Accounting Specialist - PFML Accounting Specialist - Multiple Vacancies

Department of Labor - Paid Family and Medical Leave
Job Class Code: 6506
Grade: 18 (Administartive Services)
Salary: $41,038 - $59,092
Location: Augusta
Opening Date: September 17, 2024
Closing Date:  October 1, 2024

Are you looking to be a part of a team of dedicated professionals committed to building one of the most impactful programs in recent state history? 

The State of Maine is now recruiting staff for the new Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Program. The Auditor IIs will be key team members in one of the largest and most impactful new programs in the State with the objective of delivering a service that Mainers can easily use in their time of need. 

As the members of the Contributions Collections Support Unit, the Accounting Specialists will be responsible for overseeing accounting and customer support functions for employers and self-elected individuals in paying their contributions to the PFML trust fund.  These positions will ensure that businesses understand how to remit contributions for the PFML program through the establishing technology system, and will manage processes related to payment, overpayment refunding, and collections for non-compliance.    

We offer a flexible hybrid work schedule. 

Primary responsibilities include:  

• Provides information on PFML law and administrative procedures in order to clarify them to employers, self-elected individuals, and the general public.
• Develops recommendations for new organizational procedures in order to improve the system.
• Contact employers for collection of overdue PFML contributions and development of payment plans.
• Analyze data for payment or recoupment actions.
• Determine issuance of contribution warrants and liens.
• Estimate wages of non-compliant employers to determine delinquent contributions and interest owed.
• Investigate complaints/alleged violations and determine appropriate course of action in accordance with established procedures.
• Makes recommendations and participates in legal actions against non-compliant employers in order to ensure proper collection of delinquent funds.
• Communicates with the public under conditions requiring considerable tact to explain laws, rules, etc.
• Complies with the requirements of State policies, including those concerning human resource components of security protocols of agency information security and confidentiality policies for state business purposes.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of accounts receivable and collection principles and practices.
• Knowledge of basic investigative principles, practices, and techniques.
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive reports.
• Ability to negotiate payment plans.
• Ability to identify customer problems and recommend practical solutions.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Minimum qualifications:

Training, education, or experience in office and administrative support work that demonstrates 1) competency in applying a proficient knowledge of bookkeeping principles and practices to perform advanced work in collecting delinquent unemployment compensation taxes, and 2) the ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and decision-making on complex administrative matters. All positions in this classification assume the qualifications of: Accounting Assistant and Accounting Associate I and Accounting Associate II. 

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Timothy Applegate, (207) 530-7425 or timothy.applegate@maine.gov

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700.  Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME  04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018.  Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included.  Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.  

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.21% for Confidential employees. 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.