Accountant II

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking an Accountant II for Client Funds in the Metro Region's Business Office. The role focuses on managing client benefit funds (SSI, SSDI, SSP, VA), SNAP accounts, and related reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

The position requires collaboration with multiple departments and adherence to state guidelines. The incumbent will monitor DDS client accounts, coordinate with SSA, and maintain financial records using

Qualifications

• Two years of accounting or budgeting experience or equivalent combination
• Ability to read and interpret financial documents and reports
• Ability to prepare general reports and spreadsheets
• Ability to analyze data and make recommendations
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Access, Word and Outlook
• Knowledge of Commonwealth procurement policies and procedures

Responsibilities

• Monitor client accounts (100+ residents) where DDS is the Rep-payee.
• Serve as main contact with the Social Security Administration.
• Maintain SNAP accounts and process monthly transactions.
• Record, reconcile monthly client benefit funds.
• Maintain client funds spreadsheets and Access database.
• Prepare and submit monthly expense authorizations and related transactions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Written and verbal communication

Discretion with confidential data

Excel proficiency

Independent & team work

Education

Associate's degree in accounting, finance or business

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business

Tools

MMARS

MOSAIC

Job description

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking qualified applicants for the Accountant II Client funds position. The Client Funds Accountant is responsible for managing, tracking, and reconciling client benefit funds, cash advances, and Managing the Snap benefit accounts. This role ensures timely and accurate processing of client funds (SSI, SSDI, SSP, VA), maintains financial records, coordinates with multiple departments, and supports compliance and audit processes. This position will perform a full array of financial and administrative/support functions in the Metro Region’s Business Office. Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor MRS Client accounts (100 +/- residents) where DDS is the Rep-payee.
• Serve as the main contact person for the Metro Region with the Social Security Administration
• Maintain 100+/- MRS SNAP accounts by processing monthly transactions, reviewing expected benefit amounts, analyzing, inquiring and updating client benefit changes monthly.
• Monitor, record, and reconcile monthly client benefit funds received via ACH and other deposits.
• Maintain and update client funds spreadsheets and Access database.
• Archive digital records of bank statements, issued checks, and benefit reports.
• Communicate with the Social Security Administration regarding client status changes, including deceased clients.
• Initiate and coordinate desk reviews and account closures for deceased clients.
• Issue and track monthly Charges for Care checks in collaboration with UMass PPR Specialist.
• Submit ACH/PNA transfer entries for approval.
• Process and track cash advance requests for staff expenses, issue checks, and coordinate pickups.
• Review, reconcile, and maintain financial tracking records and receipts from program houses.
• Prepare and submit monthly expense authorizations and related transactions in Mosaic.
• Manage opening and closing cash advance accounts and maintain communication with staff.
• Reconcile monthly SNAP swipe amounts and deposits; follow up on missing or incorrect documentation.
• Enter and process SNAP-related transactions and payments in FMIS Snap Database and Mosaic.
• Maintain tracking for SNAP benefits and food receipts; follow up on missing or incorrect documentation.
• Coordinate with vendor (Shaw’s) to ensure accurate payment, application and reporting.
• Resolve discrepancies with staff (MRS).
• Prepare, maintain and reconcile financial documents, transactions, statements to ensure conformance with established procedures.
• Confer with vendors, Metro Residential Services (MRS), the Comptroller’s Office, state agencies, and regional/area staff concerning accounting-related matters such as correct payment application, collecting receipts, questions regarding shopping receipts, client SNAP eligibility, and client status to calculate Charges for Care correctly.
• Other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices including terminology.
• Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as financial reports, accounts and ledgers.
• Ability to use mathematical formulas to solve financial problems.
• Ability to interpret, follow and apply oral and written instructions.
• Ability to prepare general reports and spreadsheets.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
• Ability to deal tactfully with others.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Strong analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills are essential as well as written and communication skills.
• Strong working knowledge of MMARS/MOSAIC.
• Knowledge of the Commonwealths procurement policies and procedures.
• Overall knowledge of the State’s laws, rules and procedures in the areas of budgetary, financial and internal controls.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically proficient in Excel, Access, Word and Outlook.

Please Note:

This position is located in Waltham

Schedule: Full Time - Monday - Friday, day shift

Days Off: Saturday and Sunday

Flexibility required to meet the needs of the program/area office.

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

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:

Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) Abuse Registry Search: https:cppdmass.gov

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

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

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.

Qualifications

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have (A) two years of full-time or equivalent part-time, general accounting or budgeting experience, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a class level specific to assignment.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's degree with a major in accounting, finance or business may be substituted for one year of the the required experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting, finance or business may be substituted for the required 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.

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 / ...

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.