Accountant 3
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Accountant 3
Salary
$66,250.00 - $100,636.00 Annually
Location
Dauphin County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2025-25348-03040
Department
State Employees' Retirement System
Division
SR Off Fin Mgmt
Opening Date
06/05/2025
Closing Date
6/19/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
03040
Position Number
50672450
Union
Non Union
Bargaining Unit
A3
Pay Group
ST08
Bureau / Division Code
00704000
Bureau / Division
Office of Financial Management
Worksite Address
30 North Third Street
City
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17101
Contact Name
DJ Korlewitz
Contact Phone
717.237.0395
Contact Email
DKorlewitz@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
The Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is seeking an experienced accounting professional to join its Accounting Risk Management (ARM) team within the Office of Financial Management (OFM) as an Accountant 3. This position is responsible for analyzing and reviewing financial data, assessing risks, and ensuring compliance with internal controls. The ideal candidate will have advanced accounting expertise, strong attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with the team. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this role, you will serve on a team that ensures adequate internal controls are in place to safeguard stakeholder assets and that these controls are documented and operating effectively. Primary responsibilities will include performing quality control reviews of financial data, analyzing financial risks, evaluating internal controls, and coordinating the review/update of OFM policies and procedures. You also will help to coordinate various internal and external audits on behalf of OFM.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=50672450) .
About SERS: Established in 1923, SERS is one of the nation's oldest retirement plans for public employees and manages the pension benefits of more than 240,000 employees and retirees for 99 public sector employers. In 2024, SERS paid about $4.0 billion in benefits and managed $38.7 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.SERS.pa.gov .
Our mission is to prepare our members and participants to achieve financial security in retirement. We achieve this through focusing on our mission, acting ethically and with integrity, empowering our members, embracing innovation, fostering life work balance, modeling an inclusive and respectful workplace, valuing and developing team members, collaborating, and finding joy in our work.
SERS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified individuals to our team. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful work environment that fosters personal and professional growth, embraces the contributions of all team members, and leverages diversity in people, ideas, and experiences to achieve our highest potential.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week, Monday through Friday.
A work schedule beginning and ending between 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, inclusive, with a half-hour or one-hour meal period will be considered, dependent on operational requirements. The requested work schedule may not end prior to 4:00 PM.
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time, with occasional on-site visits as needed. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the work location specified in this job posting.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
One year as an Accountant 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) ; or
Three years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, and graduation from a four-year college or university, including or supplemented by fifteen credits in accounting.
Four years of bookkeeping experience and fifteen college credits in accounting may be substituted for college graduation. A Master's degree in Accounting or a related field may be substituted for one year of general work experience.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov .
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
your score may be lower than deserved.
you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an Accountant 2 for one or more years full-time?
Yes
No
02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
03
How many years of full-time progressively responsible professional accounting experience do you possess?
3 years or more
2 but less than 3 years
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
05
Have you completed a master's degree in accounting or a related field? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.org ("www.naces.org"target=_blank") and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
Yes
No
06
Have you completed a bachelor's degree? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.org ("www.naces.org"target=_blank") and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
Yes
No
07
Have you completed 15 or more college level credits in accounting? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.org ("www.naces.org"target=_blank") and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
Yes
No
08
Do you possess four or more years of full-time bookkeeping experience?
Yes
No
09
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, @type N/A in the text box below.
10
Are you currently licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
Yes
No
11
If you answered yes to the above question, please provide your CPA license number. If you answered no to the above question, @type N/A in the text box below.
12
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
Yes
13
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - ACCOUNTING TRANSACTIONS
Applies relevant accounting principles and practices for a variety of transactions, such as revenues, expenses, transfers, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, loans, and inventory in accordance with applicable accounting and reporting standards. Uses accounting records and other supporting documentation to post accounting entries to general ledger accounts. Prepares and posts adjustment transactions to correct or close accounts. Monitors, reconciles, and corrects funds as well as processes transactions. Analyzes and prepares transactions into statement and report format based on applicable accounting standards and regulations.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience applying relevant accounting theories and practices to complete various accounting transactions. I monitored, reconciled, and corrected funds. I was responsible for evaluating and validating the posting of accounting entries to general ledger accounts.
