Job Description
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Central/West Region is looking to fill the position of an Accountant I/ Purchaser with a BUYER who has meticulous attention to detail, well rounded knowledge of procurement practices, and has excellent executive functioning skills.
The purchaser position will be responsible for managing an estimated 30+ locations. Candidates for this position must be able to work in a fast-paced, high pressure environment; able to multitask and/or reprioritize the daily tasks at hand. Successful candidates must be self-motivated and responsible team players; have a keen attention to detail; highly organized and possess effective communication skills.
The Purchaser will utilize electronic data processing accounting systems (MMARS, FMIS, Microsoft Office Products) to maintain effective information storage and retrieval, and to simplify manual accounting procedures. This position performs related duties such as contracts and purchase requisitions; attending staff meetings and training sessions; responding to inquiries regarding assigned agency functions; reviewing and/or approving invoices for payment; and conferring with others concerning accounting related matters.
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Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- The key function of the Purchaser is to review requests for goods and services, place orders and/or issue purchase orders to authorized shoppers, tracks issued purchase orders in database, review documents, appropriation, and authorizations.
- Provide customer service for the needs of the individuals we serve in group homes, as well as the Area Office staff.
- Establishes and reviews encumbrances in state accounting system MMARS necessary for daily/monthly/annual payment activity, reviews for financial accuracy and makes modifications and corrections as needed.
- This position works with other DDS agency personnel and outside vendor agencies by telephone, in writing and/or in person to resolve accounting discrepancies and documentation for various reports and/or projects and purchases made.
- Reconciles financial documents (audits), records, transactions and statements to ensure conformance with established Commonwealth policy and standards.
- Responsible for interpreting state regulations, guidelines, and procedures for financial operations and accounting systems; conferring 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, billing correctly, calculated sales tax and late fees. This requires the incumbent to be knowledgeable of the statewide purchasing and contract updates
- Posts for "bid" solicitation to COMMBUYS, accepts quotes and hosts bidder's conferences. The Purchaser will examine and make contract awards and agreement proposals based on compliance with state laws, rules and regulations by assigning point value to specific RFR (Request for Response) services and issues award/rejection letters. The Purchaser will ensure compliance with agencies accounting policies and procedures including 801 CMR (Code of Massachusetts Regulations) to ensure adherence to applicable laws, rules and regulations of the Commonwealth.
Please Note:
This position is located in Springfield, MA.
Schedule: 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.