Accountant I - Accounts Payable

The Accounts Payable position will utilize electronic data processing accounting systems (MMARS, FMIS, Microsoft Office Products) to maintain effective electronic information storage and retrieval, and to simplify manual accounting procedures. This position performs Performs agency payment activities including preparing and processing payments in the MMARS system, as well as research and referencing related information in the FMIS system; responding to inquiries regarding assigned agency functions; and conferring with others concerning accounting-related matters.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Reconciles financial documents, records, transactions and statements to ensure conformance with established standards. Meets with appropriate supervisor and managers to review data as needed.
• Confers with agency personnel and outside agencies by phone, via email, or in person to resolve accounting discrepancies and/or obtain documentation necessary to meet State Accounting requirements.
• Process MMARS payment/encumbrance documents consistently with the regulations of the Commonwealth and within guidelines established in the Business Office including verifying document/invoice accuracy, preparing and entering various payment vouchers with a high degree of accuracy.
• Maintain encumbrance and procurement files that include documentation and evidence of procurement/payment requirements.
• Provides technical assistance to employees, vendors, department heads, budget managers, state agencies, and/or county officials, legislators, State and Federal Auditors, and the general public to ensure compliance with agency laws, rules and regulations and to respond timely to inquiries regarding any payment-related issue so that goods and services are not compromised.
• Interpret state and federal laws, regulations (801 CMR), guidelines, and procedures for financial operations and accounting systems in as much as it relates to Accounts Payable procedures and guidelines.
• Confer with suppliers of goods and/or providers of services and their employees to explain state/agency rules, policies and accounting procedures governing payment and related financial transactions regarding billing correctly, calculated sales tax, and late fees.
• Review encumbrances prior to payment processing and ensures all required documentation is provided for agency filing.
• Review payment reports for trends in major programs to determine their effect on spending as requested/required.
• Analyze expenditure patterns in order to make recommendations to appropriate managers or take appropriate action to control spending based on budget.
• Utilize electronic data processing accounting systems (MMARS, Excel, Access, Word, and FMIS) to maintain effective information storage and retrieval and to simplify manual accounting procedures.

Required Qualifications:

• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and email software, and be familiar with Access;
• Know general accounting practices;
• Keen attention to detail;
• Effective communication skills; verbal and written;
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations using formulae to solve accounting problems;
• Ability to gather information by examining records and documents through research and interactions with others;
• Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records;
• Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies & procedures, and specifications governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others, as well as the ability to work both independently and in a team setting.

Please Note:

This position is located in Springfield, MA.

Schedule: Monday through Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Days Off: Sunday/Saturday

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in accounting or auditing, or (B) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in accounting or auditing, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required (A) experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in accounting, business administration or business management may be substituted for the required (A) experience.

II. Successfully completed education in accounting or business administration in a recognized business school or school of accounting may be substituted for the required (A) experience on the basis of one year of such education above the high school level for six months of the required (A) experience.

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: No substitution will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range .

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.