Accountant II - Purchasing Coordinator - Fiscal

Description:   The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   

The Department of Correction (DOC) is seeking motivated and dedicated candidates for the position of an Accountant II for the Administrative Services Division – Fiscal Services located in Milford, MA. Fiscal Services is responsible for the purchasing of goods, contracting for services, and managing Accounts Payable for the institutions and various divisions located across the state.  The incumbent of this position will possess personal and professional integrity, strong communication skills, and strong analytical and decision-making skills.

General Statement of Duties (may include any or all of the following):

• Purchasing, budgeting, accounts receivable, billing, and accounts payable. 

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities (may include any or all of the following):

• Process requests for purchase orders or payment requests ensuring compliance with the policies and procedures set forth by the Office of the Comptroller (CTR), Operational Services Division (OSD), and Internal Control Polices.
• Preparation and input of purchasing and/or payments documents into Massachusetts Management Accounting and Reporting System (MMARS)
• Independently resolves procurement issues/activities while meeting the service needs of the department
• Applies knowledge of purchasing principles and provides technical assistance regarding State Procurement rules and regulations. 
• Maintains and monitors purchasing document files to ensure receiving of goods and services in a timely manner.
• Utilize MMARS, COMMBUYS, Commonwealth Information Warehouse (CIW), Microsoft applications and any other approved systems. 
• Enter information and maintain accurate spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel database; including but not limited to, provides back-up documentation, and reconciles financial statements, reports, and encumbrance/payment logs.
• Communicate with agency personnel, oversight agencies and vendors via telephone, written or in person to resolve accounting discrepancies and related payment issues, obtain statistical data, documentation, or various reports.
• Provides technical assistance to various institutional and division staff to ensure compliance with agency laws, rules, and regulations.
• Other duties as assigned or required by the Unit.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and be highly proficient in Excel. Practical experience with MMARS and COMMBUYS. Knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting to include terminology, and the methods of general report writing. Understanding of warehouse inventory practices such as benchmark tracking and the LIFO/FIFO system. An understanding of bulk purchasing and the ability to mitigate projected cost deficiencies. 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 perform mathematical calculations using formulae to solve accounting problems. Ability to prepare general and financial reports. Ability to write concisely to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence. Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others. Ability to work independently. Ability to work in a team setting. Knowledge of the princi