Accounts Payable Accountant

The Bureau of Housing Development and Constructions’ (BHDC) Capital Finance Unit is charged with overseeing the financial management of capital, trust, and federal housing flow through dollars to 240 local housing authorities throughout the state.

The Accounts Payable Accountant processes payments, reconciles account balances, tracks payments, produces financial summaries, and provides technical assistance to local housing authorities and agency staff.

The incumbent reviews and analyzes requests for payments ensuring the appropriateness of the request, availability of funds in appropriation account(s), sufficient program balances and that it is within capital spending limits.

He/she ensures that funds are released within units’ prescribed timelines and maintains an encumbrance and payment log to ensure all requests are processed accurately and timely.

The ideal candidate has attention to detail, excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to adjust to changing priorities.

He/she has good communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

He/she has previous experience in escalating discrepancies/accounting issues to supervisor.

Lastly, the incumbent has demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft (MS) Word, Excel and Outlook with prior experience utilizing a computerized financial system.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

1)

Reviews and analyzes requests for payments from housing funds to determine the appropriateness of request and the availability of funds in appropriation accounts, program balances and capital spending limit.

2)

Prepares Commody-Based Payment Request Document (PRC) payment voucher documents

so that payments are disbursed within 30 days of payment approval date, or process within 2 days of receipt if late.

3)

Reviews and reconciles all payments with appropriations, programs and contract document (CT) numbers to ensure that

Massachusetts Management Accounting and Reporting System

(MMARS) entry is correct and that all payments have been processed.

4)

Maintains accurate payment number log and checks Payment Approval Form Report to ensure that all payments received are properly processed.

5)

Maintains accurate payment documentation files to ensure timely retrieval of information and to satisfy audit requirements.

Contract and payment documents should be scanned and filed within two weeks of process date.

6)

Processes payment notifications to local housing authorities as needed.

7)

Maintains a spreadsheet for payments on hold and update as payments are made and problems resolved.

8)

Maintains proficiency in Massachusetts Management Accounting and Reporting System (MMARS), Financial Information System for Housing (FISH), MS Office applications (including Word, Excel and Outlook) and other software by keeping up-to date on enhancements.

9)

Performs other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1.

Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

2.

Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize work.

3.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

4.

Good written and oral communication skills.

5.

Attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.

6.

Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.

7.

Previous experience using computerized financial software.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is within the Housing and Economic Development Secretariat and its work touches the lives of all Massachusetts residents.

DHCD’s mission is to strengthen cities, towns and neighborhoods to enhance the quality of life of Massachusetts residents by providing leadership, professional assistance and financial resources to promote safe, decent, affordable housing opportunities, economic vitality of communities and sound municipal management.

COMMENTS

Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division’s Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the salary range.

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.

Please attach a resume when applying for this position.

Qualifications

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, 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 the required experience.

II. A Bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, finance or business may be substituted for the required experience.