Central Accounting Specialist (Administrative Specialist I)

Central Accounting Specialist (Administrative Specialist I)

Are you a payroll pro but also a people person? The Nebraska Department of Education is looking for a detail-driven Central Accounting Specialist to help ensure our payroll and accounting systems run smoothly and efficiently. In this role, you'll process bi-weekly payroll, assist system users through the Kronos Helpdesk, and review financial transactions to accuracy and compliance. This is an experienced team with lots of knowledge to share. They're looking for candidates with high attention to detail and great customer service skills. Microsoft Excel is used daily so a close personal friendship with Excel is key! If you enjoy working with systems, supporting others, and keeping everything on track, this could be the opportunity for you!

**The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.**

Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE.

Pay Grade 5: $25.603/hour

This rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate.

In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $24,700 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at

• Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement
• 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!
• Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types
• 156% state-matched retirement (yes, that's $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return
• Thirteen paid holidays per year

Essential Functions

• Processes bi-weekly payroll, including reviewing, processing, reporting, and importing time between the Kronos time management system and JD Edwards financial system.
• Responds to employee inquiries related to Kronos via Kronos Helpdesk, as well as providing technical assistance to external stakeholders on Central Accounting fiscal matters. Serves as backup to Kronos System Administrator and QE2 Expense Administrator.
• Performs pre-audit function and processes payment and disbursement requests in support of the activities of the assigned section, ensuring claims are processed in a timely manner.
• Reviews requests for payment and disbursement, ensuring all necessary documentation is included with the request, and requests additional information. Maintains proper records for payment or disbursement requests to expedite audit procedures.
• Evaluates claims against rules and regulations that affect the assigned section, ensuring that the request is in compliance with rules and regulations, and denies requests that are not in compliance.
• Collects money, writes receipts, codes and posts transactions to proper accounts, and stores money for deposit with the State Treasurer.
• Enters, reviews, and approves the daily deposit and accounts receivable into the State Accounting System.
• Processes Automated Clearing House (ACH) and credit card payments and balance receivables and creates the journal entry for the various systems that receive payments via ACH transfer or credit card payments.
• Supports training of other Central Accounting staff and assists with development and review of internal Central Accounting processes and NDE accounting processes.
• Creates interim payroll worksheets for new employees and terminated employees.
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.

Working Conditions and Environment:

This position requires approximately 95% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 5% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as trainings or meetings. There is no expected overnight travel.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Associate's degree in a related field and two years of experience related to the essential functions of the position. Any equivalent education and/or work experience may be substituted in order to meet the minimum qualifications of the position.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience using Kronos, JD Edwards, and other accounting software performing payroll processing. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Professional.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.