Accountant I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Springfield, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Central-West Region is hiring an Accountant I to process employee and travel reimbursements and monitor regional travel budgets. The role works with financial information and statistical reporting, prepares financial reports, processes payments, maintains accounting records, and performs financial duties involving varying degrees of decision-making. The position is located in Springfield, Massachusetts, and is scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday off. Some travel may be required. The successful candidate is expected to be energetic, detail-oriented, accurate in reporting, and well organized. The DDS mission is to create opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, to participate fully in their communities. The department serves more than 43,000 people and oversees approximately $3 billion in public funds and a workforce of approximately 5,500 staff. Recommended candidates must complete pre-employment screening, including an abuse registry search, a criminal background check (CORI), and a fingerprint-based national background check. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified. Education and license or certification information provided by selected candidates is subject to Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

Requirements

At least one year of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in accounting or auditing; or two years of full-time or equivalent part-time paraprofessional experience in accounting or auditing; or an equivalent combination of the qualifying experience and permitted substitutions.
An Associate's or higher degree with a major in accounting, business administration, or business management may substitute for the required professional experience.
Education in accounting or business administration at a recognized business school or school of accounting may substitute for professional experience at a rate of one year of education above the high school level for six months of experience; education toward a degree is prorated based on requirements completed.
No education substitution is permitted for the required paraprofessional accounting or auditing experience.
Education, licensure, and certifications are subject to verification in accordance with Human Resources Division Hiring Guidelines.
Recommended candidates must successfully complete an abuse registry search, CORI criminal background check, and fingerprint-based national background check.

Responsibilities

Review reimbursement payment vouchers for calculations, receipts, authorization, and compliance with established standards and reporting requirements.
Enter reviewed employee reimbursement vouchers into the HR/CMS system on designated biweekly dates.
Track and verify reimbursements entered and paid for staff electronically.
Enter payment information into a customized Access database and prepare expense and late-travel reports for the Operations Manager and Regional Director.
Contact agency personnel and outside agencies to resolve accounting discrepancies and obtain statistical data or documentation for reports and projects.
Train staff on travel and reimbursement submissions.
Correspond with Human Resources regarding additional reimbursements for staff who have resigned or been terminated.
Notify Human Resources when staff profiles need to be established before reimbursements can be issued.
Respond to staff and vendor inquiries about payment status by telephone and email.
Electronically file processed payment vouchers and receipts in an organized manner.
Run biweekly and monthly travel and employee reimbursement reports, including late-submission reports.
Notify staff in writing of late submissions, copying their supervisors.
Assist with coordination of the annual Out of State Travel Voucher as required.
Back up the issuing of Dynacash checks and entry of Payroll Receipt Vouchers for HR in MOSAIC.
Assist with completing Section 8 and Food Stamp applications.
Work on special projects such as reporting, auditing, typing, scanning, and assisting this or other departments as directed by a supervisor.
Attend staff meetings and required training, and assist with training other staff as needed.
Perform related work as required.