Accountant Advanced

The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS) administers benefits for over 397,000 members, including active employees, retirees, and vested participants across 12 retirement systems—supporting the financial security of Maryland’s public servants. 

Located in Baltimore’s Central Business District, MSRPS offers a purpose-driven workplace with modern amenities, including panoramic city and harbor views, renovated common areas, upgraded elevators, and an on-site café. 

Employees enjoy comprehensive state benefits including; medical, dental, prescription coverage, generous paid leave, participation in the state pension system, and supplemental retirement savings options (401(k), 457(b), and more). Additional perks include an on-site fitness center with showers and lockers, 24/7 building security, and easy access to restaurants, shops, public transit, and major highways. 

If you're seeking a career with impact, stability, and a supportive environment, explore opportunities with MSRPS. 

This position is eligible for a Hybrid work schedule after the completion of the probationary period.

120 East Baltimore Street  

Baltimore, Maryland 21202  

The main purpose of this position is to reconcile payroll data elements (contribution amounts and hours) as reported by over 160 separate employers, to validation reports generated through the State Retirement Agency's (SRA) automated system. Discrepancies are communicated to employers to facilitate resolution through corrective actions including but not limited to the preparation and submission of manual adjustment transactions. 

Other critical position functions include identifying discrepancies, resolving differences, and preparing corrective transactions for other Agency prepared non-payroll transactions processed through SRA validation programs. SRA automated processes necessitate a two-step approach whereby data is first processed through a validation program that performs data edits for subsequent continued processing through a separate update process that records (posts) the validation data to the SRA's active master file used to maintain participant data for over 200,000 active member accounts. Performance of this reconciliation and error resolution process are for all data validated through Agency programs for the purpose of ensuring the integrity of data updated to the SRA's active master file. 

The timely and accurate execution of these responsibilities in accordance with prescribed laws, regulations and procedures is an essential element in the Agency's efforts to meet the objectives of our Mission Statement. 

This position will be responsible for:  

Payroll Validation Reports - Reconciles payroll validation reports generated through SRA automated systems of employer reported payroll data elements (contributions and hours); identifying discrepancies; communicating differences to employers and initiating corrective actions including but not limited to the preparation and submission of any necessary transactions within that week's payroll processing cycle, or to direct employers to make an adjustment in accordance with SRA payroll validation procedures. Performance of this function requires a thorough knowledge and understanding  of standard accounting reconciliation conventions, applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to maintenance of employer payroll data on the SRA's active master file. Handle the daily reconciliation to the individual validation reports to ensure that employer payroll data contribution amounts are in agreement with cash remittance. Contact Payroll Reporting centers for correct adjustment reports or contribution discrepancies. 

Prepares Adjustments - Review adjustment reports from employers and create current and prior period adjustment transactions to resolve outstanding issues and prepares adjustments to reenter Agency payroll transactions that did not pass SRA's program edits. 

ASF Reconciliation - Completes the Annuity Savings Fund (ASF) reconciliation. On a daily basis records and maintains a detailed historical file of outstanding cash shortages/overages for adjustments to reported payroll periods. The list must reconcile to the Annuity Savings Fund each day by system and by dollar amount. Reconcile the payroll and adjustment validations for each PRCJ320 report. On a monthly basis complete the ASF reconciliation to the General Ledger as well. 

Miscellaneous Duties as Assigned - Performs other miscellaneous duties as directed by Division Management. Some of these duties include answering an employer hotline for employer questions and working with unit staff to meet deadlines in the absence of other employees. Overtime is a condition of employment. 

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Accounting from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by three credit hours in auditing. 

Experience: Three years of experience examining, analyzing and interpreting accounting systems, records and reports by applying generally accepted accounting principles. 

Notes: 

1. Candidates may substitute a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with thirty credit hours in Accounting and related courses, including or supplemented by three credit hours in auditing for the required education. 

2. Applicants who have met the requirements for admission to the CPA examination prior to July 1, 1974 will be considered to have met the educational requirement referenced above. 

3. Possession of a certificate as a Certified Public Accountant or a master's degree in accounting from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one year of the required experience. 

4. Applicants may substitute one year of professional auditing experience for one year of the required experience. 

5. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the Accounting Officer classification or Financial Management specialty codes in the Accounting field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. 

Please note that your answers to the supplemental questionnaire must correspond to the information provided on your application to receive credit 

Preferred candidates will possess the following qualifications:  

• Two years of experience focused on payroll accounting and benefits reconciliation.  
• Proficiency in data analysis, reconciliations, and journal entry preparation related to payroll and benefits; 
• Experience working independently, managing multiple priorities, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment; 
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite; 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with a high attention to detail; 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills working with internal and external stakeholders. 

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the minimum for this recruitment.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date.   

Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year. This list will be used by the hiring agency to select employees.  

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must accompany the application.  

Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background check.  

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.  

• Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date). 
• Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year. 
• Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.   
• Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child. 
• Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least thirteen (13) holidays per year.   
• Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension. 
• Positions may be eligible for telework. 

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to:  

Maryland State Retirement and Pension Systems 

Human Resources Section 

120 E. Baltimore Street 

Baltimore, MD 21202 

Email: Shanera Johnson at smjohnson@sra.state.md.us 

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT UNSOLICITED DOCUMENTATION   

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.   

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.   

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.   

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