Contractual Agency Fiscal and Budget Officer

Introduction


The Maryland Office of Correctional Ombudsman is an independent unit within the Maryland State Government established in July of 2024. The Office of the Correctional Ombudsman (OCO) provides independent oversight of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Department of Juvenile Services. The primary purpose of the agency is to provide public reports and recommendations concerning the needs and rights of incarcerated individuals, their families, and prison volunteers. The OCO will improve safety and other conditions within Maryland's prisons.


This is a Special Appointment position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.


GRADE


17


LOCATION OF POSITION


300 West Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job


Perform all fiscal services for the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the State of Maryland.


Prepare and manage the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman's budget in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the State of Maryland.

POSITION DUTIES

In collaboration with the Correctional Ombudsman or designee, performs all fiscal services for the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures prescribed and disseminated by the Department of Budget and Management.


In collaboration with the Correctional Ombudsman or designee, prepare, develop, and implement the annual budget, including recommending additions, deletions, or changes to the Administration prior to submission of the budget to OBA and MGA.


Analyze, process, and report on accounts receivable and payable, including maintaining the databases and reviewing, calculating, verifying, recording and reconciling all transactions.


Reconciling agency timekeeping and payroll systems and developing automated spreadsheets, ledgers and reports or identifying trends and analysis of employee salaries, wages, overtime, shift differential and leave.


Develop, implement and manage short and long-range plans for fiscal operations and resources, with the Correctional Ombudsman, their Deputies, and/or designee.


Monitors expenditures, prepares periodic and special budget projections and recommends adjustments in budget appropriations to meet operational necessities subject to the approval of the Correctional Ombudsman and/or their designee.


Establish agency wide fiscal policies and procedures and oversee their implementation, evaluating the effectiveness of those policies and procedures and implementing major revisions, with the approval of the Correctional Ombudsman, their Deputies, and/or designee.


Prepares and analyzes periodic and special reports to keep management advised of the fiscal status of the agency.


Conducts the annual fiscal year end closeout in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.


Provides information to auditors reviewing the Agency and develops and implements corrective action plans resulting from audit exceptions.


When requested by the Ombudsman may represent the agency before federal, state and local officials, legislative committees and senior managers and executives of other agencies concerning program and fiscal activities.


May oversee procurement, inventory and supply activities.


Performs other related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.


Experience: Five years of administrative staff or professional work.


Notes:


1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.


2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.


3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.


4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for- year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate should possess:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) background.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs).
• Experience with ERP systems, and financial software like FMIS, Web Focus, or Portfol.
• Experience in budget preparation, cost allocation, financial reporting, and GAAP compliance.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, along with experience in supervising staff or handling complex reconciliations.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS


Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.


SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.


Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.


For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io, MD TTY Relay Service View phone number on click.appcast.io.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.