return to and complete tasks in a timely manner;
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under stress and the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Maintain confidentiality.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration, or similar experience;
• Knowledge of cost principles found in federal regulations 2CFR Part 200;
• ACFR (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report) development or review;
• Experience creating or reviewing federal financial reports;
• Experience using State of Idaho accounting applications in LUMA.
• State purchasing, payment, and reimbursement policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of advanced-level accounting, financial, and budgetary analysis theory, principles, procedures, and objectives, including GAAP accounting principles;

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:

Approximately 10% travel will be required to attend technology and fiscal trainings, as available and accompany CN coordinators on various local participant reviews to assist with the review of program operations.

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.