Accountant I - Purchaser

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS\:  Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in accounting or auditing, or (B) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in accounting or auditing, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required (A) experience and the substitutions below. 

Substitutions\: 

I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in accounting, business administration or business management may be substituted for the required (A) experience.* 

II. Successfully completed education in accounting or business administration in a recognized business school or school of accounting may be substituted for the required (A) experience on the basis of one year of such education above the high school level for six months of the required (A) experience.* 

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

NOTE\:  No substitution will be permitted for 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 and 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 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.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons 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.

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System Requirements

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Central/West Region is looking to fill the position of an Accountant I/Procurement & Financial Operations Specialist - Purchasing Dept.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Procurement & Financial Operations Specialist to support the agency's purchasing, procurement, and financial operations. In this role, you will ensure compliance with state procurement regulations, manage purchasing activities from requisition through payment, and provide exceptional customer service to internal stakeholders and external vendors. The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and fiscal responsibility are essential.

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

• Review purchase and payment requests for financial accuracy and compliance with state procurement regulations, internal control policies, and applicable Commonwealth guidelines.
• Coordinate procurement activities by researching products and services, consulting with vendors, attending product demonstrations, and evaluating available solutions to meet agency needs.
• Verify funding availability and process financial encumbrances within the Massachusetts Management Accounting and Reporting System (MOSAIC) to ensure accurate budgeting and reporting.
• Partner with internal departments and external agencies to resolve accounting discrepancies, procurement issues, and documentation requirements.
• Provide guidance to agency staff and vendors on procurement policies, purchasing procedures, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.
• Prepare procurement documentation, including detailed specifications for goods and services, pricing information, delivery schedules, and contract references.
• Maintain vendor and supplier records to support efficient procurement and purchasing operations.
• Develop and manage Requests for Responses (RFRs) in CommBuys, including posting solicitations, evaluating vendor submissions, and coordinating award notifications.
• Create and process Purchase Orders in FMIS, ensuring all required approvals, supporting documentation, and encumbrances are complete for Accounts Payable processing.
• Maintain accurate procurement and financial records using MOSAIC, FMIS, Microsoft Excel, Access, and Word, and generate reports to support operational and financial decision-making.
• Communicate professionally with agency staff, vendors, and business partners to resolve questions, provide guidance, and ensure timely completion of procurement and payment activities.
• Analyze spending patterns, pricing trends, and budget activity to identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend strategies to maximize available resources.
• Deliver responsive, courteous customer service while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring

• Knowledge of procurement and purchasing principles, financial operations, and accounting practices.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, regulations, and internal controls.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience working with financial and procurement systems such as MOSAIC, FMIS, CommBuys, or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Access.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• A commitment to integrity, accountability, and delivering outstanding customer service.

Please Note:

This position is located in Springfield, MA

Schedule\: 8\:30am – 4\:30pm  

Days Off\: Sunday/Satuday  

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-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) 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.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

·       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

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at\: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee 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.

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