Staff Accountant, Human Services Department

Salary

Hiring Rate: $30.79/hour, Grade 17, Non-Exempt, AFSCME Human Services

Stearns County Mission: Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.
Stearns County Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Stearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Hiring Range Salary: $30.79-$36.77/hourly

Stearns County is seeking a highly dedicated individual with attention to detail to join our accounting team in the Human Services Department. This position provides an opportunity to utilize your customer service and analytical skills to determine outcomes and produce effective financial reports. If you are driven by a desire to problem-solve in a fast-paced environment, this is your opportunity to make a difference through a rewarding career in public service. Stearns County derives strength from its workforce and provides a welcoming environment where all are respected and valued.
 

County employees are provided a comprehensive benefit package, contributions to a Pension Plan, and generous time off. Refer to our Benefits Overview.
 

Position Objective
To provide assistance with managing and maintaining departmental financial records, accounts and data systems. This position is responsible for preparing and analyzing financial information, providing accurate reports, and making recommendations for management review and decision making.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.

1. Performs accounting entries, transactions, and reconciliations to provide accurate and timely financial records for department operations and reporting.
2. Prepares and presents financial reporting information including budgets, actual expenditures and revenues for directors, state departments and outside agencies.
3. Prepares program budgets and actual cost reports for grants and contracts to ensure compliance with grant agreements or contracts and ensure accurate and timely cost reporting to maximize revenues.
4. Prepares annual audit documents for review by Internal and External Auditor.
5. Ensures compliance with requirements for federal reimbursement cost claims.
6. Assists with developing and monitoring various departmental annual budgets.
7. Performs review and analysis of transactions for trends, compliance, and irregularities.
8. Interprets and analyzes fiscal data; provides guidance for future departmental activities.
9. Assists with the revision and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.
10. Assists with internal auditing of financial policies and procedures.
11. Audits records and provides training to program staff on the claiming process.
12. Performs duties as SSIS Fiscal mentor for staff users to ensure information in SSIS is accurate and complete.
13. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
14. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in accounting or finance
• Two years of relevant accounting experience
• Experience using Microsoft Office Excel

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced experience using Microsoft Office Excel and experience in data analytic software

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

 1. Knowledge of the principles and practices of governmental accounting.
 2. Knowledge of the principles of monitoring and projecting expenses and general auditing.
 3. Knowledge and understanding of the objectives and functions of human services programs.
 4. Knowledge of grant reporting.
 5. Knowledge of healthcare claiming.
 6. Ability to prioritize work and complete a variety of assignments independently.
 7. Ability to prepare statistical reports.
 8. Ability to analyze, develop and assist in the modification of accounting procedures, methods, and techniques.
 9. Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment when arriving at conclusions.
 10. Ability to develop and interpret accounting records and documents
 11. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Accountabilities Shared by all Employees
1. Consistently performs job responsibilities with a positive attitude and in a manner consistent with the County’s mission and values.
2. Develops and maintains a respectful and collaborative professional relationship with all County employees and the public we serve.
3. Values and respects the diversity each employee brings to the organization.
4. Develops and maintains knowledge and understanding of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
5. Complies with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 100% of the time indoors. May require minimal attendance at meetings outside of normal work hours. Will have infrequent exposure to health hazards and accidents; requires a low level of physical effort. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota.

Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Human Services Supervisor.

Responsibility for Public Contact 
Moderate.

Hours of Work
Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include hours outside of normal work hours on occasion. Potential to work hybrid/flexible work hours.

Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.

Benefits

To view Stearns County benefits go to: Stearns County Benefits Page

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.