ACCOUNTANT I

Accountant I

This position is not eligible for relocation, and this is not a remote position. Candidates must live within commuting distance to the Conway, Arkansas location. More than an entry-level accounting position, the Accountant I role at Arkansas TV, formerly Arkansas PBS, offersthe opportunity to become a well-rounded accountant, work closely with leadership, make a visible impact, and build a path toward the next career step. As part of a small, collaborative Finance team, this role works closely with the Controller and other Finance staff, providing valuable exposure to senior-level agency staff, financial operations, and opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the Finance department.

The Accountant I collaborates with financial staff and other divisions to ensure accurate and timely financial operations and prepares and analyzes financial statements, reports, and budgets using SAP, our accounting software, and Excel. This position is located on the beautiful UCA campus in Conway, offering an easy commute from the Little Rock area, along with the opportunity for a flexible work schedule, including eligibility for one remote workday per week after six months.

The Accountant I position involves maintaining financial records, processing transactions, reconciling accounts, and preparing reports in compliance with laws and regulations. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining hands-on accounting experience. Key skills include strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, communication, and attention-to-detail abilities, along with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting procedures.

Typical Functions:

• Creates and maintains accounting records for the general ledger; grants, contracts, receivables, expenditures, assets, and inventory.
• Processes journal entries and reconciles projects and accounts by identifying and resolving discrepancies.
• Establishes grant and contract accounts upon award completion and manages billings, invoices, drawdowns, budget modifications, expense transfers, and receivable transactions.
• Responsible for accounts receivable and accounts payable, including travel transactions.
• Prepares financial reports, spreadsheets, and database files to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Analyzes financial data, trends, revenues, expenditures, and obligations to project future budget needs.
• Follows purchasing and travel procedures to ensure appropriate account coding and payment responsibility in accordance with the Finance Management Guide and State Travel policy.
• Assists management in developing and improving accounting systems, procedures, and automated financial processes.
• Provides technical assistance to management, staff, and external stakeholders regarding accounting, budget, grant, and financial policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• 6 mos. or more of Arkansas state accounting experience using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) when processing accounting transactions through an automated accounting software system

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles, budgeting, and financial reporting practices.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal financial laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
• Experience with AASIS (the state accounting software system), or SAP, entering transactions and running reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel at an intermediate level or higher, including experience in creating accounting spreadsheets.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.