The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.
This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model that combines at least one in-office workday per week and telework days working within commuting distance of our office in Everett, MA as needed.
The Executive Office of Education (EOE) is seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist/Accountant IV. This position is an integral part of EOE’s Fiscal Team, working closely with program staff, vendors, and grantees to ensure accurate and timely invoice processing and resolve any payment discrepancies.
The role of the Accountant IV is critical in ensuring the organization's financial health. This includes ensuring bills are accurate and paid on time and that any invoices received are authorized. This responsibility underscores the value and importance of the role in contributing to the organization's financial well-being.
This position will ensure that all internal and external fiscal deadlines are met. This role will work in the Massachusetts Management Accounting Reporting System (MMARS), Commonwealth Information Warehouse (CIW), and the Commonwealth’s Procurement website (COMMBUYS). The incumbent will report to the Budget Director.
Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:
• Work with the Fiscal Team and EOE’s program staff to review and approve all vendors and grant payments to ensure timely approvals and payments.
o This includes supporting the EOE grants batch payment processing system
• Prioritize daily responsibilities within the Accounts Payable team.
• Maintain detailed electronic files/records and tracking mechanisms to monitor payables and ensure adherence to contract budgets and all reporting requirements.
• Work closely with the EOE Fiscal Team and program staff to resolve invoices, payment discrepancies, and documentation, which may include but is not limited to purchase orders, contracts, and financial reports.
• Ensure Commonwealth Payment Policies are followed, maximizing the return on Prompt Pay Discount (PPD) and less than 45-day bill paying statistics.
• Keep current on all policies and procedures and any updates distributed by the Office of the Comptroller related to State Finance Law and/or MMARS and advise EOE Fiscal of upcoming amendments or enhancements.
• Maintain and take responsibility for the filing system on SharePoint for all related billings, receivables, payments, vendor invoices, and correspondence.
• Research and resolve billing issues as they arise to ensure the best fiscal practice and customer service and assist team members with challenging invoice reconciliations
• Use the Commonwealth’s Information Warehouse (CIW) to run payment and reconciliation queries comparing the budget to actuals (expenses) incurred.
• Assist in overseeing the EOE P-Card (VISA) purchases to monitor usage and prompt monthly payment; review that purchases made are within Commonwealth guidelines. Work with the Comptrollers’ Office, CFO, and Budget Director to resolve any issues.
• Provide support for ordering supplies and managing subscriptions for the EOE Boston Main office.
• Work as a cross-trained Fiscal team member to assist in maintaining workflow during absences
• Actively participate in developing and integrating a customer service environment within EOE and other agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Knowledge of CIW.
• Knowledge of and previous experience with MMARS.
• Knowledge of State Comptroller’s rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of Accounts Payable tracking systems.
• Ability to coordinate and plan work duties within the accounts payable team
• Knowledge and understanding of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' procurement policies.
• Ability to deal tactfully with others.
• Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet urgent or changing program requirements.
• Communicate verbally and in writing with agency business, financial contacts, and vendors
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a group.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn.
• Knowledge and understanding of state finance law and federal procurement and contracting regulations.
• Working knowledge of 801 CMR 21.00, the Commonwealth's regulations governing the procurement of commodities or services, including human and social services.
Travel may be required for this position.
Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov