Accountant 3 - Fire Cost Accountant (PCN 10-9821)

Accountant 3 - Fire Cost Accountant (PCN 10-9821) Salary $2,888.80 Biweekly Location Palmer, AK Job Type Full Time Job Number 54273 Department Natural Resources Division Forestry & Fire Protection Opening Date 06/17/2026 Closing Date 7/1/2026 5:00 PM Alaska Position Open To All Applicants Bargaining Unit Supervisory Range 18 Description Benefits Questions Job Description The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is recruiting for an Accountant 3 in Palmer.

What You Will Be Doing:

The Fire Cost Accountant plays a pivotal role in the financial management of the Fire Protection program within the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection. In addition to overseeing both Operating and Capital budgets, this professional is responsible for monitoring and analyzing expenditures to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines. The role involves preparing detailed financial reports, reconciling accounts, and providing forecasts to aid in strategic decision-making. Supervising a team of three accounting technicians (Accounting Technician 1, 2, and 3), the Fire Cost Accountant ensures that each technician's work aligns with established protocols and that cost tracking for in-state fires is conducted reliably and efficiently. This includes regularly reviewing daily entries, troubleshooting discrepancies, and guiding the team on best practices for maintaining accurate records. The Fire Cost Accountant manages the crossbill process, which requires coordination between multiple agencies to facilitate timely and accurate wildland fire billing. This process can be highly complex, involving the negotiation of rates, the verification of shared costs, and the resolution of billing issues. Success in this area is critical to maintaining strong interagency partnerships and ensuring the Division recovers appropriate costs for firefighting operations. Beyond routine accounting tasks, this position is responsible for policy development and implementation. The Fire Cost Accountant researches industry standards, identifies areas for improvement, and drafts new procedures to enhance the program's financial efficiency and accountability. Long-term accounting objectives are established to promote fiscal sustainability, support future growth, and mitigate risks. As a liaison, the Fire Cost Accountant communicates regularly with interagency partners and stakeholders. The role may involve participation in wildland fire cost committees, where the accountant advocates for the Division's interests, shares expertise, and collaborates to develop cost management strategies. This aspect of the job demands strong interpersonal skills, a thorough understanding of fire cost accounting practices, and the ability to represent the Division in high-stakes discussions. Overall, this position requires a blend of technical accounting expertise, leadership ability, and strategic vision to ensure the financial health and operational effectiveness of the Fire Protection program.

Mission and Values/Culture:

This role supports the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection's (DFFP) mission: safely managing wildland fires across 150 million acres to protect life, property, and critical infrastructure. We maintain the readiness of personnel and equipment and collaborate with emergency agencies for effective fire management throughout Alaska. Our values include safety, integrity, teamwork, and resilience, ensuring proactive planning, transparency, and service. DFFP's culture promotes respect, improvement, and adaptability to environmental challenges. We foster an inclusive, supportive workplace encouraging innovation, professional growth, and open communication. Collaboration, accountability, and shared purpose drive our readiness and uphold public trust.

Benefits of Joining Our Team:

The DFFP Wildland Fire Team offers the opportunity to work with skilled professionals dedicated to advancing fire, fuels, and forestry objectives. Members thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment that protects the State of Alaska, its residents, businesses, and natural resources. Daily challenges foster personal and professional growth, with a strong commitment to excellence and camaraderie. Team members benefit from ongoing training, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and career advancement. The DFFP connects individuals with leaders in forestry and emergency response, expanding professional networks and expertise. Joining the team means becoming part of a supportive, inclusive community dedicated to diversity, safety, and innovation in fire suppression. Members play a critical role in protecting Alaska's forests from wildfires, safeguarding wildlife habitats, and strengthening local communities through effective fire management. Their efforts to control and prevent fires make their work impactful and highly valued across the state.

The Working Environment You Can Expect:

This position is in Palmer, AK at 101 S Airport Road. DFFP encourages team building and camaraderie. This environment helps promote friendship and loyalty within the organization. These close-knit relationships motivate our employees and foster trust in a fast-paced, emergency-response environment. Our team is made up of individuals with diverse talents, backgrounds, and abilities. We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following position-specific competencies.

