Accountant at DPH

The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is inviting qualified candidates to apply for an Accountant position within its Operations Support Services Section, specifically in the Budget Unit and Grants division.

Job Highlights

• Location: Hartford, Connecticut
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Work Schedule: First shift, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• Work Arrangement: Partial telework opportunities may be available, along with flexible or alternative work schedules.

What the State of Connecticut Offers

Employees can enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive state employee benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A supportive work environment that promotes work-life balance.

About the Opportunity

The successful candidate will oversee financial management, accounting, and reporting activities involving state-appropriated funds and designated federal grants.

The ideal applicant should have experience improving financial processes, introducing operational efficiencies, and implementing effective accounting procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain complex journal entries and financial records.
• Develop balance sheets and financial statements covering multiple accounts.
• Review, analyze, and interpret accounting records and financial reports.
• Support the development and implementation of accounting procedures and financial management systems.
• Examine expenditures and prepare or review financial statements.
• Assist with budget administration, including reviewing budget proposals, forecasting expenditures, calculating quarterly allocations, and preparing monthly financial reports.
• Monitor the financial activities of state and federal grant programs.
• Review grant expenditures to ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Provide financial guidance to grant recipients on maintaining accurate accounting records.
• Recommend improvements to accounting procedures, internal controls, and financial review processes.
• Use electronic data processing systems to manage financial information, reporting, and analysis.
• Support the implementation and improvement of financial technology systems.
• Oversee bookkeeping, account reconciliation, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other related financial functions when required.

About the Department

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health and safety of Connecticut residents.

Its mission focuses on preventing diseases, injuries, and disabilities, promoting healthy communities, and ensuring equal access to the highest attainable standard of health.

Through its strategic initiatives, the department works to create healthier communities and improve public health outcomes across the state.

Minimum Qualifications

General Experience:

• Six years of professional experience in accounting or auditing.

Special Experience:

• At least two years of the required experience must involve paraprofessional-level accounting responsibilities, including independent judgment in applying basic accounting principles. This experience may be comparable to working as a full-charge bookkeeper.

Educational and Professional Substitutions:

Applicants may qualify through the following alternatives:

• Completion of an approved Accounting Careers Trainee program.
• College-level accounting or related coursework, with 15 semester credits equivalent to six months of experience, up to a maximum of four years for a bachelor’s degree.
• A master’s degree in accounting may substitute for one additional year of general experience.
• A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification may replace one year of the required general and special experience.
• Two years of experience as an Assistant Accountant may substitute for the general and special experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

The department particularly values candidates with:

• Strong communication skills and experience working with stakeholders and interpreting financial documents.
• Experience managing and monitoring state and federal grant finances.
• Familiarity with CORE-CT Financials, including resolving purchase order and requisition errors.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, functions, pivot tables, and data analysis tools for financial reporting and budget monitoring.

Application Requirements and Selection Process

Important Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must currently be employed by the State of Connecticut and have completed at least six months of full-time or equivalent state service, subject to applicable collective bargaining provisions.

Candidates must also satisfy the minimum qualifications and clearly demonstrate their experience in the application.

Additional application guidelines include:

• Applicants must accurately provide their educational qualifications and relevant work experience.
• Foreign educational credentials may require evaluation by a recognized U.S. credential assessment organization.
• Resumes are not accepted during the initial application stage. Additional supporting documents may be requested later in the recruitment process.
• Candidates must select their preferred work locations and shifts when completing the application.
• All application materials must be submitted before the advertised closing date.
• Applications must be completed through the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center.

Shortlisted applicants may be required to complete additional referral questionnaires and participate in interviews.

Take the Next Step

Join the Connecticut Department of Public Health and contribute your accounting expertise to an organization dedicated to improving public health and serving communities throughout the state.

Official Employer: State of Connecticut – Department of Public Health.