Maine Division of Financial and Personnel Services - Augusta, ME

The Financial and HR Backbone of Maine State Government

Overview and Mission

The Maine Division of Financial and Personnel Services (DFPS) acts as the central administrative engine for the State of Maine's executive branch. Established by statute on June 30, 1992, this division operates under the umbrella of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS). Its primary mission is to provide consolidated fiscal and human resource management services to every department and agency within the state government. By centralizing these critical functions, the DFPS ensures consistency, efficiency, and accountability in how public funds are managed and how the state's workforce is supported.

Headquartered in the Burton M. Cross Building within the Capitol Complex in Augusta, the division serves as a strategic partner to other state agencies, allowing them to focus on their specific statutory missions—whether that be environmental protection, public safety, or health services—while DFPS handles the complex logistics of budgeting, payroll, and personnel administration.

Service Center Model

The Division operates through a unique Service Center model, grouping client agencies based on their functional similarities. This structure allows for specialized support tailored to the unique needs of different sectors of government.

• General Government Service Center: Supports central administrative agencies, including the Governor's Office, DAFS itself, and the Department of Education.
• Health and Human Services Service Center: Dedicated to managing the extensive financial and HR needs of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
• Corrections Service Center: specialized support for the Department of Corrections, handling the unique scheduling and personnel requirements of the state's correctional facilities.
• Natural Resources Service Center: Serves agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and the Department of Marine Resources.
• Security and Employment Service Center: Supports the Department of Public Safety, Department of Labor, and other related bodies.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

While primarily an internal-facing organization, the work of the DFPS has a profound impact on the smooth operation of the entire state government. Its core responsibilities include:

• Financial Management: The division oversees generally accepted accounting practices, grant accounting, accounts payable and receivable, and statewide budgetary policy implementation. It ensures that all state financial transactions are legal, correct, and transparent.
• Human Resources and Payroll: DFPS manages the state's workforce administration, including payroll processing, collective bargaining agreement compliance, position recruitment, and benefits administration.
• Business Intelligence: The division utilizes data forecasting and rate-setting analysis to help state leaders make informed decisions regarding resource allocation.

Location and Access

The Division is located on the 4th floor of the Burton M. Cross Building at 111 Sewall Street. This facility is connected to the Maine State House via an underground tunnel and is a hub of state government activity. Visitors to the Cross Building should be aware that it is a secure government facility. Security screening protocols are in place, and visitors may be required to pass through metal detectors or have bags checked upon entry. Public parking is available in designated visitor lots nearby, though spaces can be limited when the legislature is in session. The building is fully ADA accessible, featuring elevators and accessible restrooms.