Fiscal Specialist

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Fiscal Specialist is responsible for ensuring proper financial control environment, conformance and compliance with state finance law, policies and procedures, United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and directing the general accounting and accounts payable functions for the Commission. The position entails daily use of the Massachusetts Management Accounting Reporting System (MMARS) and the Commonwealth’s Information Warehouse (CIW), and regular interaction with staff to assist with day-to-day procurements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor financial operations to ensure compliance with budgets and State Comptroller policies, rules, and regulations;

• Manage all accounts payable processes including account reconciliation;

• Prepare and process invoices, vendor updates, encumbrances and other transactions in the Massachusetts Management Accounting and Reporting System (MMARS);

• Coordinate and reconcile deposits to lockbox, and enter corresponding MMARS transactions;

• Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures for the Commission’s expense accounting;

• Responsible for compliance with statewide records retention schedule on all fiscal electronic and paper documents;

• Analyze and recommend policies and procedures to enhance internal controls;

• Contribute to internal management reporting requirements and audit support;

• Perform annual fiscal year open and close-out activities;

• Serve as the main point of contact on Commission’s encumbrances and expenses;

• Communicate with vendors on billing issues and provide technical assistance to vendors;

• Support Director of Budget and Accounting by providing expense data for spending plan and agency budget;

• Collaborate with other members of the Finance department to ensure Commission compliance with state finance law and policies; and

• Build a collaborative relationship with other state agencies, the state Comptroller’s Office and the Office of the Treasurer.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain the highest standards of personal, professional and ethical conduct and support the Commission’s goals for a diverse and culturally aware workforce;

• May perform duties involving the Commonwealth’s payroll system (HR/CMS) and its Labor Cost Management (LCM) interfaces;

• Assist in other finance and administrative duties; and

• Participate in ad hoc projects and perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• In-depth knowledge of MMARS and CIW;

• Strong knowledge of Massachusetts state finance law and policy;

• Ability to utilize databases and run queries;

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications;

• Excellent listening, interpersonal, written and oral communications skills;

• Adept at presenting information in an accurate and concise format;

• Ability to think critically and strategically;

• Able to seek opportunities to resolve problems, achieve goals, or otherwise advance the Commission’s mission; and

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, business, finance or similar field required with a minimum of 3-5 years of related work experience in accounting or finance;

• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, five (5) to 10 (ten) years of relevant State accounting experience may be substituted;

• Experience with and understanding of state financial and procurement systems;

• Working knowledge and understanding of Commonwealth fiscal and budget process; and

• Experience communicating effectively with upper levels of management.

Benefits Package:

The Commission is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. The specific components and eligibility may vary based upon position classification, hours worked per week and other variables. Therefore, specific benefits for this position may be discussed as part of the interview and offer process.

This position is non-civil service. This position is an exempt position.

The overall benefits available include: paid vacation, sick and personal leave time, health, dental and vision insurance through the Commonwealth’s Group Insurance, and optional pre-tax Health Savings Account plans.

In addition, the Commission provides employees the opportunity to elect life insurance, long-term disability insurance, deferred compensation savings, tuition remission and pre-tax commuter account plans, along with other programs.

The Commission employees also participate in the Commonwealth’s State Retirement Plan, which can become a defined benefit plan for those that both vest and subsequently retire from State service. Follow this link for additional retirement information: http://www.mass.gov/treasury/retirement/state-board-of-retire/.

Commitment to Diversity:

The Commission is committed to building a diverse staff across its entire agency and at all levels. The Commission is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Notice of Required Background Check – Including Tax Compliance:

The Commission requires a background check on all prospective employees as a condition of employment.

Candidates should be aware of this requirement but should also know that such background check is not initiated until:

This background check includes a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, Federal IRS and Department of Revenue state tax compliance on all prospective employees as a condition of their employment.

Candidates with advanced degrees and professional licenses may have these credentials verified. Individuals other than those references provided by a candidate may be contacted in the course of completing a full background and qualification check.

Those candidates invited to interview will be contacted by the Commission. Unfortunately, due to the anticipated high volume of applicants for this vacancy, we are unable to provide status updates to specific individuals.

Candidates should be aware of this requirement but should also know that such background check is not initiated until:

This background check includes a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, Federal IRS and Department of Revenue state tax compliance on all prospective employees as a condition of their employment. In addition, this position requires pre-employment physical exam.

Candidates with advanced degrees and professional licenses may have these credentials verified. Individuals other than those references provided by a candidate may be contacted in the course of completing a full background and qualification check.

Those candidates invited to interview will be contacted by the Commission. Unfortunately, due to the anticipated high volume of applicants for this vacancy, we are unable to provide status updates to specific individuals.