Title IV-E Lead Grant Accountant / Accounting Officer Principal

Location: St. Paul
Telework eligible: Yes
Full-time, unlimited (permanent) position

About the role

This position serves as the State of Minnesota’s primary fiscal authority and subject-matter expert for all federal Title IV-E Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Northstar Care for Children financial, reporting, claiming, and cost allocation activities. The incumbent directs statewide Title IV-E fiscal policy, interprets federal regulations, leads federal audit response and CAP negotiation, oversees the IV-E CB-496 quarterly reporting process, and ensures all DCYF Title IV-E claiming mechanisms are federally compliant, accurate, and audit-ready. Additionally, the position manages statewide fiscal operations for Group Facilities, the Placing Agencies Time Study (PATS), FFPSA facility eligibility, and related cost reporting processes. These projects serve as key sources of financial data used in Title IV-E claiming and cost allocation formulas.

Responsibilities

• Interpret federal Title IV-E law, shape fiscal policy, and ensure Minnesota remains compliant with all federal requirements.
• Advise DCYF leadership on complex financial, regulatory, and legislative matters that affect statewide claiming and federal reimbursement.
• Ensure that Minnesota’s Title IV-E programs operate within federal regulations and are prepared for federal audits and eligibility reviews.
• Assist with cost allocation plan amendments, respond to federal audit inquiries, defend Minnesota’s claiming methodologies, and develop strategies to resolve disputes or ensure compliance.
• Oversee and manage all statewide financial operations associated with Title IV-E claiming and reporting.
• Full administration of Minnesota’s Group Facilities, Placing Agencies Time Study (PATS), and FFPSA-related facility eligibility processes to provide essential cost allocation and rate-setting data.
• Provide fiscal oversight and support for the Northstar Care for Children program.
• Manage and control the federal funds for the Title IV-E Foster Care Program Administration and Training Grant Awards.
• Provide expert consultation, training, and communication to counties, tribes, facilities, internal DCYF staff, and other stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in accounting, financial management, fiscal policy analysis, federal grant financial operations, or related work (such as developing biennial and operating budgets, creating spending plans, establishing and maintaining government accounting systems, or managing the fiscal development, tracking, and renewal of state or federal grants). Experience must demonstrate:
  • Assisting with documentation and audit findings to ensure issues are accurately resolved.
  • Creating, analyzing, and presenting detailed financial reports to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Budget planning and analysis systems.
  • Ability to research and interpret complex legislation.
  • Providing training and technical assistance to unit staff and other partners.
• A Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field may substitute for 12 months of experience.
• A Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field may substitute for 18 months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Statewide Integrated Financial Tool (SWIFT), the State's accounting and procurement system.
• Experience with the State’s Enterprise Grant Management System.
• Experience with SWIFT grants module, grant project identification/coding, reporting, and management.
• Experience with Grant Management Life Cycle.
• Experience with indirect cost plans, rate setting, and/or cost allocations.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of a background investigation prior to employment, which may include:
  • Reference check
  • Criminal background check
  • Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
  • Driver’s License check
  • Personnel file review (for all current and former public sector employees)
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process.

Pay

$32.97 - $48.60 / hourly
$68,841 - $101,476 / annually

Schedule

Day shift: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Days of work: Monday - Friday
Travel required: Yes, 5% (statewide travel for conferences)

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer-paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Support to help you reach your career goals:
  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
  • A voluntary, confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.