Fiscal Specialist II - Finance, Division of Pension and OPEB

$74,414 - $143,293/Yr

Howard County

Full-time

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Fiscal Specialist II position within the Finance Division of Pension and OPEB is responsible for performing professional finance and accounting tasks related to the County's Pension and Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) plans. The role involves applying Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to record, reconcile, and analyze financial data, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and policies. The ideal candidate will manage accounting activities, assist in preparing financial reports, and ensure appropriate accounting controls are in place.

Responsibilities

• Prepares notes and schedules for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Prepares, analyzes, and reconciles quarterly Fund statements and investments.
• Acts as liaison with investment manager and trustee for OPEB Trust Fund.
• Reviews vendor invoices for accuracy and ensures payments are processed timely and accurately.
• Posts and reviews journal entries to reflect activity in the general ledger.
• Assists with preparing monthly reconciliations of bank accounts.
• Works closely with actuaries and financial consultants regarding new accounting standards.
• Reviews actuary information for OPEB Trust Fund.
• Prepares allocation and reconciliation of claims made to the Health Benefit fund and year-end accruals.
• Prepares reconciliation of Health Benefit receivables to actual revenues recognition.
• Monitors retiree revenue received from Component Units and provides year-end OPEB calculations, GASB 75, and GASB 74 financials and disclosure.
• Prepares GASB 75 calculations on behalf of the component units and Paygo revenue accrual.
• Adjusts Health and dental IBNR reserve for OPEB using actuarial reports.
• Acts as liaison for the County's Deferred Compensation Plan, prepares meeting minutes, coordinates signature processes, and manages correspondence.
• Ensures all financial reporting deadlines are met.
• Stays abreast of new developments in GAAP and GASB standards, researching accounting issues as required.
• Assists with preparing financial documents related to capital call and distribution.
• Assists with reconciliations for employer, employee contributions and benefit payments.
• Performs daily cash reconciliation.
• Performs and assists in high level administrative tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree and two (2) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Solid knowledge of post-employment benefits, alternative investments, and cash forecasting.
• Familiarity with audits, invoices, monthly/quarterly closing processes, and financial policy implementation.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's Degree with major course work in Accounting and experience in governmental accounting preferred.
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or other related professional certification is preferred.
• Experience with SAP or other Enterprise Resource Planning systems is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.