Advantages and Benefits of Working
in the Oregon State Controller’s Division
Location
The State Controller’s Division located in Salem, Oregon occasionally has openings for a variety of accounting and financial management positions. Potential candidates will usually have had experience in a successful career in financial auditing or accounting within a governmental entity or comparable size/complex business environment. Our ideal candidates have extensive knowledge of governmental accounting standards and significant experience in application. For our positions needing advanced education in accounting, financial reporting, and financial management within the State Controller's Division, our preference is for degreed accountants and certification such as CGFM, CPA, CFE, or CIA.
Salem is located in the beautiful Willamette Valley about an hour from Portland, Oregon. The area is noted for being the capitol city, attractive landscape, wineries and excellent quality of life. Salem's parks, festivals, events, sports venues, vibrant downtown, riverfront access and arts attract people of all ages who love life and the outdoors.
Day trips to many areas of the state are only an hour away. The magnificent Oregon coast, the Cascade or Coast Mountain ranges, the high-desert and award-winning vineyards offer a variety of experiences that are rarely found in one area. With a mild climate and close to many beautiful sites it is an attractive place to live.
For complete detailed information on how to apply go to our State of Oregon Jobs Web Page.
YOUR Financial Incentives
PAY:
SALARY & HOURLY
See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P2000501.pdf. Per State of Oregon policy, all jobs are paid competitively which is defined as within 5% of comparable jobs in the public and private sectors.
OVERTIME PAY
See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P2000520.PDF. The State of Oregon enforces the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and compensates SCD employees for appropriate overtime under the act. In addition, overtime provisions and protections for SCD bargaining employees are found in the most recent bargaining contract. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/lr/0709SEIUmasterfin111907.pdf.
LEAD WORKER DIFFERENTIAL PAY
See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/lr/0709SEIUmasterfin111907.pdf. The State of Oregon compensates employees for assigned work that exceeds the normal pay classification of the employee.
PENSION PLAN:
TAX DEFERRED STATE PAID PENSIONS
See http://www.oregon.gov/PERS/index.shtml. The State of Oregon provides a generous planned benefit pension program and pays 100% of this cost on behalf of the employee. The plan is well funded and has received national attention for being one of the best managed public pension plans in the nation. The State also pays the equivalent of another 6% of your salary into a 401K type investment program which is in addition to and supplemental to the regular state pension benefit. This plan demonstrates our commitment to your long term independent financial health. In addition, the state contributes to your federal Social Security and Medicare plan further enhancing your retirement objectives.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
TAX FREE STATE PAID HEALTH INSURANCE
See http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/index.shtml. The State of Oregon provides generous health care benefits and pays 100% of the monthly health care premium for self, families, spouses, and domestic partners. Out of pocket costs and co-pays are low and very reasonable. At retirement time, our employees may purchase into the state employee health plan at cost or purchase low cost health benefits from the Public Employees Retirement System up to the time you convert to the federal Medicare plan. See http://www.pershealth.com/.
CASH BACK IN LIEU OF HEALTH INSURANCE WHEN COVERED ELSEWHERE
Certain employees who are covered under another group health plan may opt out of their free, state health insurance benefit and receive a monthly taxable supplemental cash payment instead of health insurance. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/docs/PDF/2008/Handbook/benbook080807low.pdf.
TAX FREE STATE PAID DENTAL INSURANCE
See http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/index.shtml. The State of Oregon provides generous dental care benefits and pays 100% of the monthly dental care premium for self, families, spouses, and significant others. Out of pocket costs and co-pays are low and very reasonable.
TAX FREE STATE PAID VISION INSURANCE
See http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/index.shtml. The State of Oregon provides generous vision care benefits and pays 100% of the monthly vision care premium for self, families, spouses, and significant others. Out of pocket costs and co-pays are low and very reasonable.
STATE PAID LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM
See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/docs/PDF/2008/Handbook/optionalplansintro.pdf. The State of Oregon provides each employee with state paid $5,000 life insurance coverage.
LOAN PROGRAM:
TAX DEFERRED COMPENSATION AND LOAN PROGRAM
See http://www.oregon.gov/PERS/OSGP/index.shtml. The State of Oregon provides an additional program for you to defer your compensation thus deferring federal and state taxes. In addition, the state has provided a low cost related loan program giving you access to your deferred funds under federal law.
OTHER:
TAX FREE EMPLOYEE PAID HEALTH AND CHILDCARE PROGRAMS
The State of Oregon offers two pre-tax spending programs you can use to save money. The Health Care Flexible Spending Account (or Health Care Reimbursement Account) is a state sponsored benefit program that allows you to use pre-tax money to pay for certain medical expenses. Enrolling in the Health Care FSA can lead to savings of up to 40% on each dollar that is set aside for medical expenses you are going to incur anyway. The Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account allows you to save on child or elder care expenses (e.g. babysitting, daycare, in-home care for an older dependent incapable of self-care). See http://orpebb.asiflex.com/default.aspx.