Cost Accounting:

Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and methods of cost accounting, including the use of historical cost, market value, or present value to measure cost; methods for assigning cost to accounting periods; and cost allocation, cost accrual, depreciation, and unit cost.

Auditing:

Knowledge of generally accepted auditing standards and procedures for conducting financial and compliance, economy and efficiency, and program audits.

Control of Funds:

Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and requirements for maintaining control and accountability of obligations and expenditures for all appropriations and fund accounts (for example, revolving, non-appropriated, multiyear, and single-year appropriations). Click here to learn more about working for the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection. Minimum Qualifications Competency-Based Minimum Qualifications Instructions This job class uses competency-based minimum qualifications. Please ensure your application (through work history, volunteer experience (duties summary), training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports how you have gained the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors (competencies) and that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class. Competency Description The competency description(s) listed below have been designed to promote a common understanding of the essential elements of the job class. They highlight the more general and customary knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), tasks, and behaviors used to describe the competency. They typically list expectations instead of specific tasks and are only used as parameters and guidelines. A competency's description is not intended to exclusively define every KSA, task, and behavior needed to meet the competency successfully, but rather to provide the manager/agency with a broad reference of options for how an applicant can meet the job expectation. Minimum Qualifications Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in

Analysis and Assessment:

Uses information technology in accessing, collecting, analyzing, maintaining, and disseminating data and information.

Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving:

uses a logical, systematic, sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one's knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.

Oral and Written Communication:

Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

Principles of Accounting:

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, standards, and practices (for example, double entry accounting, accrual accounting), including the full accounting cycle and the preparation of work sheets, financial statements, ledgers, and journals.

Technical Competence:

Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. Equivalent to those typically gained by: Any combination of preparatory post-secondary education and/or progressively responsible professional-level experience in accounting, budgeting, or financial management.

Special Note:

"Competencies" means a combination of interrelated knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors that enable a person to act effectively in a job or situation. "Typically gained by" means the prevalent, usual method of gaining the competencies expected for entry into the job. "Training" and "education" in this guidance are synonyms for the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction. It includes instruction through formal and informal methods (such as classroom, on-line, self-study, and on-the-job), from accredited and unaccredited sources, and long-duration (such as a post-secondary degree) and short-duration (such as a seminar) programs. "Professional experience" means work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment. "Progressively responsible" means indicating growth and/or advancement in complexity, difficulty, or level of responsibility. Additional Required Information •Please read the information below carefully. •At the time of the interview , please ensure that you provide the following materials. Failure to do so may result in loss of consideration.

Required documents include:

A valid Driver's License Professional references with current contact information, with at least one being a current or former supervisor. A copy of your two most recent performance evaluations, or a letter of reference if evaluations are not available. Resume. Educational Transcripts, if relied upon to meet the position's minimum requirements.

SPECIAL NOTICES

This position may travel during the fire season (April 1 - August 31 or later) for 14-21 days at a time within Alaska to assist area offices with fire and attend meetings or training. May need to work or be available in the evenings and/or on weekends, depending on needs during the fire season. Application Notice You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or by submitting a paper application. Instructions for applying are available on the Workplace Alaska How to Apply webpage . Your application must be received by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date. Supplemental Questions For your application to be evaluated, you must answer the Supplemental Questions. The State of Alaska (SOA) uses four proficiency levels to measure and describe an applicant's competence in applying specific behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish a specific task. The four proficiency levels are Mastery, Fluency, Literacy, and Discovery. You must rate your proficiency level for each competency listed in the supplemental questions. Education If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill out the Education section of the application. If you have not yet obtained a degree, please indicate the units you have completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Special Instructions for Foreign Education Education completed at foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If using this education to meet minimum qualification requirements, you must demonstrate that the credentials have been submitted to a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in standard U.S. education programs. Alternatively, an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution must report that the other institution's transcript is given full value or that full value is recognized in relevant subject areas aligned with the post-secondary institution's curricula. It is your responsibility to provide this evidence when applying. Work Experience If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer's name, job title, employment dates, and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine whether the responses are supported and whether the minimum qualifications are met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.

