Accountant I - Purchaser

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Springfield, MA

16h • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Central/West Region is looking to fill the position of an Accountant I/Procurement & Financial Operations Specialist - Purchasing Dept. We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Procurement & Financial Operations Specialist to support the agency's purchasing, procurement, and financial operations. In this role, you will ensure compliance with state procurement regulations, manage purchasing activities from requisition through payment, and provide exceptional customer service to internal stakeholders and external vendors. The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and fiscal responsibility are essential.

Requirements

• Knowledge of procurement and purchasing principles, financial operations, and accounting practices.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, regulations, and internal controls.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience working with financial and procurement systems such as MOSAIC, FMIS, CommBuys, or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Access.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• A commitment to integrity, accountability, and delivering outstanding customer service.
• 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.
• An Associate's or higher degree with a major in accounting, business administration or business management may be substituted for the required (A) experience.
• 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.
• No substitution will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

Responsibilities

• Review purchase and payment requests for financial accuracy and compliance with state procurement regulations, internal control policies, and applicable Commonwealth guidelines.
• Coordinate procurement activities by researching products and services, consulting with vendors, attending product demonstrations, and evaluating available solutions to meet agency needs.
• Verify funding availability and process financial encumbrances within the Massachusetts Management Accounting and Reporting System (MOSAIC) to ensure accurate budgeting and reporting.
• Partner with internal departments and external agencies to resolve accounting discrepancies, procurement issues, and documentation requirements.
• Provide guidance to agency staff and vendors on procurement policies, purchasing procedures, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.
• Prepare procurement documentation, including detailed specifications for goods and services, pricing information, delivery schedules, and contract references.
• Maintain vendor and supplier records to support efficient procurement and purchasing operations.
• Develop and manage Requests for Responses (RFRs) in CommBuys, including posting solicitations, evaluating vendor submissions, and coordinating award notifications.
• Create and process Purchase Orders in FMIS, ensuring all required approvals, supporting documentation, and encumbrances are complete for Accounts Payable processing.
• Maintain accurate procurement and financial records using MOSAIC, FMIS, Microsoft Excel, Access, and Word, and generate reports to support operational and financial decision-making.
• Communicate professionally with agency staff, vendors, and business partners to resolve questions, provide guidance, and ensure timely completion of procurement and payment activities.
• Analyze spending patterns, pricing trends, and budget activity to identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend strategies to maximize available resources.
• Deliver responsive, courteous customer service while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• Outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
• A work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree