Accountant V

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is looking for an Accountant V. This position is responsible for the Central Office (CO) equipment purchase, TELP, lease, rental, maintenance, repair, encumbrances and payments, budget reporting, purchasing, and copy machine leases. This position also acts as liaison between DMH and EHS on DMH Information Technology (IT) Expenses, Encumbrances, and processes Central Office Information Technology (IT) Expenses payments. Develops fiscal policies, procedures, and administrative systems and evaluates the effectiveness of the Business Office and its operations. Manage and reconcile the CO Sweep and Dynacash accounts, manage the CO Logbook database, and provide statistical data via the Massachusetts Management Accounting and Reporting System (MMARS) Tables, Management Reporting System (MRS), and Commonwealth Informational Warehouse Data Reports.

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

• Process encumbrances and payments through MMARS for Central Office operations, including UU funded from EHS. Ensure encumbrances and spending are kept within allocations, and that vendors are paid promptly in accordance with the Commonwealth Bill Paying Policy.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Central Office (CO) operating budget, expenditure plans, encumbering and accounts payable processing.
• Supervise Accounting staff by providing guidance, direction, assistance, and discipline when needed.
• Report encumbrances and expenditure activity to ensure effective implementation of budgetary goals and objectives by attending meetings so that Management is kept abreast of any potential deficiencies.
• Develop procedures and guidelines used for cross-training and used by fiscal staff to record and report on operating Account encumbrances and expenditures.
• Review Employee Out of State Travel Reimbursement Requests, verifying trip information for approval, backup receipts, and calculations are accurate.
• Responsible for the daily operations of the Central Office Sweep Account: Log in all checks and cash received by Central Office for license fees and miscellaneous revenue, deposit all items at the bank, and enter documentation into MMARS to move funds to corresponding accounts as required.
• Distribute pulled and returned checks to Area Office Personnel as required.
• Maintaining Central Office Logbook Database and file system, data entry of all items received into Logbook: enter all encumbrances, payments, travel reimbursements, and pulled checks received.
• Responsible for filing and maintenance of all related documents.
• Responsible for processing all Prior Year Deficiencies (PYD) to the Comptroller's Office, both from the Area Office and from the CO.
• Receive, log, review, correct, obtain Commissioner and Secretariat signatures as needed, and submit for processing.
• Ensure funding is available, process related documentation, and notify the Area Office when completed.
• Contact Vendor for payment-related questions from the CO Accounting Business Office. Screen calls, pull payments, and review related questions with the vendor.
• Serves as Central Office Business liaison with DMH Area Offices, Executive Office Agencies, and other oversight authorities on Budget, purchasing, accounting, and audit issues.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, including but not limited to updating vendor files, producing reports, attending meetings on behalf of the Accounting Office, back-up for mailroom operations, and assisting with the maintenance of copiers and fax devices within Central Office as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven ability to perform mathematical calculations using formulas to solve accounting problems
• Proven ability to read and interpret documents such as financial reports, accounts, and ledgers, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written expression, follow written and oral instructions, and exercise sound judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, assign, and control work through periodic reviews and evaluations, assess training needs, and provide or arrange for such training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Commonwealth automated accounting systems.
• Knowledge of Commonwealth accounting, purchasing, and accounts payable processes
• Awareness of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work, and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research.

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit

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

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

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 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 who apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in accounting or auditing, with at least (B) three years must have been in a supervisory, administrative, or managerial capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An associate's degree with a major in accounting, business administration, or business management may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience. *

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting, business administration, or business management may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience. *

III. A Graduate degree with a major in accounting, business administration, or business management may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated based on the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of 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. It 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 based on 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 People 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.

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action, or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please get in touch with the Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: William Herbert/[email protected] - 6173081080