Job Description 

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a motivated and dedicated candidate for the position of Accountant I in the Central-West Region Accounting Office located in Springfield. This position is responsible for managing individuals’ social security benefits; assisting with SNAP benefits; working with financial information and statistical reporting; preparing financial reports; processing payments; maintaining accounting records and performing financial duties that require varying degrees of decision making; ensuring that all Standard Operating Procedures are followed and assists with maximizing revenue.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Responsible for consumer funds record management, including examining and preparing requisitions, issuing checks for the processing of requisitions, etc.; collect and verify financial information including monthly State and Federal benefits and enters in customized databases.
• Prepare, produce, review, maintain financial statements and reports and maintain individual accounts and financial records, such as the check register, daily transactions, bank accounts, etc. to reflect financial status requiring extreme accuracy. Compile, review and analyze data concerning assigned unit activities.
• Reconcile financial documents, records, transactions and statements including monthly savings account and master checking account.
• Produce reports and provide proper documentation to appropriate internal/external destination. Issue wage reports to Social Security on a monthly basis. Provide information, reports, correspondence, and resolution(s) to Social Security Administration including Representative Payee and SSI Continuing Eligibility reports as requested.
• Respond and advise to inquiries with agency personnel and outside agencies in order to provide assistance either by telephone, in writing, or in person to staff to resolve accounting discrepancies and/or obtain statistical data and documentation for various reports.
• Relate with various staff to exchange and obtain information concerning the department’s function. Confer with others concerning accounting-related matters. Monitor assigned unit activities to ensure effective operations and compliance with established standards.
• Verify the personal needs allowance transfer and authorized staff accessing local bank account on a monthly basis and follow up on outstanding receipts.
• Manage consumer billing by reviewing accounts and distributing bills to appropriate sources for payment. Work directly with medical vendors on billing issues.
• Perform financial audits periodically both on and off site and provide training in financial management and records as required.
• Carry out electronic data processing accounting systems to maintain information storage and retrieval and to simplify manual accounting procedures to produce reports; responsible for advanced financial management including On-Line banking/ACH transfers in a timely and accurate manner.
• Review agency accounting procedures, reports, etc. for accuracy, updating and correction to ensure compliance with established reporting requirements and all Standard Operating Procedures. Recommend changes or improvements in accounting procedures.
• Work with confidential consumer information and ensure proper access to information; work on special projects including statistical reporting, auditing, typing, copying, and assisting the department or other departments as specified by supervisor; perform related work as required.
• Assists with obtaining information for completing SNAP and Section 8 applications and recertifications in order to maximize revenue for the Department.  Enter information in a customized database.

 Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting including terminology.
• Knowledge of the methods of general report writing.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of accounting data, to draw conclusions and to make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as financial reports, accounts and ledgers.
• Ability to understand, apply and explain the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations using formulas to solve accounting problems.
• Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and through questioning individuals.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.

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

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.  http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori 
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:  Applicants must have 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. 

Substitutions: 

I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in accounting, business administration or business management may be substituted for the required (A) experience.* 

II. 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. 

NOTE:  No substitution will be permitted for the required (B) experience. 

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.