Accountant 3
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Accountant 3
Salary
$67,736.00 - $102,905.00 Annually
Location
Dauphin County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2026-41258-03040
Department
Executive Offices
Division
EX OB BAFM Fin Acctg Div
Opening Date
01/29/2026
Closing Date
2/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
03040
Position Number
00035452
Union
Non Union
Bargaining Unit
A3
Pay Group
ST08
Bureau / Division Code
BAFM/00815011
Bureau / Division
Bureau of Accounting and Financial Management/Financial Accounting Division
Worksite Address
555 Walnut Street
Worksite Address
9th Floor
City
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17101
Contact Name
Lori Hepler
Contact Email
lhepler@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
Are you looking for a rewarding career with a great organization where you can grow and collaborate with talented individuals? The Office of Comptroller Operations is where you want to be! We are the accounting office for the Commonwealth of PA and offer the full spectrum of accounting services for our agency customers. And consequently we can offer you the best opportunity to learn the full spectrum of accounting activities and grow your accounting career in state government! This position serves as an Accountant 3, on the front line, directly supervising and managing the staff and operations of a complex accounting unit responsible for accounting for Commonwealth of PA payments, received electronically or by paper, including inter-agency transfers and agency accounts receivables. Are you ready to grow and face this challenge? If so, we want to hear from you!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This Accountant 3, supervises and manages the staff and operations of the Accounts Receivable/Cost Allocation (ARCA) Team, within the Accounts Receivable/Cost Allocation/Revenue and Cash Management (ARCA/RCM) Unit within the Financial Accounting Division of the Bureau of Accounting and Financial Management (BAFM) of the Office of Comptroller Operations (OCO) and serves in the direct front line supervision of staff responsible for financial accounting and reporting functions related to accounts receivable/payment processing and intergovernmental transfers to ensure fiscal/legal accountability and transparency. If you love accounting, the OCO is where you want to be!
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=00035452) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment
Work hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time with occasional in-office days when work dictates such requirements. 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 headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
You will be required to report to headquarters to pick up your equipment and attend periodic meetings at your expense.
Salary: All new employees with the Commonwealth will start at the minimum salary.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. All information regarding interviews will be sent via the email address used on the application. 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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
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 experiencemustalso 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 experiencemustalso 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.organd 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.organd 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.organd 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 experiencemustalso 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 and expiration date. 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 coursework 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 and presents information, studies, and reports orally and in writing on program or project evaluations, development, and analysis to provide policy and decision makers with factual information to be used in planning, implementing, monitoring, and resource allocation. This may include preparing narrative reports, tables, graphs, and charts as well as responding to oral 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 or presenting 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 or presenting information. Someone else was responsible for the final written report or presentation that conveyed findings such as status of funds, appropriations, budgets, or expenses.
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 coursework 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 findings such as status of funds, appropriations, budgets, or expenses.
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 - FUNDS ALLOCATION
Maintains adequate internal controls to ensure accurate records exist to support fund and inventory balances. Researches errors to determine the reason for occurrence and develops methods to prevent errors from occurring in the future. Maintains and analyzes records of revenue, costs, inventory, and adjustments to ensure recording and allocation is accurate among funds and/or cost centers. Develops or recommends the establishment of necessary controls and implements revisions in accounting methods and procedures needed to maintain controls.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience maintaining internal controls to ensure accurate records exist to support fund balances. I was responsible for recommending and implementing the establishment of necessary controls.
B. I have experience maintaining internal controls to ensure accurate records exist to support fund balances. I recommended the establishment of necessary controls; however, someone else was responsible for implementing my recommendations.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to internal controls or governmental accounting.
D. I have NO experience or coursework 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 maintaining internal controls to ensure accurate records exist to support fund balances.
Your experience recommending and implementing the establishment of necessary controls.
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 - 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 coursework 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 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.
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 - MONITORING
Monitors entities to ensure that submitted reports and other required information is accurate, reliable, and follows financial, program, or other regulations. Performs monitoring activities such as in-house desk reviews, on-site monitoring visits, and any other method available to ensure entities are in compliance with required guidelines. Cites deficiencies and makes recommendations for resolution.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience monitoring entities to ensure that submitted information is accurate, reliable, and follows financial, program, or other regulations. I was responsible for citing deficiencies and making recommendations for resolution.
B. I have experience monitoring entities to ensure that submitted information is accurate, reliable, and follows financial, program, or other regulations. I was responsible for citing deficiencies; however, someone else was responsible for making recommendations for resolution.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to auditing or business analytics.
D. I have NO experience or coursework 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 monitoring entities to ensure that submitted information is accurate, reliable, and follows financial, program, or other regulations.
Your experience citing deficiencies.
Your experience making recommendations for resolution.
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
28
WORK BEHAVIOR 6 - BUDGETING
Reviews or amends budgets for regulatory compliance. Monitors program budgets, receipts, and expenditures. Reports errors detected and recommends potential resolution.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience reviewing or amending budgets. I was responsible for monitoring budgets for errors and making recommendations for potential resolution.
B. I have experience reviewing or amending budgets. I monitored budgets and reported errors; however, someone else was responsible for making recommendations for potential resolution.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to budgeting or business statistics.
D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.
29
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 reviewing or amending budgets.
Your experience monitoring budgets for errors.
Your experience reporting errors.
Your experience making recommendations for potential resolution of errors.
Your level of responsibility.
30
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
31
WORK BEHAVIOR 7 - 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 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 business management, project management, or project planning and implementation.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
32
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.
33
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
