Working Title: Accounting Technician
Job Class: Accounting Technician
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through 05/03/2023.
• Date Posted: 04/27/2023
• Closing Date: 05/10/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Finance & Budget Division / Financial Transactions
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $20.47 - $28.93 / hourly; $42,741 - $60,405 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: (Required for AFSCME)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This posting will be used to fill two (2) Accounting Technician positions within the Finance & Budget Division.

One of the positions has primary responsibility for completing the invoice intake process such as verifying purchase orders are dispatched, and distributing them to divisions for approval and assists with preparation of agency wide Special Prep invoices for approval, distribution, and payment.

The second position has backup responsibility for accounts payable intake functions, prepares and processes payments, recharges, expenditure corrections, and journal entries in the accounting system (SWIFT), and processes the daily deposits for the Accounts Receivable Team.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Math skills sufficient to compute totals, averages and percentages of numerical data to check or reconcile data.

Typing skills of net 45 WPM (Words Per Minute) or better measured on a 3 or more minute typing test. Individuals invited for interview will be required to provide typing test results.

Spreadsheet, database and data entry skills sufficient to maintain data and enter text and numbers into computer systems and applications.

Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) sufficient to analyze, interpret, and prepare financial information, records and reports; locate errors; and recommend solutions to procedural or other fiscal problems.

Knowledge of the Statewide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT) systems, or other private or governmental payroll and accounting systems, sufficient to enter data, compile records and analyze reports.

Customer service skills and English sufficient to write, read, speak, and listen effectively with internal customers, co-workers, supervisors, staff of other agencies, and vendors.

The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Associates degree or higher in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.

Two or more years’ experience in accounts payable, cash handling or bank deposit/reconciliation.

Ten key speed above 8,000 KPH (Keystrokes per Hour) with at least 98% accuracy measured on a 3 or more minute typing test. Individuals invited for interview will be required to provide typing test results.

Experience using a large private or government accounting system sufficient to enter data, query data, and compile records or reports.

Ability to review reports and make decisions on how to correct errors/edits.

Ability to set and manage priorities independently under demanding deadlines.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Philippa.Major@state.mn.us at philippa.major@state.mn.us.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Becky Hierlinger at becky.hierlinger@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

Why Work for Us

Come be a part of MDA where we are driven to find talented, innovative employees to support our mission to enhance Minnesotans’ quality of life by ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength of our agricultural economy. You will be surrounded by a diverse community of experts, each driven by challenging work and motivated by the greater good. You will understand the impact of the work you are doing and be able to see the benefit you are providing to the citizens of Minnesota. You can set your sights high and use your strengths to grow within the organization.

The Financial Transactions Team within Finance and Budget is responsible for accurately processing all financial transactions for the Agency including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll. These are challenging positions responsible for working in a fast-paced, strong and supportive team to provide exemplary Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable services for the Department and ensuring payments are processed accurately and on time. MDA offers superior health and retirement benefits as well as a solid commitment to work-life balance, which provides you the tools to thrive both at work and outside of work.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.