Accountant

The State Appellate Defender Office’s Private Counsel Division is hiring an experienced Accountant to help administer and sustain a statewide program that reimburses local governments for the payment of attorney fees to private lawyers for appointed appellate representation. The position pays $57,983 – $91,099, depending on experience. Our office follows a hybrid workplace model that mixes in-office and remote work to offer flexibility and support to staff.

Working under the supervision of the MAACS Administrator, and in collaboration with the SADO Finance and Budget Administrator and the MAACS Accounting Team, the MAACS Accountant will contribute to the successful operation of the statewide reimbursement program and perform a wide variety of financial and accounting assignments, including:

• Administer and monitor a $3.2 million + grant budget that reimburses local governments for the payment of private appointed counsel fees consistent with state standards.
• Maintain and improve the established system for the submission, review, and reimbursement of attorney fee vouchers, consistent with proper accounting procedures.
• Review attorney fee vouchers to ensure compliance with policy requirements and identify errors and inconsistencies in billing practices.
• Analyze financial data to ensure the achievement of financial objectives and the sustainability of the reimbursement program.
• Identify trends, anomalies, and outliers and implement safeguards to ensure consistent and responsible stewardship of state and local funds.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports as required. Assist the MAACS Administrator in the preparation of other reports as needed.
• Reconcile financial reports from local governments to internal files. Review data and resolve discrepancies. Assist with fiscal preparation for audits as necessary.
• Serve as a liaison to courts and other local government agencies on the reimbursement program and related financial matters.

The above list may not be inclusive of the total scope of the job functions to be performed. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or modified at any time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration or a related field.
• Two years of experience in accounting or grant management, including governmental fund accounting and financial systems. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software.
• MS Excel – Advance level experience including VLOOKUP and pivot tables.
• Knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping terminology and practices.
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines, with excellent time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to relate to a diverse workforce.

The location for this position is a hybrid environment between remote and in-office at either our Lansing or Detroit locations.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume by November 28, 2025, to HR@sado.org and include “Accountant 2025-20” in the subject line.

SADO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  A felony conviction does not preclude employment at SADO.