TDA - FND - Claims Accountant (58213)

Food & Nutrition Claims Accountant

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/551/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and receives more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Food and Nutrition (F&N) Claims Accountant will perform highly complex accounting work. Responsible for coordinating and processing the claims reimbursement and payment processes for the programs administered by the F&N Division of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Serve as liaison with internal and external agencies for fiscal issues and program data. Work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Process, monitor, and maintain claims and related data for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Sumer Food Service Program (SFSP), Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).

Serve as a contact for F&N regarding contracting entity (CE) payment issues to identify and troubleshoot CE payments. Notify management of CE payment problems or possible issues.

Monitor and track manual claim deductions for CE’s overpayments and prepare manual claim deductions within the system for collecting CE’s unpaid debts.

Report accounts receivable resulting from claim overpayments, advance overpayments, out-of-conditioned commodities, and audit findings to management.

Accurately balance funds annually and provide information to F&N management, budget staff, and food distribution staff regarding year-end reallocations to the food bank CEs.

Prepare data for program reporting for United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) federal reports (FNS-44 & FNS-418) and other special reports as requested for TEFAP, CSFP, CACFP, SFSP, FMNP, and SFMNP. Provide outstanding advance data to F&N Financial Analysts, as needed, to complete the FNS-777.

Prepare supporting documentation and letter requesting assistance from the Office of Attorney General in collecting outstanding debt. In addition, serve as subject matter expert in legal hearings related to child nutrition programs.

Identify and troubleshoot problems and assist with reviewing updates within the automated processing systems for CACFP, SFSP, TEFAP, CSFP, FMNP and SFMNP and notify Information Resources (IR) of potential problems or issues.

Provide technical assistance and establish repayment plans to sponsors/providers regarding overpayments. Prepare and distribute demands and arrears letters to sponsors/providers regarding debt. Communicate with field offices concerning sponsor and provider delinquencies and all relevant documentation related to the reimbursement.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

Minimum four (4) years of work experience in accounting, accounts payable, or financial operations with a State of Texas state agency or federal agency. Work experience must include working with a reimbursement or accounts payable system.

Work experience working with a web-based application.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of financial administration, budget control, and fiscal accounting; of governmental accounting; of budget control methods, policies, and procedures; and of laws and regulations pertaining to fiscal operations.

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to direct accounting programs; to set up accounting systems; to interpret laws and regulations; to apply accounting theory; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to provide guidance to others; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing for prolonged periods of time; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, occasionally overnight. May involve travel (5%), occasionally overnight

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work.

The agency’s core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

• A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): TDA is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity. TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Accounting, Auditing and Finance MOS Codes.