Financial Compliance Specialist (03860)

The Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration (MPERA) is committed to providing secure and sustainable retirement benefits to nearly 60,000 members and retirees. The agency administers ten retirement plans and is dedicated to customer service, member education, and operational efficiency.

We are seeking an individual with a balance of solid accounting/auditing expertise and soft skills to work with a wide variety of participating members, providing retirement benefit information on ten separate retirement plans in our highly driven Fiscal Services Bureau. This position verifies and performs an audit of benefit calculations, service purchases and final payments to our members and retirees. Communicates differing retirement plan provisions to participants to the diverse population of plan participants who are employees from state, university system, school district and local government employers. Given the work we do is largely regulatory in nature, we would prefer if you had a strong foundation in auditing or accounting.

What are we seeking?

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree with coursework emphasis in accounting, finance, economics or closely related fields; AND
• Demonstrated professional experience performing accounting or auditing work with at least 3 years of experience; AND
• Strong aptitude for using moderate to advanced functions of Excel.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Competencies:

Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn:

• State retirement statues, administrative rules, regulations and policies.
• Actuarial principles related to the calculation of retirement benefits.
• Advise and train benefit specialists in their calculation role.

Ability to:

• Recommend actions to address violations, corrections, or new requirements in rules/regulations.
• Problem-solving: ability to effectively look at a problem and break it down using critical thinking skills.
• Operate comfortably with moderate to advanced Excel functions.
• Analyze and interpret data effectively as well as identify errors.
• Provide effective and professional customer service.
• Communicate effectively and diplomatically, both verbally and in writing with staff members, agencies, and members of the public.
• Research and analyze employment data and apply critical thinking to problem solve.
• Communicate complex plan provisions and resolve member questions, with courtesy, respect and without influence.
• Effectively work both in a team environment and independently to achieve business objectives and timelines.
• Maintain high attention to detail: ability to pay attention to the little details.
• Manage workload and juggle multiple tasks while identifying order of priority.
• Adapt to changing conditions and work responsibilities.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume and cover letter. (Please Note: You do not need to complete the "work experience" or the "education & certifications" portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.)

What can you expect from us in return for your work at our agency?

Look here to see the additional benefits! They include:

• Work/life Balance

• Health Coverage

• Retirement plans

• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays

• And more…

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Other important information to be aware of.

• This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

The Department of Administration participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.