TAX FREE EMPLOYEE PAID PARKING
The SCD is located in a building that has both covered and uncovered convenient parking. There is a reasonable charge for both types of parking. Fees for parking are deducted before tax under the federal IRS program for tax free parking saving up to 40% of the cost of parking. See http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=181059,00.html.
YOUR Work Life Balance
GENEROUS STATE PAID TIME OFF BENEFITS:
STATE PAID VACATIONS
Earned vacation time varies by class of employee and time in service. Employees accrue vacation time between 10 and 19 hours per month. Unused vacation time is paid up to 250 hours at termination. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000005.pdf and http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/lr/0709SEIUmasterfin111907.pdf.
STATE PAID PERSONAL BUSINESS TIME OFF
State employees receive 24 hours per year for personal business leave and this is in addition to annual accrued vacation leave. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000010.pdf and http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/lr/0709SEIUmasterfin111907.pdf.
MANY STATE PAID HOLIDAYS THROUGOUT THE YEAR
State employees enjoy numerous state paid holidays throughout the year. These currently include: New Year's Day on January 1; Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday on the third Monday in January; President's Day on the third Monday in February; Memorial Day on the last Monday in May; Independence Day on July 4; Labor Day on the first Monday in September; Veterans Day on November 11; Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day on December 25; Every day appointed by the Governor as a holiday; Every day appointed by the President of the United States as a day of mourning, rejoicing, or other special observance only when the Governor also appoints that day as a holiday. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6001001.PDF.
STATE PAID SICK TIME OFF
Sick leave is earned at the rate of 8 hours per month. It is made available for use in a family friendly environment. Unused sick leave can be accumulated without limit and may be used to enhance retirement benefits. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000001.pdf and http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/lr/0709SEIUmasterfin111907.pdf.
EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE PAID TIME OFF
Some state MANAGEMENT employees may be granted up to 40 hours of paid leave for exceptional performance. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000010.pdf.
BEREAVEMENT PAID TIME OFF
State employees may request up to 24 hours of paid leave to attend to the customary obligations of a death of a family member. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000010.pdf.
STATE PAID HOLIDAY SEASON DAY OFF - (at Option of sitting Governor)
The Governor usually provides a holiday leave day (8 hours of paid leave) to be taken between Thanksgiving and New Years during the holiday season for management employees. During the past 25 years, only once has the Governor declined to provide this holiday. For union represented employees, the Holiday leave day is guaranteed by contract.
ACCESS TO DONATED STATE PAID HARDSHIP SICK LEAVE
State employees who have exhausted their earned sick leave may apply for donated sick leave from other employee leave balances. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6002501.pdf.
OTHER FORMS OF LEAVE:
FEDERAL and STATE of OREGON FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE
Employees who meet certain conditions are entitled to the protections of both Federal and State Family Medical Leave laws so they can tend to their own serious health conditions, to the serious health conditions of family members and to their parental obligations. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000015.pdf.
STATE PAID JURY DUTY LEAVE
State employees receive paid leave when serving on state and federal juries. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000012.pdf.
LEAVE WITHOUT PAY
Under certain circumstances, employees may be granted leave without pay keeping all other state provided benefits intact. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000011.pdf.
STATE PAID DAILY BREAKS
Employees receive 2 regular 15 minute state paid rest periods per work day. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/lr/0709SEIUmasterfin111907.pdf.
GENEROUS WORK-TIME LEAVE:
PAID WORK-TIME FOR CERTAIN UNION ACTIVITES
Certain employees involved in labor-management activities are entitled to receive state paid time when conducting union activities. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/lr/0709SEIUmasterfin111907.pdf.
DISASTER RELIEF & SEARCH AND RESCUE PAID WORK TIME
Employees certified as a Red Cross disaster services volunteer may receive up to 15 paid work days per year for Oregon relief efforts. Employees may receive an additional 5 days per year for certain and qualified search and rescue operations. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000012.pdf.
PAID WORK-TIME FOR RETIREMENT PLANNING
Employees who are within 3 years of retirement may receive up to 28 hours of paid time off to investigate and assemble a retirement program. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000010.pdf.
PAID WORK-TIME FOR STATE JOB HUNTING/INTERVIEWS
Employees are permitted paid leave for the purposes of job hunting, interviews, and testing when seeking employment opportunities in state government. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000010.pdf.
PAID WORK-TIME FOR BLOOD DRIVE, GOVERNORS FOOD DRIVE ACTIVITIES, COMBINED CHARITY FUND DRIVE ACTIVITIES, TOY DRIVE ACTIVITIES, ANNUAL WELLNESS ACTIVITES, AND MORE
The SCD provides paid time for a wide variety of state sponsored events. These events encourage state employees to use creative teambuilding and leadership talents to support a wide variety of state sanctioned charities and official causes important to state government.
