Agency Information: Kansas Department of Agriculture
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. The department works for the entire Kansas agriculture sector including farmers, ranchers, food establishments and agribusinesses. The agency has a balanced approach to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and Kansas economy while promoting and advocating for the agriculture industry, the state’s largest industry, employer, and economic contributor. KDA helps to ensure a safe food supply, protects natural resources, promotes public health and safety, protects animal health, and provides consumer protection to the best of our ability.
Kansas Department of Agriculture: 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professionally minded individuals with at least six years of direct experience related to accounting, auditing, budgeting, procurement or closely related financial position preferred. Candidates may also qualify through a combination of relevant education, work experience, training, or certification.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), practices and standards.
• Proficient with computers, especially bookkeeping or financial software and Office.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills needed for collaboration with people at all levels.
• High level of efficiency, accuracy, integrity and attention to detail.
• Strong multi-tasking, project management and prioritization skills.
• Strong ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality are essential.
• Employee is required have a valid Class C (or higher) Kansas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state. Employee is responsible to maintain an acceptable driving record to safely drive state vehicle and be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (NOT REQUIRED):

• Knowledge and experience with the State of Kansas SMART system.
• Knowledge and experience auditing governmental programs and services or financial records.
• Knowledge and experience of relevant laws, regulations and accounting standards regarding State procurement, statutes and policies.

POST-OFFER/PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law.
If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is seeking three accountant professionals that will support accounting work in the maintenance, review and control of financial records and fiscal programs in a major state department. The work involves assisting the Assistant Chief Fiscal Officer and Chief Fiscal Officer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture in the management of an extensive fiscal program as well as performing specialized accounting tasks such as cost accounting, encumbrances and revenue analysis. Requires a thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

POSITION SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position performs all accounting functions (Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable) for program(s) within the Kansas Department of Agriculture and requires an understanding of the procurement as well as audit review and analysis for the State of Kansas.

• Work with staff to successfully make purchases that exceed agency authority through State of Kansas appropriate procurement processes
• Determines appropriate expenditure object codes and verifies accuracy of funding for all invoices and expense reports and ensures all fees received are receipted accurately.
• Processes detailed information for encumbrances and payments in the Statewide Management Accounting and Reporting Tool (SMART)
• Compiles the financial data and balances the various financial reports monthly
• Analyzes financial data to ensure positive balances to develop the individual program budgets and assist program managers in the financial analysis of their programs for the Department of Agriculture
• Recognizes issues in fiscal operations and proposes changes as necessary to the Assistant Chief Fiscal Officer and/or Chief Fiscal Officer
• Responds to inquiries pertaining to accounting procedures and policies
• Assists in the resolution of difficult accounting problems
• Provides technical assistance and training to department staff on accounting and fiscal procedures
• Develop various non-standard reports as deemed necessary, or upon request, in order to provide information to department program managers as they perform their daily management functions.
• Apply State of Kansas systems and policy to ensure agency purchasing, travel, and requisition activities comply with Department of Administration requirements.
• Create and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.