COMMERCE PROGRAM SPECIALIST Date: Jul 16, 2025 Req ID: 51230 Location: LITTLE ROCK, AR, US, 72202 Category: DEPT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07 Position Number: 22093763 County: Pulaski Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07 Position Summary The Commerce Program Specialist is responsible for supervising the Contributions Payment Processing/Data Ent ry. This position is responsible for processing payments received by UI Contributions and benefit overpayments, open and process all contributions mail and audit employer (financial records to determine compliance with unemployment insurance laws. This position 'is also responsible for providing backup assistance to the Collections/ ADJ Unit. Success in the position will be based on teamwork meeting assigned deadlines and professionalism when assisting Arkansas employers and/or internal customers. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy. This position requires on-siteemployment with no remote or hybrid options available Education and Professional Work Experience Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in business administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related field. Preferred Qualifications Proficiency in all Microsoft Office products is preferred, especially Microsoft Excel and Word. Proficiency in basic accounting and adding and subtraction. The candidate must effectively communicate orally and in writing. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of the principles of and practices of accounting. Knowledge of manual and automated accounting systems and procedures. Knowledge of state and federal Jaws, rules. and regulations governing the reporting and payment of unemployment insurance tax on employers Knowledge of audit standards and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply state laws and regulations. Ability to analyze financial records and identify and resolve discrepancies. Ability to document examination findings and prepare reports. Ability to convey and exchange oral and written information of a specialized nature. Job Responsibilities and Expected Results + Oversee the Payment Processing/Adjustments unit daily. Assist Payment Tax 21 inquires as needed. + Assist with keying 2096 reports into the Tax 21 system. + Assists Payment Processing unit during all four designated rush periods with batching, block stamping, opening mail, check scanner operations and any other duties needed to meet guidelines set by DOL. + Assist POM with unprocessed deposits. + Oversee the Penalty Abatement Process for PAC meetings and mailouts to employers. + Provide updates to POM with streamlined processes for better efficiency. + Provide quarterly team meetings to all staff in Payment Processing, Data Entry & Collections staff. + Be of backup assistance to POM during absences. + Assist with interviewing & hiring process. + Assist with performance and skill review assessments. + Develop training manuals and handbooks. + Process UI Tax and BPC payments promptly and accurately while adhering to regulations and protocol. + Research financial data related to payment processing, ensuring accuracy and consistency. + Research payment information and verify payment details and reconcile any discrepancies to maintain accurate financial records. + Assist in Webex system as needed and on scheduled days provided by management/supervisory staff. + Adhere to all regulatory requirements related to payment processing and data entry. + Work collaboratively to achieve common goals. + Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisory/managerial staff to support the team and organization. Position Information Job Series:Program Operations – Commerce Programs Classification:Commerce Program Specialist Class Code:PCO03P Pay Grade:SGS06 Salary Range:$52,137 – $77,163 Job Summary The Commerce Program Specialist serves as a foundational support role within the commerce and economic development team. This classification assists in the coordination, administration, and execution of commerce-related programs designed to bolster local business engagement and drive community economic growth. This role works closely with program coordinators and managers to facilitate events, maintain accurate records, manage communications, and support the overall operational needs of commerce initiatives. Primary Responsibilities Provide day-to-day administrative support, including maintaining schedules, organizing files and databases, and managing correspondence. Assist with data entry, tracking program deliverables, and preparing reports to monitor the progress of commerce activities. Help plan and coordinate events, meetings, and workshops related to commerce initiatives. Support logistics for program events including venue reservations, attendee coordination, and materials preparation. Serve as a point of contact for internal teams and external partners, ensuring clear and consistent communication. Assist in drafting and distributing program communications such as newsletters, updates, and promotional materials. Maintain and update program records, ensuring data integrity and accessibility. Contribute to the preparation of performance metrics and progress summaries for senior personnel review. Perform routine clerical duties such as answering phones, processing mail, and managing office supplies. Support special projects and tasks as assigned to ensure the successful execution of commerce initiatives. Knowledge and Skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills to facilitate interactions with internal teams and external personnel. A cooperative mindset to support a dynamic team environment and contribute to continuous process improvements. Basic analytical and critical-thinking skills to assist with identifying process improvements within the program operations. Demonstrated proficiency in using office software tools such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related field. Licensure/Certifications N/A 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. Nearest Major Market:Little Rock