Accountant 1 (General Accounting and Defined Contribution Plans Division)

About the Role

The Office of Financial Management of the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) seeks a self-motivated, organized accountant who thrives on managing deadlines and multiple priorities. This position is part of a small team within the General Accounting and Defined Contribution Plans Division (GADCP) that focuses on performing general accounting duties for the Defined Benefit Plan.

Responsibilities

• Ledger Transactions: Record, classify, and post transactions to the general ledger.
• Contribution Processing: Handle checks and electronic payments received from SERS employers.
• Cash Movement: Perform daily cash movement tasks to ensure agreement with PA Treasury records.
• Journal Entries: Prepare and post journal entries to maintain accurate financial reporting.
• Account Reconciliation: Complete reconciliations as part of monthly and annual financial statement preparation.
• Data Compilation: Compile financial information for reports, surveys, and information requests.

About SERS

Established in 1923, SERS is one of the nation's oldest retirement plans for public employees, managing pension benefits for over 246,000 employees and retirees across 96 public sector employers. In 2025, SERS paid more than $4.0 billion in benefits and managed nearly $50 billion in assets. Our mission is to prepare members and participants for financial security in retirement through ethical practices, innovation, collaboration, and an inclusive workplace.

Schedule

• Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week, Monday through Friday.
• Work schedule between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with a half-hour or one-hour unpaid meal period, dependent on operational requirements. The schedule may not end prior to 4:00 p.m.
• Hybrid telework opportunity may be available, requiring a securely configured high-speed internet connection and an approved location within Pennsylvania. Telework is subject to operational needs and may change at any time.

Requirements

• Successful completion of the Commonwealth's Accounting Intern Program; or
• One year as a Fiscal Technician (Commonwealth or equivalent Federal Government job title) and fifteen college credits in accounting; or
• One year as a Financial Programs Trainee (Commonwealth or equivalent Federal Government job title); or
• Five years of bookkeeping experience and fifteen college credits in accounting; or
• A Bachelor's Degree including or supplemented by fifteen credits in accounting.

Applicants within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree will be considered to have met the educational requirements.

Other Requirements

• Must meet Pennsylvania residency requirements.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.
• Must pass a background investigation.