Research and Recovery Accountant
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Department of Child Services:
Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions!
The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood. Our culture is built upon our MVP foundation:
Mission: Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.
Vision: Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.
Purpose: Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.
Role Overview:
The Research and Recovery Accountant supports the Child Support Bureau (CSB) by investigating payment irregularities, preventing fraud, managing account access functions, and assisting with system modernization efforts. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of child support payment processing and supports recovery efforts for outstanding debts owed to CSB. The position requires strong analytical ability, sound judgment, and a high level of accuracy.
This is an onsite role at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $39,000.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are:
- Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the current child support enforcement system (ISETS) to support ongoing and future modernization efforts.
- Investigate potential fraudulent credit or debit card transactions, identify red flags, place appropriate holds, and monitor for chargeback notifications. Recommend improvements to fraud prevention practices and contribute to updated procedures.
- Monitor and track all payment and account‑level holds, ensuring timely review, resolution, or release.
- Verify payment authenticity by confirming cardholder identity through email, phone calls, or written communication.
- Process fund adjustments related to chargebacks, invoice losses, and repayment requests. Prepare and send repayment correspondence when needed.
- Manage account access functions—including opening, closing, and placing holds—for internal staff, county offices, and INSCCU, using advanced system permissions.
- Conduct outreach and implement recovery strategies to collect outstanding debts owed to CSB.
The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
What You'll Need for Success:
Minimum qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Two to four years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, cash handling, or payment processing.
- Experience working with financial systems, data entry platforms, or case‑management systems.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to enter and review financial information accurately.
- Ability to research payment issues and interpret supporting documentation.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal partners and external stakeholders.
- Proficiency with basic computer applications, including email, spreadsheets, and data entry software.
Additional skills:
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work and manage time effectively.
- Ability to apply critical thinking to resolve payment discrepancies or incomplete information.
- Commitment to producing accurate, high‑quality work while meeting deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
A degree is not required.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
