Accountant III - AR Hotline

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

2d•$4,500 - $4,800•Onsite

About The Position

The Accountant III – AR Hotline serves as a customer service representative for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) overpayment hotline in the HHSC Chief Financial Office’s Accounting Department. The role handles client inquiries about accounts, verifies and updates account information, and coordinates workflow requests through the Accounts Receivable Tracking System (ARTS). It also processes client correspondence, appeals and disputes, repayment agreements, and related accounting requests. The position is based in Austin, Texas, is not eligible for telework according to the posting, may require travel up to 20%, and is a full-time, regular, day-shift role. The employee communicates with clients, providers, agency staff, and internal and external accounting teams by phone, email, and Microsoft Teams. The role cross-trains in other Accounts Receivable functions and completes backup duties and special assignments as needed. The posting lists a monthly salary range of $4,500 to $4,800 and states that the position requires at least three years of relevant customer service, call center, accounting, bookkeeping, or cash-handling experience using an automated accounting system, as well as three years of Microsoft Office experience.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in customer service, call center, accounting, bookkeeping, or cash handling using an automated accounting system.
At least three years of experience using Microsoft Office Suite, as stated in the job description.
High school graduation or equivalent.
Knowledge of policies and procedures for handling funds, including reconciliation.
Skill in customer service, cash handling, or fund processing.
Skill in using office equipment, computers, and software applications.
Skill in identifying and resolving problems.
Ability to interpret and apply accounting data and work accurately with numerical details.
Ability to meet established deadlines and prepare accurate reports.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients, providers, agency staff, and others.
Ability to work under moderate supervision with limited latitude to use initiative and independent judgment.
Ability to work closely with a team with varying personalities, meet hard deadlines, and adapt to an ever-changing environment.
Professionalism, consideration and respect for others, and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.
State or governmental accounting experience.
Experience using automated accounting or customer database systems.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
Excellent written communication, demonstrated by detail and completeness in the state application.

Responsibilities

Answer inbound calls from clients overpaid on SNAP or TANF benefits, provide account information using databases, verify account accuracy, and update information as requested or needed.
Make outbound calls to provide account details and answer inquiries received through voicemail.
Process returned mail and client requests, including address changes, deceased-client updates, case and payment history requests, after-hours voicemails, and return calls.
Process Fair Hearing Appeal requests, disputes of liability, and bankruptcy documentation.
Process Treasury Offset Program and Inspector General repayment agreements and one-time debit requests for SNAP or TANF overpaid clients.
Create, work, and monitor client workflow logs in ARTS for claim changes, reviews, and refund requests.
Provide backup support preparing refund requests, SARS, and fund moves for the ARTS Corrections inbox, and completing provider claim setups for the ARTS Claims inbox.
Assist with State Reviews and requests in the ARTS Projects inbox, new ARTS user setups, password resets, and TOP file uploads and downloads.
Cross-train in other Accounts Receivable Department areas to provide backup as needed and assigned by management.
Complete special assignments as determined by management to meet business needs and deadlines.
Communicate with internal and external accounting teams by phone, email, and Microsoft Teams meetings.