Senior Accountant/Accountant Trainee

Summary: The New York State Office of Mental Health is seeking a Senior Accountant/Accountant Trainee to join their Finance Systems team. This role involves evaluating and improving financial systems, researching new technology, and performing operational accounting duties. Responsibilities: - Evaluate current business processes and systems for improvement, automation, and efficiency - Research new accounting/finance technology and systems to improve operations - Act as subject matter expert for the implementation of new/improved finance-related technology and systems - Build and maintain a strong knowledge of the automated accounting systems used by NYSTRS - Gather and communicate operational and functionality needs to business analysts, project managers, and IT developers - Liaise with customer departments to identify ways to better integrate processes to increase compliance and efficiency - Submit Finance Department IT demands - Track and update the Finance Department’s portfolio of IT projects and demands - Maintain documentation for finance systems and assist in providing training to end-users - Coordinate or assist in testing changes to Finance Department systems and processes - Perform operational accounting duties, including journal entries and account reconciliations Required Qualifications: - Reachable on the Civil Service eligible list - Eligible for reassignment by virtue of having permanent competitive service as a Senior Accountant (SG-18) - Eligible for transfer under the provisions of the Civil Service Law by virtue of having one year of permanent competitive service in an appropriate title - Accountant Trainee 1 (Grade 14): A bachelor's degree in accounting, auditing, or taxation; OR a bachelor's degree with 24 semester credit hours in accounting, auditing, or taxation courses - Accountant Trainee 2 (Grade 16): A bachelor's degree in accounting, auditing, or taxation OR a bachelor's degree with 24 semester credit hours in accounting, auditing, or taxation courses AND one year of professional experience in accounting/auditing or financial internal or field auditing, where you were responsible for the full range of activities in the design and/or review, analysis and management of accounting systems, resulting in the preparation of, or recommendations on, financial statements in accord with generally accepted accounting principles; OR a master's or higher degree in accounting, auditing, or taxation may substitute for one year of experience - Senior Accountant (Grade 18): A bachelor's degree in accounting, auditing, or taxation or a bachelor's degree with 24 semester credit hours in accounting, auditing, or taxation courses AND two years of professional experience in accounting/auditing or financial internal or field auditing, where you were responsible for the full range of activities in the design and/or review, analysis and management of accounting systems, resulting in the preparation of, or recommendations on, financial statements in accord with generally accepted accounting principles; OR a master's or higher degree in accounting, auditing, or taxation AND one year of professional experience in accounting/auditing or financial internal or field auditing, where you were responsible for the full range of activities in the design and/or review, analysis and management of accounting systems, resulting in the preparation of, or recommendations on, financial statements in accord with generally accepted accounting principles; OR a currently valid Certified Public Accountant license and registration issued by New York State Preferred Qualifications: - Relevant professional licenses and certifications - Experience performing similar duties - Ownership mentality - Desire to continuously improve processes - Desire to learn new skills and grow professionally - Excellent verbal and written communication skills - Ability and willingness to work directly with internal and external stakeholders - Ability and willingness to provide excellent customer service - Ability to think critically - Exceptional attention to detail - Organization and self-management skills - Independence and self-motivation Required Skills: Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Financial Internal Auditing, Field Auditing, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Certified Public Accountant license, Journal Entries, Account Reconciliations, Automated Accounting Systems Benefits: Currently we have a hybrid work schedule which may be subject to change in the future., Flextime allowed? Yes, Telecommuting allowed? Yes, Occasional local travel may be required, Optional overnight travel for training events