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Accountant III (Accounts Payable)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, United States


The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), which includes the Departments of Unemployment Assistance (DUA), MassHire Career Services (MDCS), Industrial Accidents (DIA), Labor Standards (DLS), Labor Relations (DLR), Family and Medical Leave (DFML), Apprentice Standards (DAS), and Economic Research (DER), manages the Commonwealth's workforce development and labor departments to ensure that workers, employers, and the unemployed have the tools and training needed to succeed in the Massachusetts economy.

Under the direction of the Accounts Payable Supervisor, the accountant is responsible for the accurate and timely payment processing of all goods and services using the MOSAIC Accounting and Reporting System. Responsibilities include:

Facilitating vendor payments in compliance with the Commonwealth's Bill Paying, Late Payment, and Prompt Pay Discount Policies.

Processing and monitoring payment requests from various agency departments to meet agency goals in accordance with State Rules and Regulations.

Preparing payments for goods and services in accordance with State Rules and Regulations.

Resolving discrepancies and vendor payment inquiries using MOSAIC research and reports, and discussing with internal and external customers as appropriate.

Reconciling Accounts Payable documents, invoices, service contracts, records, transactions, and statements to ensure conformance with established standards.

Coordinating with agency personnel and vendors by telephone, electronic communication, or in person to resolve accounting discrepancies.

Providing technical assistance to staff, management, and vendors regarding invoice files in HELD, REJECT or PEND status; generating ad-hoc system reports; retrieving data and generating reports using internal databases.

Providing technical assistance to employees, vendors, and department heads to ensure compliance with agency laws, rules, and regulations.

Analyzing billing, payment and spending patterns in targeted areas and recommending changes to increase efficiency and accuracy; notifying the supervisor of issues and findings while coordinating efforts of appropriate personnel to resolve problems.

Maintains systematic files of payments and associated correspondence using SharePoint.

Required Qualifications

Understanding of the principles and practices of accounting, including terminology.

Knowledge of the methods of general report writing.

Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of accounting data to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as financial reports, accounts and ledgers.

Knowledge of and ability to apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures 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.

Ability to prepare general and financial reports.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team, establishing harmonious working relationships with others.

Ability to give written and oral instructions in a clear and precise manner.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of state contract system forms and procedures.

Knowledge of proper telephone procedures for making and receiving calls.

Knowledge of the MOSAIC computer system.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office software and various database technologies.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

At least three years of full‑time, or equivalent part‑time, professional experience in accounting or auditing, with at least one year in a supervisory, administrative or managerial capacity; or an equivalent combination of experience and education as described below.

Education substitutions:

Associate’s degree in accounting, business administration or business management may substitute up to one year of required experience.

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or business management may substitute up to two years of required experience.

Graduate degree in accounting, business administration or business management may substitute for required experience.

Equal Opportunity Employment
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. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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