The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a motivated and dedicated candidate for the position of Accountant II for the Northeast Regional Client Funds Office located in Danvers. This position is responsible for accounting for NRS Client Funds and Charges for Care for the Northeast Region; liaison with Social Security Administration for NRS and Hogan residents for benefit and eligibility inquiries/reviews; and NRS SNAP food program.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
Client Funds
- Manage NRS client funds accounts for (325+ residents) where DDS is the Rep-payee.
- Account for and reconcile accurately all NRS client funds accounts monthly by the 15th of the month.
- Use Quicken and RBASE software and EXCEL spreadsheets for proper documentation and tracking of all accounting transactions.
- Review and resolve discrepancies and maintain all backup documentation to ensure clients use their funds for personal spending.
- Process approved requisitions for ACH transfers timely and accurately to individuals’ bank accounts.
- Process Charges for Care (CFC) invoices and submit to the “lock-box”.
- Resolve all CFC adjustments and discrepancies and complete monthly CFC reports.
- Pay client medical and pharmacy co-pays and funeral trust expenses with client funds and submit necessary documentation to the Revenue Department for CFC adjustments.
- Pay approved landlord requisitions monthly, maintain all records in RBASE and Quicken.
- Provide monthly client funds reports to NRS.
- Accurately reconcile NRS client funds accounts monthly with all required supporting documentation. Audit Hogan client funds and gift fund accounts reconciliations monthly.
Social Security Administration
- Serve as the contact person for NRS with the Social Security Administration to perform functions for over 425 residents (Hogan 100/NRS325).
- Complete Rep-Payee changes; SSI determinations by annual reviews; disabled adult eligibility; coordinate clinical eligibility; track and monitor Disability updated reports; ensure all clients receive maximum benefits while DDS is the Rep-Payee; coordinate with NRS homes the reporting of earnings for NRS clients to offset SSI monies; submit all Trust documents to Social Security, if applicable, to ensure eligibility. Accompany (person/online) eligible resident candidates to SSI to apply for eligibility to become their own Rep-Payee. Gather information, prepare documentation and attend on-site SSA reviews as requested.
NRS SNAP Program
- Maintain 275-325 NRS SNAP accounts by processing monthly transactions, reviewing expected benefit amounts, analyzing, inquiring and updating client benefit changes monthly.
- Complete monthly reports on client benefits for submission by the 8th of the month.
- Maintain spreadsheets with the total number of clients per home, total clients eating, and total number of clients participating in the SNAP program by home monthly.
- Review and reconcile the monthly benefits register tape with the MMARS entries.
- Work with the Business Office to provide necessary backup documentation to pay approved vendors for the portion of the food expenses eligible for SNAP purchase.
Miscellaneous Duties
- Keep accurate filing and storage and archive of client funds, SNAP program and Social Security documentation.
- Keep organized and updated computer files.
Preferred Qualifications:
- An understanding of the principles and practices of accounting, including terminology.
- An understanding 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 follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and through questioning individuals.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare general financial reports.
- Ability to write concisely to express thought clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence.
- Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral expression.
- Ability to exercise good judgement, discretion in handling confidential information.
- Ability to deal tactfully with others and establish and maintain productive working relationships.
- Ability to work independently and also work in a team setting.
- Proficient in the use of financial software, Microsoft Suite and Microsoft Teams.
Schedule:
- Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
- 8:45 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Friday
- Days Off - Saturday/Sunday
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-Offer Process:
- 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
As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process 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. 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 help logging into/resetting your MassCareers profile, call the Employment 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.
ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT.
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 required experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting, finance or business may be substituted for the required experience.
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!
COVID Vaccine:
As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
