School Finance Consultant - Management Analyst II

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Opening Date: March 20, 2024

Closing Date: April 5, 2024

Job Class Code: 1234

Grade: 24

Salary: $50,190.40 - $67,641.60

Position Number: 014002931

Do the terms fund, program, function, object, cost center, and revenue sound like fun to you?

Do you enjoy puzzles and have the ability to determine which function to use with a specific program code?

Do you have exceptional critical thinking skills?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the position for you! The School Finance Consultant is responsible for:

• Overseeing the analysis of information gathered from local school units in order to accurately complete federal reports that influence Maine federal funds received;

• Reviewing in the Maine Education Finance System (MEFS) individual School Administrative Unit uploads of quarterly financial records and annual audit reports;

• Regularly updating and reviewing of the model chart of accounts accounting handbook for Maine School Administrative Units, including providing technical assistance to school personnel and department staff regarding correct codes for federal, state, and other revenue sources;

• Overseeing the coordination of financial data collection and dissemination;

• Manages the National Board of Professional Teacher salary supplement & scholarship program funding allocations;

• Assists in legislatively and department directed research;

• Responsibilities also include making recommendations concerning all aspects of school funding to the Commissioner, the State Board of Education, and the Legislature.

This is a professional position, providing advice and consultation to Department Leadership and Maine School Administrative Units (SAUs) for the proper collection of financial data used in federal reporting and the Essential Programs & Services school funding calculation.

Representative Tasks (Assignments include but are not limited to the following):

• Reviews and analyzes the information gathered from local school systems in the Maine Education Financial System (MEFS).

• Updates, tracks, and manages financial coding in Maine's Accounting Handbook for Maine School AdministrativeUnits.

• Provides technical assistance to local officials (superintendents, business officers, other administrators, accountants, and office personnel) for administration of accounting system and procedures and fiscal responsibilities related to statutory uses of State & Federal funds.

• Assists in special projects on assignment of the Director of School Finance & Compliance in the areas of school finance and business management. Examples of projects may be on site, in depth fiscal monitoring of school unit to satisfy statutory requirements or constituent concerns; providing finance and management consultant services to quasi state entities under Department of Education governance structure in areas of finance and management; assist in a special review of a local school unit.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.

• Knowledge of the Federal accounting handbook and State accounting handbook/chart of accounts for local school systems.

• Knowledge of school finance statutes, rules and regulations, and ability to interpret these to local school authorities, Department personnel and the general public.

• Ability to use technology-based programs for the development of school funding programs.

• Ability to identify and analyze issues, reach logical conclusions and make sound decisions and recommendations for action.

• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Eight (8) years of education, training, and/or experience analyzing, evaluating, and/or developing improvements to organizational and/or managerial systems, programs, and practices.

Preference will be given to candidates with training or experience in accounting.

BENEFITS:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit

• Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage

• The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Health Insurance Premium Credit

• Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

• Dental Insurance

• The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan

• The State of Maine contributes 13.41% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

• Gym Membership Reimbursement

• Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

• The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

• Living Resources Program

• Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

• Voluntary Deferred Compensation

• Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you're currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.