Assistant Accountant Jobs in Meriden, CT (NOW HIRING)

Introduction
Are you experienced in federal grant accounting and interested in bringing your talents to state service?
The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS), is seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented Accountant to support the fiscal management of a major federal grant focused on advancing rural health transformation in Connecticut. These positions play a critical role in ensuring grant funds are managed responsibly, expenditures align with approved budgets and program goals, and financial reporting and compliance requirements are met.
We encourage those who are interested in this unique opportunity to read along and apply!
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• LOCATION: Hartford, CT
• SHIFT: First shift | full time | 40 hours per week
• SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, with a Hybrid schedule (office/telework) available consistent with State of CT Telework Policy.
• NOTE: These positions are durational and will terminate at the end of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) grant spending period (October 30, 2030, but depending on available RHTP funds and business needs, may be extended by up to 11 months, no later than September 30, 2031), unless funding for these positions ends sooner.

BENEFITS & BALANCE AT THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
As an employee, we can offer you:

• Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage.
• Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings.
• Paid time off - including 13 paid holidays per calendar year.
• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
• A work culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance to all employees.
• State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.

We invite you to view our State Employee Benefits Overview page to learn more.
In addition, the State puts an emphasis on:

• Providing limitless opportunities;
• Hiring for diversity and fresh perspectives;
• Performing meaningful work and;
• Encouraging a healthy work/life balance!

Our state has a lot to offer - from fun activities for all ages, to great food and shopping, to beautiful state parks and forests, to our diverse cultures and rich history. Connecticut is a great place to live! Learn more about Connecticut here.
YOUR ROLE
The ideal candidate is motivated by public service, enjoys working with complex financial data, and takes pride in maintaining strong fiscal controls and accurate reporting. This role offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with internal fiscal and program staff, as well as partner agencies, while contributing to high-impact initiatives that improve access to care and health outcomes for communities across the state. Candidates with experience in federal grant accounting, budget management, and financial compliance are strongly encouraged to apply.
More details can be found in the class specification and the 'Examples of Duties' section below.
ABOUT OUR AGENCY
The Department of Social Services (DSS) delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut's multi-faceted health and human services agency. DSS serves about 1 million residents of all ages in all 169 Connecticut cities and towns. We support the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities. Services are delivered through 12 service centers, central administration, and online and phone access options. With service partners, DSS:
• provides federal/state food and economic aid, health care coverage, independent living and home care, social work, child support, home-heating aid, protective services for older adults, and more vital service areas.
• supports the health of nearly 850,000 residents through HUSKY Health (Medicaid & Children's Health Insurance Program), including medical, dental, behavioral health, prescription medications, long-term services and supports.
• helps nearly 370,000 residents afford food and supports Connecticut's economy with federally-funded Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).
• has 1,700 dedicated staff led by Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves
START WITH US. STAY WITH US. GROW WITH US.
At the end of a durational assignment, the candidate may choose to apply to other opportunities within state service. Below is a possible career path for Accountants within the State of CT.
Career progression pathway within the State of Connecticut: starting with Accounting Careers Trainee or Assistant Accountant, advancing to Accountant, then Associate Accountant, and ending at Supervising Accountant.
Selection Plan
NEW: Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!
Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THIS RECRUITMENT:

• Please include any related certification and licensure credential details within your application.
• Be sure to select all locations you are interested in and commutable to.

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• NEW: Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates-such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links-please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information."
• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview:Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• This employer may participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm work authorization.
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Samantha Rivera at Samantha.Rivera@CT.Gov
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in professional accounting.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Records complex and compound journal entries;
• Prepares balance sheets and financial statements involving multiple accounts;
• Analyzes and interprets accounting records and reports;
• Assists higher level staff in planning, design and implementation of accounting procedures or systems;
• Reviews expenditures and prepares or reviews financial statements;
• Assists in budget management by compiling and reviewing agency manager program budget proposals, preparing estimates and calculations of projected expenditures and quarterly allotments, and preparing monthly reports;
• Monitors fiscal aspects of grant programs by preparing or reviewing financial reports, reviewing expenditures for compliance with grant contracts, providing technical assistance to grantees in maintaining accounting records;
• Recommends accounting related improvements to business practices such as accounting controls and financial reviews;
• Utilizes electronic data processing (EDP) systems for financial records, reports and analysis;
• Assists in EDP experts in planning and implementation of financial aspects of EDP systems;
• May supervise bookkeeping (e.g., maintenance, balancing and reconciling of accounts), accounts payable and/or receivable functions or other accounting related paraprofessional or clerical functions;
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of
• professional accounting principles and practices;
• governmental accounting and budgeting;
• basic auditing principles and practices;
• Skills
• interpersonal skills;
• oral communication and written skills;
• Ability to
• prepare, analyze and evaluate financial statements and other accounting records and reports;
• analyze and evaluate accounting methods and procedures;
• utilize EDP systems for financial management;
• read and interpret written materials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Six (6) years of experience in accounting or auditing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been at the paraprofessional level. Work at the paraprofessional level requires exercise of some independent judgment in applying basic accounting principles and may be compared to the level of a full charge bookkeeper.
NOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of an Assistant Accountant.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

• Successful completion of an Accounting Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience and Special Experience.
• College training in accounting or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master's degree in accounting may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor may be substituted for one (1) year of the General and Special Experience.
• Two (2) years of experience as an Assistant Accountant may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in federal grant accounting within a state government or public-sector environment, including responsibility fo