Job description
Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) has been providing pension coverage to Minnesota educators for decades, with a mission to help members and their beneficiaries plan for an independent and financially secure retirement. We are currently seeking job candidates with accounting experience and a customer-oriented approach for our Accounting Officer role.
Our Accounting Officer position is responsible for processing TRA accounts payable and recording payments in our accounting and pension systems. Key duties include handling failed Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF), and accounts receivable. The incumbent ensures all payments are accurately recorded across various systems and prepares the necessary supporting documentation for records retention and annual financial statements. Additionally, the Accounting Officer will assist the Accounting Director in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) 67 and 68 reports. This role also involves training TRA staff on financial topics.
This position is not eligible for a schedule that includes telework. The incumbent hired into this position will be required to work in the office five (5) days per week, in order to perform the essential job duties for this role.
TRA prioritizes work-life balance for our employees and may request, only on occasion, that staff work overtime and/or flex their time in order to complete critical projects or meet important deadlines. Typically, full-time, non-exempt employees at TRA work a 40-hour workweek.
Travel may be required up to 10% for this role.
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of experience providing administrative support that is focused on accounting tasks and/or functions.
OR
One (1) year of entry-level accounting work experience.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree in Business/Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Math, Economics, or a related field.
Education and/or experience must demonstrate the following:
- Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and budgeting practices.
- Ability to analyze, interpret, reconcile, and audit financial data.
- Ability to diagnose problems and recommend solutions for process improvement purposes.
- Ability to interpret state and federal laws and department policies relating to financial matters.
- Ability to plan, organize, and successfully manage competing priorities.
- Ability to train or explain complex financial concepts to a variety of audiences.
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with internal staff, clients, school districts, state agencies, and other financial institutions.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Cisco WebEx, and/or equivalent software packages.
Successful candidates must further be able to secure own transportation for in-state business travel.
Preferred Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree and/or an Advanced degree in Business/Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Math, Economics, or a related field
Experience working with State of Minnesota government financial systems, such as SWIFT and SEMA4.
Experience working in Payroll, Account Payable, and/or Account Receivable accounting functions.
Experience working for a public pension fund or private financial services institution.
Experience with financial reporting processes.
Physical Requirements
This position requires occasional transporting of articles such as file folders, ledgers and/or small tools. May be required to move or maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.
Additional Requirements
** Successful candidates must pass past-employer reference checks and a criminal background check. **
It is the policy of TRA that all finalist(s) submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
- State of Minnesota state government employment records check (applies to current and past State of Minnesota state government employees only)
- Criminal History Check
- Employee Reference Check
- Social Security and Address Verification
- Education Verification
- Driver's License Check
How to Apply
Visit the MN Careers webpage: http://www.mn.gov/careers and search using the Job ID #93071. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, or are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview, contact Justin Johnson at jjohnson@minnesotatra.org.
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 Justin Johnson at jjohnson@minnesotatra.org.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
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.
Teachers Retirement Association also offers free ramp parking at our St. Paul Office location.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