PAID WORK-TIME FOR TRAINING, EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
The SCD has a strong commitment to employee education and development. In a typical year, our employees receive on average over 27 hours of paid time per year to attend a wide variety of technical, diversity, management, personnel, and general leadership training events.
PAID LEAVE LOAN FOR WORLD, PAN AMERICAN OR OLYMPIC TRAINING:
Up to 90 days per year of a paid-leave loan may be made to employees training for World, Pan American or Olympic events. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000012.pdf.
Other Services That Support YOU and FAMILY
WORKERS COMPENSATION COVERAGE
All employees are covered by employer-paid workers compensation insurance that covers the cost of medical treatment and lost wages in the event of an occupational injury or illness. http://www.cbs.state.or.us/external/wcd/index.html.
State employees also participate in the Workers’ Benefit Fund, an employee/employer paid hourly assessment that covers extended workers compensation services and support. See http://www.oregonwcd.org/communications/fact_sheets/top_ben.pdf.
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
Employees are eligible for Oregon Unemployment Insurance payments to replace a portion of income should they become unemployed. Salaries and wages earned as a state employee are used in the calculation of the weekly income benefit to the unemployed worker, subject to the rules and formulas used by the Oregon Employment Department. See http://www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/UI/about_benefits.shtml#What_is_Unemployment_Insurance.
LOW COST OPTIONAL EMPLOYEE PAID ADDITIONAL LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM
State employees enjoy access to very low cost life insurance which can be purchased up to $400,000 in addition to the state paid life insurance program. You are able to purchase low cost life insurance for self, spouse, domestic partner or eligible dependents. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/docs/PDF/2008/Handbook/optionallife.pdf.
OPTIONAL LOW COST EMPLOYEE PAID LONG/SHORT DISABILITY PROGRAMS
State employees have access to low cost optional short and long term disability insurance programs. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/docs/PDF/2008/Handbook/stdisabilityplan.pdf for short term disability insurance and http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/docs/PDF/2008/Handbook/ltdisabilityplan.pdf for long term disability insurance options.
OPTIONAL EMPLOYEE PAID LOW COST LONG TERM CARE PROGRAM
State employees may enroll self, spouse, domestic partner, or eligible dependents in optional low cost long term care insurance. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/docs/PDF/2008/Handbook/ltdisabilityplan.pdf.
OPTIONAL LOW COST EMPLOYEE PAID ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE
State employees may enroll self and eligible dependents in low cost accidental death and dismemberment insurance program. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/docs/PDF/2008/Handbook/accidentandddis.pdf.
FREE DIRECT DEPOSIT OF PAYCHECK
The state provides for the automatic deposit of your net pay to the financial institution of your choice at no cost to the employee. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/SCD/OSPS/mypay.shtml.
FREE DIRECT PAYMENT SERVICE
State employees enjoy free pre-authorized, automatic bill payments to pay their mortgage, loans, insurance premiums, and other monthly bills, saving time and avoiding late fees. See http://oregon.gov/DAS/SCD/OSPS/mypay.shtml.
FREE PREPAID PAY CARD OPTION
The state offers state employees the option of receiving total net pay or any amount of net pay on pre-paid bank cards. See http://oregon.gov/DAS/SCD/OSPS/mypay.shtml.
STATE PAID ACCESS TO EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
State employees and their families enjoy access to a wide variety of assistance programs. Services include: Marital or premarital problems, Divorce or separation, Alcohol or drug abuse, Gambling addiction, Parent-child relationship, Physical or sexual abuse, Behavioral disorders, Interpersonal relations, Stress and anxiety, and Depression. Services also include: a Personal Advantage Web Site, Free Legal and Financial Advice, Home Ownership Savings, Child and Elder Care Resources, Identity Theft Recovery, Crisis Counseling, and Concierge Services. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/EAP.shtml.
FREE MONTHLY EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY HEALTH/WELLNESS NEWSLETTER
All employees receive a state paid monthly newsletter addressing fitness, nutrition, and health.
OPTIONAL EMPLOYEE PAID LOW COST BUS PASSES
SCD employees may purchase bus passes with pre-tax dollars. See http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=181059,00.html. There are also free bus passes given to Salem employees who work in the Capitol Mall area. See http://oregon.gov/DAS/FAC/Parking/bus.shtml.
ACCESS TO EMPLOYEE PAID WORKPLACE MASSAGE SERVICES DURING STATE PAID and NON PAID BREAKS
All employees regularly receive updates on massage service appointments which are delivered at the work site and available for purchase to be used during state paid and non-paid breaks.
