Accounting Assistant

State of South Dakota; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Social Services Accounting & Finance in Pierre, SD is seeking a full-time accounting support specialist. You will process bills, assign coding, and ensure records align with supervisory guidelines.

This role supports vendor relationships and payment accuracy in a state government environment. Responsibilities include reconciling vendor statements, handling inquiries, updating W-9s, and maintaining utility data in EnergyCap.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of bookkeeping practices to record debits and credits.
• Understanding of basic accounting and financial principles.
• Experience with invoices, requisitions, and purchasing documents.
• Arithmetic ability to calculate percentages.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and Access.

Responsibilities

• Follow charts of accounts to ensure payment of bills and proper record keeping.
• Assign codes charging internal divisions and other departments for services/goods.
• Process claims to ensure timely payment per guidelines.
• Document payment and processing errors and corrections.
• Reconcile vendor statements and respond to vendor payment inquiries.
• Replace stale dated warrants; maintain vendor files; enter W-9s into state system.
• Maintain EnergyCap Utility Manager data.
• Review local checking accounts and assist with contract administration.
• Perform backup duties and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Accounting basics

Invoices & purchasing

Percentages math

Tools

Excel

Word

Access

Job description

Job ID: 38275 Agency: Department of Social Services Accounting & Finance Location: Pierre, SD Salary: $20.23 - $24.08 Hourly, depending on qualifications Pay Grade: F Closing Date: Open Until Filled This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Social Services. For more information on the Department of Social Services, please visit https://dss.sd.gov/.

Who We Want

• highly motivated person with a passion for serving the public who displays a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
• compassionate individual who listens attentively to others and clearly conveys information and ideas;
• dependable and organized individual who effectively plans and organizes work activities;
• a person who is dedicated and who will represent the Department of Social Services with integrity and enthusiasm; and who works cooperatively with others and promotes a friendly work climate to achieve shared goals.

What You Will Do

• follow established charts of accounts to ensure payment of bills and record keeping in compliance with supervisory direction;
• assign appropriate codes charging internal division and other departments for services and/or goods;
• process various claims to ensure they are paid promptly and according to guidelines;
• document payment and processing errors and corrections;
• reconcile vendor statements and handle calls or inquiries from vendors regarding payments;
• replace stale dated warrants; maintain vendor files; request and enter W-9's into state accounting system files;
• maintain utility data in the EnergyCap Utility Manager System
• review local checking accounts, help with contract administration; and
• perform various backup duties and projects as necessary and other duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have Knowledge Of

• bookkeeping practices sufficient to record debits and credits;
• basic accounting and financial principles;
• invoices, requisitions, and similar forms and documentation used in purchasing;
• arithmetic sufficient to calculate percentages;
• computer program applications and database management - specifically Excel, Word and Access.

Ability To

• follow directions; communicate sufficiently to answer questions and provide information about assigned work;
• learn applicable accounting software;
• prioritize and complete work by established deadlines; compare information and recognize discrepancies;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors; department officials and the public;
• demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy and tact when interacting with others.

Our Culture: Family focused. Person centered. At the Department of Social Services (DSS), family is everything. It’s the foundation of what we do every day through provision of services to strengthen and support individuals and families, connecting them with resources to foster independent and healthy lives. Our work is driven with our vision to build Strong Families, South Dakota’s Foundation and Our Future. We believe families have the right to be safe and secure. We also believe in respecting individual and cultural differences by treating people with dignity, fairness, and respect.

Our Team: Dependable. Committed. Compassionate.

As a Department Of Social Services Employee You Will Be Part Of a Team Of Professionals Who Are Dependable, Committed, And Compassionate. We Believe Collaborative Communication, Teamwork, Partnerships, And Trust Are Foundational To The Delivery Of Essential Family Services.

At DSS Employee Will Have a Chance To Experience

• Creativity – We are always looking for innovative ideas to help us achieve improved outcomes.
• Making a difference – You will have an opportunity to make a difference in the life of fellow South Dakotans.
• Professional development – We provide valuable trainings to ensure staff are well-trained, competent, accountable, and empowered and will assist you in reaching your career goals.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources

Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"