Note:

Attaching a resume does not substitute for completing the application in full. Noting, "see resume" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting. Bargaining Unit If you are a current state employee , please indicate the union to which you belong at the time of application. Do not complete this question if you are not a current state employee. Please ensure your application (through work history, training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports/demonstrates that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class.

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aids or services, or alternative communication formats should call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in

Juneau or TTY:

Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer. Contact Information If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure that your email address is correct on your application and that your spam filter will permit emails from the governmentjobs.com domain. Workplace Alaska Application Questions & Assistance Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov. For assistance with your password, please visit the password reset page . For specific information about this position, please get in touch with the hiring manager at the following:

Andrea Fruean Fire Protection Administrative Operations Manager Phone:

907-795-1606

Email:

andrea.fruean@alaska.gov Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work. For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits . (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.) Insurance Benefits Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the

State:

See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information. AVTEC Confidential Correctional Officers Marine Engineers Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers Supervisory Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining) The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information. General Government Labor, Trades and Crafts Public Safety Employees Association Masters, Mates & Pilots Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit) Optional Insurance Benefits Group-based insurance premiums for Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents) Long-term and short-term disability Accidental Death and Dismemberment Long-term care (self and eligible family members) Supplemental Survivor Benefits Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses Retirement Benefits Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees) Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees) Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security Option to enroll in the

Alaska Deferred Compensation Program Note:

The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information Paid Leave & Other Benefits Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served Twelve (12) paid holidays a year 01 Please rate your level of proficiency in

Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving:

Uses a logical, systematic, sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one's knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.

Mastery:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.

Fluency:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.

Literacy:

Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.

Discovery:

Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. None of the above. 02 Please rate your level of proficiency in

Oral and Written Communication:

Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

Mastery:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.

Fluency:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.

Literacy:

Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.

Discovery:

Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. None of the above. 03 Please rate your level of proficiency in

Principles of Accounting:

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, standards, and practices (for example, double entry accounting, accrual accounting), including the full accounting cycle and the preparation of work sheets, financial statements, ledgers, and journals.

Mastery:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.

Fluency:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.

Literacy:

Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.

Discovery:

Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. None of the above. 04 Please rate your level of proficiency in

Technical Competence:

Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

Mastery:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.

Fluency:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.

Literacy:

Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.

Discovery:

Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. None of the above. 05 Please rate your level of proficiency in

Analysis and Assessment:

Uses information technology in accessing, collecting, analyzing, maintaining, and disseminating data and information.

Mastery:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.

Fluency:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.

Literacy:

Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.

Discovery:

Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. None of the above. 06 Please rate your level of proficiency in

Cost Accounting:

Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and methods of cost accounting, including the use of historical cost, market value, or present value to measure cost; methods for assigning cost to accounting periods; and cost allocation, cost accrual, depreciation, and unit cost.

Mastery:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.

Fluency:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.

Literacy:

Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.

Discovery:

Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. None of the above. 07 Please rate your level of proficiency in

Auditing:

Knowledge of generally accepted auditing standards and procedures for conducting financial and compliance, economy and efficiency, and program audits.

Mastery:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.

Fluency:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.

Literacy:

Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.

Discovery:

Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. None of the above. 08 Please rate your level of proficiency in

Control of Funds:

Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and requirements for maintaining control and accountability of obligations and expenditures for all appropriations and fund accounts (for example, revolving, non-appropriated, multiyear, and single-year appropriations).

Mastery:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.

Fluency:

Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.

Literacy:

Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.

Discovery:

Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. None of the above. Required Question Employer State of Alaska Address PO Box 110201 Juneau, Alaska, 99811 Phone (800) 587-0430 (Statewide toll-free number) (907) 465-4095 (Juneau and out-of-state callers) Website http://workplace.alaska.gov/