USE OF STATE EQUIPMENT
Employees have limited use of state paid local telecommunications, computers, and internet access for personal use on their paid and non-paid break periods and when used in accordance with state policy. Employees have limited access to state printers, copiers, and FAX machines on a low cost reimbursement basis for deminimus authorized personal use. See http://oregon.gov/DAS/OP/docs/policy/state/107-004-110.pdf.
People and Working Conditions in the SCD
The State Controller’s Division is housed in a pleasant professional office environment conducive to accounting and financial management service delivery. We pride ourselves on the quality of our people, their commitment to business planning, program execution, accountability, and measuring and reporting their performance in a transparent way.
Our employees are supported with a commitment to training and the utilization of modern computerized office software and equipment to perform their jobs in a highly competent and professional manner.
There is very limited out of state travel and travel in state is minor.
Our employees enjoy regular feedback in the form of employee performance appraisals and regularly are involved in teamwork and decision making affecting their work.
The use of overtime is non-existent for many positions and generally infrequent when compared to similar positions found in the private sector.
FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES
Employees may request permanent and temporary flexible work schedules to accommodate work-life balance issues. Managers consider needs of the work environment, customer service, state policies, bargaining agreements, employee performance, and employee needs when authorizing permanent or temporary flexible schedules. See definition in http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P1000001.pdf.
TELECOMMUTING
While state policy currently provides for telecommuting options, currently there are no regularly scheduled telecommuting options for SCD employees. Managers have approved limited telecommuting options in temporary situations warranted for travel and convenience. SCD managers are currently evaluating telecommuting options. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P5005001.pdf.
PRIVACY FOR NURSING MOMS
The State Controllers Division has a private location with appropriate services in the building to support nursing moms. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000030review.pdf.
Organizational Support for What is Important to YOU
STABLE WORK ENVIRONMENT
Although provisions exist for staff layoffs (See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P5002501.PDF.), there have not been any staff layoffs in the State Controller’s Division due to resource constraints for as long as anyone can remember. Turnover in the State Controller’s Division is generally thought to be low. Our hiring processes are rigorous that enable us to attract and retain the highest and best talent possible.
CUSTOMER SERVICE CULTURE
Employees of the State Controller’s Division take personal pride in developing and executing annual business plans that reflect a strong orientation and commitment to customer service. Our business strategy hinges on talent and performance in every area of our operation. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/SCD/docs/SCD_BusinessPlan.pdf.
SAFTEY AND WELLNESS
The building housing the SCD is generally locked down with limited access and is ADA compliant. Employees are provided security devices for access. The SCD is a drug free workplace. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P5000001.pdf. The SCD is a smoke free workplace. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/1050500006.pdf. The SCD is a discrimination and harassment free workplace. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P5001001.pdf.
The SCD is a violence free workplace. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P5001002.pdf. In addition, employees are encouraged to participate in the statewide wellness initiatives, committees, and activities supporting exercise, nutrition, and making healthy choices. There is a safety committee that regularly inspects working conditions and makes recommendations to improve health and safety. All office locations have assigned building evacuation coordinators and the State Fire Marshall holds regular fire and evacuation drills.
EMPLOYEE COMFORT AND INJURY AVOIDANCE
The State provides Ergonomics training. Assessments are conducted by an SCD trained Ergonomics specialist. Computers, chairs, lighting, and equipment used in your job are tuned for comfort and injury avoidance. The state provides a comfortable employee lounge and provides kitchen facilities including refrigerators for employee use.
SUSTAINABILITY
The SCD is a leader in providing direction, focus, and efforts to develop and implement sustainable practices in accounting, payroll, financial reporting, and financial management services. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/SCD/Sustainability.shtml.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Employees are permitted paid leave for the purposes of job hunting, interviews, and testing when seeking employment opportunities in state government. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P6000010.pdf. In addition, employees may participate in the state job rotation program. See http://egov.oregon.gov/DAS/HR/docs/advice/P5001501.PDF.
The SCD has a strong commitment to employee education and development. In a typical year, our employees receive on average over 20 hours of paid time per year to attend a wide variety of technical, diversity, management, personnel, and general leadership training events. SCD employees are encouraged with study time and educational reimbursement to pursue and maintain professional certifications appropriate with their job classification.
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT AND PEER NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
The Oregon State Controller’s Division is nationally recognized and known as a leader in the development of financial management services in government. For example the SCD has won the GFOA Certificate in Financial Reporting for fifteen straight years.
A number of SCD employees regularly interact with local and national associations and groups supporting the work of professional accounting, payroll, and financial management at the state and local levels of government. These groups include the National Association of State Auditors, Controllers, and Treasurers; the National Association of State Controllers, the Government Finance Officers Association, the Association of Government Accountants, the Oregon State Fiscal Officers Association and more.
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