Senior Home Loan Account (Accountant 3)

As our Senior Home Loan Accountant, you will manage projects focused on designing, developing, implementing, or enhancing complex accounting systems that significantly impact the financial operations of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA). This includes designing or refining ODVA-specific systems to interface with statewide financial management systems, ensuring they meet specialized accounting requirements.  The primary area of focus for this position is in support of the Home Loan program. You will ensure the completeness and accuracy of the annual financial reporting requirements for ODVA, including financial statements, Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports, and note disclosures.

You will be responsible for the review of work entered into the loan servicing system as well as the interface with Statewide Financial Management System (SFMS). You will apply advanced theory and a thorough understanding of the Statewide Financial Management System (SFMS) to ensure that accounting transactions are made and recorded in accordance with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and related pronouncements, federal financial requirements, and statewide accounting policies and procedures.

You will also be responsible for maintaining accurate accounting tables in the Home Loan servicing system. You will be responsible for making recommendations as needed to change the Home Loan servicing system or find alternative methodologies. This will require skills in researching processes, procedures and providing guidance to others on appropriate financial transactions. You must also keep in mind that any accounting system changes you recommend may affect other ODVA departments or State agencies. In addition, you will collaborate with accounting and program management in determining ways that accounting information can best be presented and used within the agency; lead and/or participate in accounting-related IT systems development projects; and provide information to State and Federal auditors.

What’s in it for you!

The opportunity to work with and learn from a great team that has a passion for serving veterans in a productive and creative environment where no two days are ever the same! We offer a competitive benefits package that offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year. In addition, we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and you have the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). If you are passionate about serving Oregon's veterans, apply today!

This is a full-time position represented by a union.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possession of a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Government Financial Manager certificate AND 3 years of accounting experience equivalent to Accountant 2 work, which included designing and modifying accounting systems that require frequent changes in requirements to meet specific business objectives, consulting with program managers or external organizations, and ensuring the proper functioning and accountability of fiscal operations; OR

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or in any discipline that includes or is supplemented by 32 quarter (21 semester) credit hours from an accredited institution in Accounting AND three years of related accounting experience equivalent to Accountant 2 work to include designing and modifying accounting systems that require frequent changes in requirements to meet specific business objectives, consulting with program managers or external organizations, and ensuring the proper functioning and accountability of fiscal operations; OR
• 32 quarter (21 semester) credit hours from an accredited institution in Accounting AND five years of related accounting experience to include a) classifying, analyzing, and reconciling complex financial data and records; b) designing, recommending, and installing modifications of accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records; c) preparing audited financial statements and reports; d) analyzing and interpreting laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances to ensure the legality of financial transactions; and e) analyzing and interpreting complex accounts and account relationships resulting in accounting entries.
• 15 quarter (10 semester) graduate-level accounting credit hours may substitute for one year of the accounting experience. Graduate-level courses used to satisfy the educational requirement may not be used to satisfy the experience requirement.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following:

• Proficient in fostering a culture that values respect, inclusivity, and appreciation for diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values.
• Experience with mortgage lending and home loan IT systems.
• Experience with State systems, especially SFMS, Workday, Datamart, and; familiarity with State financial processes.
• Experience applying audit standards to set-up, monitor, and modify internal procedures.
• Experience preparing and interpreting financial statements and other financial reports.
• Experience reviewing accounting transactions to ensure conformance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); experience analyzing accounting information and systems to prevent, detect, and correct errors.
• Extensive knowledge of governmental or fund accounting, including sources of funds, and possess an understanding of complex cost structures at State Agencies.
• Experience with Microsoft suite including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with OBIEE, Power BI
• Adept at prioritizing and facilitating the resolution of competing and urgent needs within a collaborative team, providing recommendations to primary decision-makers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to provide clear, concise, and compelling communication of policy and technical information tailored to the needs of diverse audiences.
• Experience working with interdepartmental staff to support home loan program questions, issues, and needs.
• Experience researching across multiple sources to determine the requirements for an issue.

Additional Requirements:

This position requires successful completion of a fingerprint based criminal history background check through the Oregon (LEDS) and National (NCIC) law enforcement data systems.

Working Conditions:

ODVA believes in a diverse and inclusive work environment. All employees are expected to contribute to a work environment that collectively values and benefits from respecting its diversity and promoting a culture of inclusiveness.

This position will be based out of ODVAs Salem Office; however, the successful candidate may be eligible for hybrid (work from home/in office) work schedule. The logistics of hybrid work will need to be worked out with the Hiring Manager prior to your hire and may be changed at any time given specific job duties and business needs. Remote work is evaluated periodically to ensure business needs are being met and can be adjusted at any time.  ODVA will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for an employee to successfully work from home. This position may require some travel to ODVA offices and sites on an as-needed basis. At ODVA sites, you will have access to a workspace, however, it may be shared with other employees.

How to Apply: (complete the application in full)

• External Applicants Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. Click this link for the External Candidate job aid, and view this video for additional information.
• Internal Applicants (current State of Oregon employees): Apply through your employee Workday account.  View this knowledge article for assistance.

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Please Note: In addition to your related work experience and education, ODVA will use the desired attributes and minimum qualifications above, under the “What are we looking for?” section to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your attributes and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application materials.

Veterans Information:

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides veterans’ preference in employment to all eligible veterans.  For more information on veterans’ preference, please visit Veterans Resources.

Pay Equity:

As an employer, the State of Oregon complies with HB 2005, the Pay Equity Bill. We do not discriminate based on protected class in the payment of wages, and we do not screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. Please visit http://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/equity.aspx for more information. Please note: the salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95% (6% goes to PERS and .95% covers payroll taxes). Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.

Work Authorization:

ODVA does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity.

Questions/Need Help?

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce.  Assistance will be provided in the recruitment, application and selection process for applicants with disabilities who request assistance.  If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Rebecca Zanskar, Human Resources Analyst, at rebecca.zanskar@odva.oregon.gov or (503) 510-3733. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

Additional Information

Learn more about ODVA
Understanding the State Application Process
Help & Support webpage
Learn more about Oregon