CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

Date: Aug 27, 2025

Req ID: 52413

Location:

LIttle Rock, AR, US, 72201

Category: AR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT

Anticipated Starting Salary: 85,943

Position Number: 22153070

County: Pulaski

Posting End Date: 9/4/2025

Anticipated Starting Salary: $85,943.00 annually

Who We Are:

At APERS, you will be part of a team that serves over 100,000 active members and retirees from across the state of Arkansas. As the state’s second-largest retirement system, we manage a trust fund of over $11 billion and we distribute over $600 million dollars in benefits to our retirees and beneficiaries each year. On a daily basis, you will have an opportunity to make a positive impact, as you help us achieve our mission of providing a secure income in retirement to our members and their beneficiaries.

What We Value:

APERS is seeking knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and service-minded individuals to build our team. Our employees serve our members with a positive attitude and strive to exceed our members’ expectations with their accuracy and willingness to go above and beyond. They collaborate with their coworkers and treat others respectfully as they work to meet the needs of our members. We hold our employees to high standards of quality, and we help them develop the knowledge and skill necessary to achieve excellence in their roles.

What We Offer:

Health insurance and supplemental dental, vision, and other plans
Employer-paid life insurance
Annual leave and sick leave
11 paid holidays and 8 hours Children’s Educational Activity Leave (CEAL) annually
Defined benefit retirement plan with 5 year-vesting
Optional 457(b) deferred compensation retirement plan
Career service recognition program
Paid parking
Business casual dress including nice jeans

Position Information

Job Series: Accountants

Classification: Certified Public Accountant – Career Path

Class Code: FAC07P

Pay Grade: SPC05

Salary Range: $85,943 - $127,195

Job Summary

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is responsible for performing advanced accounting tasks, including financial reporting, auditing, tax preparation, and internal controls within a department. This position requires an individual with strong technical expertise in accounting principles, governmental accounting regulations, and financial management practices. The CPA will provide high-level financial oversight, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, while also offering expertise in the preparation of financial documents and reports.

Primary Responsibilities

Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and government accounting standards. Ensure the agency’s financial reporting is compliant with state and federal laws, regulations, and policies. Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and regulations. Review and evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and recommend improvements to safeguard financial assets. Analyze financial data and provide recommendations to senior management for budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation. Provide expert advice and consultation on complex accounting issues, including governmental accounting standards, financial reporting, and compliance. Ensure that all financial operations comply with federal and state laws, regulations, and governmental accounting standards.

Knowledge and Skills

In-depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), government accounting standards, and financial reporting practices. Strong understanding of tax laws and regulations affecting governmental entities, including state and federal tax reporting and filing requirements. Expertise in conducting audits, evaluating internal controls, and ensuring financial operations comply with regulations. Advanced skills in analyzing financial data, developing budgets, and making strategic recommendations based on financial trends. Proficient in accounting software and financial systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle, SAP), as well as advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, and financial modeling).

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university, plus 4 years of accounting experience.

Licensure/Certifications

Must possess a current CPA license issued by the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Veteran Preference: A copy of a DD-214 (long Form for veteran) or a letter from the Veteran’s Administration (for the spouse of a veteran) must be submitted with your application to be considered for Veteran Preference. Please note that if you do not submit the proper documentation with your application, you will not receive the preference points.

Special Application Information:

Incomplete applications will not be considered. List current/most recent job first. Account for all time periods including unemployment, self-employment, and military service. A resume may be attached to your required online application form; however, it may not be used as a substitute for completing any part of our application. Currently, there is a 6.00% mandatory employee pre-tax contribution to the APERS retirement plan and direct deposit is the required method of pay.

ONLY COMPLETED STATE OF ARKANSAS APPLICATIONS WITH WORK HISTORY WILL BE ACCEPTED.

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.