Fiscal Specialist II-Finance, Bureau of Reporting & Grants/Division of Grants Accounting

Salary : $75,903.00 - $146,160.00 Annually

Location : Ellicott City, MD

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 25-00474

Department : Finance

Division : Finance - Bureau of Reporting

Opening Date : 01 / 30 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 13 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Eastern

POSITION SUMMARY / CLASS DESCRIPTION

Howard County :

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government :

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government :

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.

We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!

We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.

As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY :

Oversight responsibility for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant programs in all County departments to ensure compliance with the requirements of Federal regulations and the terms and conditions of the grant award. Reviews internal control policies and procedures to ensure the ARPA grant is expended in accordance with all appropriate governmental regulations as well as the County's Grants Management policy and procedures. This position requires a high level of knowledge and understanding of Federal statutes, regulations, and policies and will also assist with periodic reporting, budget management and other compliance activities as required. Position also requires considerable independence and the ability to work collaboratively with staff in various County departments. Position requires good communication skills, considerable discretion and confidentiality.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE :

36.49 - $41.17 $75,903 - $85,638

CLASS DESCRIPTION :

Performs intermediate professional level financial administrative work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes examining and evaluating administrative and operational programs, financial reporting systems, and agency budgets; performing accounts and records audits; planning, developing, analyzing, and monitoring fiscal records and budgets; and preparing financial statements. Monitors budgeting activities and records of major departments. Supervises cashiers and oversees County banking operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Sets up new American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects and sponsored programs within the SAP system.

Works with County agencies, subrecipients and other external beneficiaries of ARPA funds and aligns their program budgets and activities in accordance with U.S. Treasury guidance.

Documents how assistance initiatives meet the SLFRF eligible-use categories and retains documentation and conclusions for compliance and audit purposes.

Collaborates with the County's Consulting firm to seek expert advice on ARPA subject matter and guidance on legal and regulatory use of SLFRF for eligible programs, and to obtain support on preliminary eligibility, commentaries, and program design of proposed projects.

Collects required documents pertaining to grant recipients such as W9 Federal Tax ID Form, vendor information, tax-exempt status, and ensuring the entity has active SAM.gov registration with no suspension and debarment and in good standing with the County.

Populates programmatic data in the County's ARPA Reporting tool and maintains up-to-date information.

Collaborates with the Budget Office and DTCS in developing routine and ad-hoc reports as requested by Administration for internal use as well as for public disclosures of the County's ARPA programs.

Periodically collects performance metrics the County intends to track and report.

Drafts beneficiary and sub-recipient grant agreements and coordinates the signatory process.

Ensures all agreements are fully executed and updated as needed.

Initiates the process of disbursing grant awards to recipients by communicating payment requests to Accounts Payable.

Coordinates between the Department of Finance and other County departments to ensure compliance with governmental regulations, statutes, and grants management policy and procedures.

Guides the staff of implementing departments by answering questions and providing interpretations of the U.S. Treasury guidance and related regulations. Advises the departments regarding requirement for any year-end accruals.

Interprets U.S. Treasury guidance and related regulations, policies, and award documents to determine allowable expenditures, payment provisions, and financial reporting requirements.

Ensures implementing departments are complying with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements (Uniform Guidance) for the ARPA Grant.

Ensures sub-recipients are properly monitored, as necessary to determine that they have expended sub-awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the sub-award and have met any pass-through entity requirements.

Performs periodic review and analysis of departmental expenditures and substantiates accuracy, compliance with budget and ARPA terms. Works with the implementing department and other accounting staff to resolve discrepancies. Tracks grant expenditure records in SAP to ensure they are up-to-date and accurate. Works with the implementing departments to ensure budget allocations are being met. Monitors to ensure all expenditures are allowable and have been posted correctly in SAP.

Attends various meetings within the County related to ARPA and remains apprised of new allocated projects and developments, with respect to allowable costs and documents required to support expenditures.

Works to ensure the County meets the U.S. Treasury quarterly reporting deadlines for SLFRF (ARPA).

Collect, analyze and review information for completeness and accuracy.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Bachelors degree and two (2) years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

P REFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Possess strong working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software packages.

Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Public Financial Officer (CPFO) is desired.

Experience in working with Federal and State grants.

Knowledge of governmental laws and regulations related to grants is preferred.

Knowledge of internal control procedures and practices is strongly recommended.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with variety of people across departments.

Flexibility to adapt to changing regulation and requirements.

Detail oriented and must possess strong communication and analytical skills.

Ability to multi-task.

Ability to work independently.

Experience with SAP or other Enterprise Resource Planning systems is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 10 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY :

Ability to read and interpret documents such as grant contracts, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively with granting organizations representatives or employees of the County on the phone and in person.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :

TO APPLY : You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.

At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http : / / www.naces.org) or World Education Services : International Credential Evaluation (https : / / www.wes.org / ).

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at

FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN : Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.

GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE : Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.

PAID LEAVE BENEFITS : Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and / or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.

ANNUAL LEAVE : During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.

DISABILITY LEAVE : Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness / injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.

PERSONAL LEAVE : Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.

HOLIDAYS : Employees are paid for the following holidays : New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.

OTHER PAID LEAVE : Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.

RETIREMENT : Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.Howard County Retirement Plan : Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7 / 1 / 2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan : Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.

SOCIAL SECURITY : Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.

457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN : Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM : Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE : Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $2500 contingent upon County funding.

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE : Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.

LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS : Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.

DISABILITY LEAVE BANK : Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.

VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS : Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, and universal life insurance.

CREDIT UNION : Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) in association with each work history entry. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered. Descriptions of duties that state "see resume" will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application. Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.

Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience / qualifications? $75,903- $85,638

Do you possess a Bachelor's degree with major coursework in Accounting or a related field?

Do you possess two (2) years of related work experience in the area of accounting and grant management?

If you possess two (2) years of experience in the area of accounting and grant management, please explain how you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

Do you possess experience working with Federal and State grants?

If you possess experience working with Federal and State grants, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

Do you possess any experience with monitoring budgeting activities and records of governmental departments or agencies?

If you possess any experience with monitoring budgeting activities and records of governmental departments or agencies, please explain how you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

Do you possess customer service experience as it relates to responding to inquiries regarding financial accounting and grant management?

If you possess customer service experience as it relates to responding to inquiries regarding financial accounting and grant management, please explain how you obtained this experience. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

Do you possess a working knowledge of governmental laws and regulations related to grants?

If you possess a working knowledge of governmental laws and regulations related to grants, please explain how you obtained this experience. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

How did you hear about this position?

If you indicated "Job Fair" or "Other" in the previous question, please indicate which job fair you attended and specifically how you became aware of this position. Otherwise, indicate "N / A" (Not Applicable).

Do you possess either a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Public Financial Officer (CPFO) certification? If so, please state which you possess in the space provided below. If you do not possess a certification, please state N / A (Not Applicable).

Please indicate your governmental accounting experience below :

Please indicate your experience working with a comprehensive integrated financial system such as SAP.

Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)?

I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and / or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.

I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and / or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.

Required Question

Salary : $75,903 - $85,638