Accountant I - Accounts Payable

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Central/West Region is looking to fill the position of an Accountant I/Accounts Payable who has meticulous attention to detail, well rounded knowledge of accounts payable practices, and has excellent executive functioning skills.

The accounts payable position will be responsible for managing an estimated 30 locations. Payments consist of recurring operational residential services as well as purchase order related packets. 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 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