B. I have experience applying relevant accounting theories and practices to complete various accounting transactions. I monitored, reconciled, and corrected funds; however, someone else was responsible for evaluating and validating the posting of accounting entries to general ledger accounts.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to accounting or forensic accounting
D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
14
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience applying relevant accounting theories and practices to complete various accounting transactions.
Your experience monitoring, reconciling, and correcting funds.
Your experience evaluating and validating the posting of accounting entries to general ledger accounts.
Your level of responsibility.
15
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
16
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - COMMUNICATION
Prepares information, studies, and reports on program or project evaluations, development, and analysis and present them verbally and in writing to policy and decision makers. This may include preparing narrative reports, tables, graphs, and charts as well as responding to verbal and written inquiries regarding programs. Responds to informational requests and provides procedural guidelines, criteria, and training necessary for the implementation and management of programs and projects.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience preparing and presenting financial-related information. I was responsible for the final written report or presentation that conveyed findings such as status of funds, appropriations, budgets, or expenses.
B. I have experience preparing and presenting information not related to financial topics. I was responsible for the final written report or presentation that conveyed findings.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, English composition, journalism, or public speaking.
D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
17
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience preparing or presenting information that conveyed financial-related findings such as status of funds, appropriations, budgets, or expenses.
Your experience preparing or presenting information that was not finance related.
Your level of responsibility.
18
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
19
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - COMPLIANCE
Provides a uniform and cost-effective system of accounting and financial controls to ensure accountability of government funds. Monitors agency compliance with established accounting standards. Identifies areas of risk related to the accuracy and completeness of financial statements and reports. Develops and implements procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience monitoring compliance with established accounting standards to ensure accountability of funds. I was responsible for developing and implementing procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.
B. I have experience monitoring compliance with established accounting standards to ensure accountability of funds. Someone else was responsible for developing and implementing procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business management or business law.
D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
20
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience monitoring compliance with established accounting standards to ensure accountability of funds.
Your experience developing and implementing procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.
Your level of responsibility.
21
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
22
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - PROGRAM EVALUATIONEvaluates work methods and procedures to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. Recommends and provides guidance and tools for implementing new or updated work processes, rules, policies, and procedures to create a more efficient and effective organization.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience evaluating work methods and procedures to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. I was responsible for developing tools such as plans of action or process maps and providing recommendations and guidance for implementing new or updated work processes, rules, policies, and procedures.
B. I have experience evaluating work methods and procedures to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. I was responsible for providing recommendations to create more efficiency and effectiveness; however, someone else developed tools and provided guidance for implementing new or updated work processes, rules, policies, and procedures.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to program evaluation, program analysis, project monitoring and evaluation, or evaluation theory, design, and methods.
D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
23
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience evaluating work methods and procedures to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges.
Your experience developing tools such as plans of action or process maps.
Your experience providing recommendations and guidance for implementing new or updated work processes, rules, polices, and procedures.
Your level of responsibility.
24
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
25
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Reviews and assigns work to staff; manages projects to include establishing priorities and timeframes for the completion of work; interviews prospective employees and recommends selection; and provides guidance to staff on complex problems.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience leading the planning, implementing, and monitoring of accounting or business projects to ensure project was on schedule and within established guidelines.
B. I have experience planning, implementing, and monitoring accounting or business projects to assist in ensuring the project was on schedule and within established guidelines; however, someone else was responsible for the overall project.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to project management or project planning and implementation.
D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
26
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
Your experience planning, implementing, and monitoring accounting or business projects to ensure they were on schedule and within established guidelines.
Your level of responsibility.
27
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, @type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
