ACCOUNTANT LEAD (INTERNAL ONLY)

Introduction

THIS RECRUITMENT IS LIMITED TO CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES OF THE MDH HOWARD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ONLY.

GRADE

17

LOCATION OF POSITION

Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd. Columbia, MD 21045

POSITION DUTIES

This position serves as an Accountant Lead with a working title as a Unified Funding Documents (UFD) Grants Manager at Howard County Health Department. The agency has an average annual appropriation budget of ~$50 million dollars (FY 2025) and includes over 70 state UFD grants. This position will manage all grants (~20) funded through various funding administrations across MDH using the UFD process. This position is a professional, full performance level of work examining, analyzing and interpreting accounting systems, records and reports by applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards (GAS) to maintain the Agency's financial record, operational programs or procedures. This position prepares financial reports, submits original, modifications, reductions and supplemental budgets and provides financial advice to program monitors or bureau directors, assist with closeout and complete other duties as assigned. 30% Lead UFD Grant Manager Assigns, reviews and approves the work of lower-level Accountants Provides advice and guidance to lower-level Accountants on the resolution of complex problems in examining, analyzing and interpreting accounting systems, records and reports. Reviews and authorizes financial transaction records for submission to fiscal control agencies. Prepares financial reports and statements by ensuring that accounting records provide a reliable and adequate basis for required reports, developing and implementing procedures to produce reports and analyzing and interpreting the reports. Assists with close-out by ensuring that items are properly accrued and adjusted at fiscal year-end. Acts as liaison with information processing and fiscal control agencies to resolve accounting records and systems problems. 50% UFD Grant Manager Interprets and masters the Local Health Department Funding System Manual (LHFSM) for compliance and accountability Interprets and provides guidance to sub-vendors and program monitors when using the Human Service Agreement Manual Have a sound understanding of the Howard County Government Purchasing Manual Understands and interprets FMIS daily and monthly reports Reviews and authorizes financial transaction records for submission to fiscal control agencies; Advises and provides guidance to Contract Management & Procurement regarding contracts/MOU/purchase orders that will obligate funds for assigned grants Performs reconciliations of entire accounts by determining the materiality of exceptions, prepares financial reports and statements by ensuring that accounting records provide a reliable and adequate basis for required reports. Assists with fiscal period close-out by ensuring that items are properly accounted for; Verifies predetermined tolerance levels/rate are justified if not met Prepares an upload file for posting necessary corrections/adjustments to FMIS based on the monthly reconciliation analysis. Monitors assigned budgets and grants to assure accuracy and compliance with Federal, State and County requirements. Makes added recommendations for improving the workflow between Fiscal and assigned bureaus. Creates and submits financial reports and provides sound justification from a fiscal monitor. 10% Communication Attends monthly and quarterly virtual meetings or phone calls. Attends quarterly site meetings. Acts as a liaison for Fiscal with funding administrations 5% Year-End Closeout Assists with compiling and finalizing data relating to the fiscal year-end closing. Ensures that items are properly accrued and adjusted at fiscal year-end Reconciles final approved 4542 workbook’s tabs i.e. payroll cost, equipment purchases, collections, IDC and sub-vendors’ Form 440 for final submission. 5% Other Duties as Assigned Advises agency head on the status of the HCHD revenue and expenditure accounts. Utilizes a thorough understanding of State and County fiscal policies and procedures regarding reconciliations and a thorough knowledge of accounting procedures and practices. Performs other duties as assigned. Possesses a broad understanding of HCHD services and can refer to other programs. Participates in necessary drills and exercises, responds to emergencies as appropriate, keeps abreast of policies and procedures in the program, bureau and department. Completes all required trainings. Participates in quality improvement efforts within the program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Accounting from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by three credit hours in auditing. Experience: Three years of experience examining, analyzing and interpreting accounting systems, records and reports by applying generally accepted accounting principles. Notes: 1. Candidates may substitute a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with thirty credit hours in Accounting and related courses, including or supplemented by three credit hours in auditing, for the required education. 2. Applicants who have met the requirements for admission to the CPA examination prior to July 1, 1974 will be considered to have met the educational requirement referenced above. 3. Possession of a certificate as a Certified Public Accountant or a Master's degree in accounting from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one year of the required experience. 4. Applicants may substitute one year of professional auditing experience for one year of the required experience. 5. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the Accounting Officer classification or Financial Management specialty codes in the Accounting field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The desired candidate should possess the following: Experience maintaining accurate records on grant awards and expenditures. Experience in preparing annual budget requests and monthly budget projections. Experience preparing, examining, analyzing, and interpreting financial statements. Experience with MDH UFD grants.

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

THIS RECRUITMENT IS LIMITED TO CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES OF THE MDH HOWARD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ONLY.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted. If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-5689. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251. If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.