Accounting Specialist - PFML Accounting Specialist

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Department of Labor - Paid Family and Medical Leave
Job Class Code: 6506
Grade: 18 (Administrative Services)
Salary: $19.73 - $28.41 (Hourly)
Location: Augusta
Opening Date: February 28, 2025
Closing Date:  March 16, 2025

Are looking for a primarily remote position? 

Are you looking to be a part of a team of dedicated professionals committed to building one of the most impactful programs in recent state history? 

The State of Maine is now recruiting staff for the new Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Program. The Accounting Specialists’ will be key team members in one of the largest and most impactful new programs in the State with the objective of delivering a service that Mainers can easily use in their time of need. 

As the members of the Contributions Collections Support Unit, the Accounting Specialists will be responsible for overseeing accounting and customer support functions for employers and self-elected individuals in paying their contributions to the PFML trust fund.  These positions will ensure that businesses understand how to remit contributions for the PFML program through the establishing technology system, and will manage processes related to payment, overpayment refunding, and collections for non-compliance.    

We offer a flexible hybrid work schedule. 

Primary responsibilities include:  

• Provides information on PFML law and administrative procedures in order to clarify them to employers, self-elected individuals, and the general public.
• Develops recommendations for new organizational procedures in order to improve the system.
• Contact employers for collection of overdue PFML contributions and development of payment plans.
• Analyze data for payment or recoupment actions.
• Determine issuance of contribution warrants and liens.
• Estimate wages of non-compliant employers to determine delinquent contributions and interest owed.
• Investigate complaints/alleged violations and determine appropriate course of action in accordance with established procedures.
• Makes recommendations and participates in legal actions against non-compliant employers in order to ensure proper collection of delinquent funds.
• Communicates with the public under conditions requiring considerable tact to explain laws, rules, etc.
• Complies with the requirements of State policies, including those concerning human resource components of security protocols of agency information security and confidentiality policies for state business purposes.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of accounts receivable and collection principles and practices.
• Knowledge of basic investigative principles, practices, and techniques.
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive reports.
• Ability to negotiate payment plans.
• Ability to identify customer problems and recommend practical solutions.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Minimum qualifications:

Training, education, or experience in office and administrative support work that demonstrates 1) competency in applying a proficient knowledge of bookkeeping principles and practices to perform advanced work in collecting delinquent unemployment compensation taxes, and 2) the ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and decision-making on complex administrative matters. All positions in this classification assume the qualifications of: Accounting Assistant and Accounting Associate I and Accounting Associate II. 

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Carl Robbins, (207) 530-3098 or carl.robbins@maine.gov

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700.  Paper applications for this posting should be submitted