Section Chief of Deduction Accounting (Accountant 3)

Salary: $66,250.00 - $100,636.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2025-23425-03040
Department: Executive Offices
Division: EX OB BCPO Pay Acctg
Opening Date: 04/18/2025
Closing Date: 5/1/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 03040
Position Number: 00068191
Union: Non-Union
Bargaining Unit: A3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00815814
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Commonwealth Payroll Operations
Worksite Address: 555 Walnut Street
Worksite Address: 9th Floor
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17101
Contact Name: Mindi Klinger
Contact Phone: 717.214.3871
Contact Email: minklinger@pa.gov

THE POSITION

Are you a dedicated and passionate accounting professional who thrives in a fast-paced and ever-evolving work environment? If you are a proactive and motivated individual with a talent for analysis and a strong focus on detail, we encourage you to submit your application today for the Accountant 3 position with the Bureau of Commonwealth Payroll Operations. This role provides an enriching career path that allows you to leverage your accounting skills to the fullest.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this position, you will oversee the accounting, reporting, and payment processes. Your responsibilities will include managing payroll deductions, benefits, settlements, and deceased payments for various agencies. Additionally, you will be responsible for the accurate distribution of funds exceeding $5.6 billion annually. Moreover, you will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance of payroll taxes for Federal, State and Local authorities, including filing returns on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, reconciling W-2c's and W-3c's, as well as correspondence and distribution of any applicable form 1099's.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
• This position is eligible for alternate work schedule upon completion of probationary period.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time, with occasional in-office days when work dictates such requirements. Please keep in mind that while this is a full-time telework position, that can change at any time at the Governor's discretion. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as an Accountant 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration; or
• Three years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, and graduation from a four-year college or university, including or supplemented by fifteen credits in accounting.
• Four years of bookkeeping experience and fifteen college credits in accounting may be substituted for college graduation. A Master's degree in Accounting or a related field may be substituted for one year of general work experience.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an Accountant 2 for one or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03

How many years of full-time progressively responsible professional accounting experience do you possess?

• 3 years or more
• 2 but less than 3 years
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

04

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05

Have you completed a master's degree in accounting or a related field?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• Yes
• No

06

Have you completed a bachelor's degree?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• Yes
• No

07

Have you completed 15 or more college level credits in accounting?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• Yes
• No

08

Do you possess four or more years of full-time bookkeeping experience?

• Yes
• No

09

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
10

Are you currently licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?

• Yes
• No

11

If you answered yes to the above question, please provide your CPA license number. If you answered no to the above question, type N/A in the text box below.
12

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

13

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - SUPERVISION
Supervises staff by assigning work and establishing priorities and timeframes for completion. Reviews employee performance and prepares evaluation reports. Interviews prospective employees and recommends selection. Receives and resolves grievances and complaints, and counsels employees when necessary. Provides guidance to staff on complex issues and approves or denies leave requests. Identifies training needs and provides training to staff.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience performing a full range of supervisory duties, including approving leave, reviewing employee performance, directing the work of subordinates, assigning training, conducting employment interviews, and addressing disciplinary issues.
• B. I have experience as a lead worker. I have provided on the job training to newly hired staff, reviewed their work, or served as a team or group leader, but I was NOT responsible for employee discipline or hiring decisions.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to supervisory development, but I do not have at least six months of supervisory or lead work experience in a work environment.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

14

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The actual duties you performed related to supervision or lead work.

Your level of responsibility.

15

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

16

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - COMMUNICATION
Prepares and presents information and studies related to asset protection and evaluating internal controls. This may include preparing software-generated technical or narrative reports, tables, graphs, and charts as well as responding to inquiries regarding asset protection and internal controls. Responds to informational requests and provides procedural guidelines, criteria, and training necessary for the implementation and management of asset protection and evaluating internal controls.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have developed AND presented materials for use in asset protection or evaluating internal controls.
• B. I have presented materials, created by someone else, for use in asset protection and evaluating internal controls.
• C. I have experience responding to informational requests regarding asset protection or internal controls.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communications, business or technical writing, English composition, journalism, or speech.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

17

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

Your experience developing materials for use in asset protection or evaluating internal controls.

Your experience presenting materials for use in asset protection or evaluating internal controls.

Your experience responding to informational requests regarding programs or guidelines.

Your level of responsibility.

18

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

19

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - PROGRAM EVALUATION
Evaluates work methods and procedures to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. Recommends and provides guidance and tools for implementing new or updated work processes, rules, policies, and procedures to create a more efficient and effective organization.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience evaluating work methods and procedures to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. I developed tools and provided recommendations for implementing new or updated work processes, rules, policies, and procedures.
• B. I have experience evaluating work methods and procedures to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges but did NOT develop tools or provide recommendations for implementing new or updated work processes, rules, policies, and procedures.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to program evaluation, program analysis, project monitoring and evaluation, or evaluation theory, design, and methods.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

20

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

The actual duties you performed related to evaluating programs.

The type(s) of recommendations you made.

Your level of responsibility.

21

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to training, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

22

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - COMPLIANCE
Provides a uniform and cost-effective system of accounting and financial controls to ensure accountability of government assets. Monitors agency compliance with established accounting standards. Identifies areas of risk related to the accuracy and completeness of inventories, financial statements, and reports. Develops and implements procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience monitoring compliance with established accounting standards to ensure accountability of assets. I developed and implemented procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.
• B. I have experience monitoring compliance with established accounting standards to ensure accountability of assets but did NOT develop or implement procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business management or business law.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

23

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

Your experience monitoring compliance with established accounting standards to ensure accountability of assets.

Your experience developing and implementing procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk.

Your level of responsibility.

24

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

College/University

Course Title

Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question