Staff 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 team that engages with families and children to improve lives in meaningful and significant ways. DCS engages authentically with children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. The Department also administers family preservation and prevention services, foster care, and child support throughout the State of Indiana. You will relentlessly pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, adoption or support youth in making a successful transition to adulthood. While this job is difficult and may have long and sometimes unconventional hours, this is more than a job—it is a calling to improve your community and neighbors. Will you join us in supporting our Mission, Vision, and Values?
Mission: The Indiana Department of Child Services leads the state’s response to allegations of child abuse and neglect and facilitates child support payments. We consider the needs and values of all we serve in our efforts to protect children while keeping families together whenever possible.
Vision: Children will live in safe, healthy, and supportive families and communities.
Values: We at the Indiana Department of Child Services empower our team, in collaboration with state and local partners, to make decisions in the best interest of every child in our care by embracing:
- Child Safety
- Permanency
- Collaborative partnerships with foster and adoptive families
- A culture of safety and transparency
- A commitment to continuous improvement
Role Overview:
The Accountant processes vendor forms and KidTraks User Agreements for all new DCS vendors, as well as existing vendors requesting address and/or bank changes to their vendor accounts. Vendor form processing is vital for successful referral of DCS services, as well as payment for those services. You will handle phone inquiries to the DCS Vendor Management 877 number that can involve vendor form issues as well as invoicing and payment issues. You will work closely with DCS staff, vendors, and other state agencies, helping to ensure that referral and payment processes are running smoothly and that information given to vendors is consistent and accurate, helping to strengthen the partnerships between DCS and its vendor communities.
Salary:
This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $42,900 but may be commensurate with education and job experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
- Process Vendor Forms and KidTraks User Agreements for all DCS contracted providers, non-contracted vendors, licensed foster parents, kinship placements, and adoptive parents, so that the referral and payment processes run smoothly for these vendors.
- Research phone inquiries via KidTraks, PeopleSoft and Casebook, and work toward resolving issues involving vendor issues, as well as invoicing and payments; coordinate with others as needed (e.g. DCS field staff, services/program team, KidTraks technical team, Central Eligibility Unit, Indiana Comptroller's Office, etc.); communicate findings logically and effectively.
- Advise the supervisor of the status of all accounts.
- Assist management in the preparation of agency or program area budget requests.
- Develop and recommend implementation of new accounting methods and procedures pertaining to this positions’ area of responsibility.
- Advise program staff on accounting matters relating to specific program funding.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of general policies for a fiscal program.
- Coordinate use of the computerized accounting system for the program area.
- Certify the accuracy of financial records and accounts.
- Analyze and interprets financial statements and reports.
- Control the flow of appropriated funds.
- Reconcile complex discrepancies between accounts.
- Interact with, and respond to, state and federal audit representatives.
- Make necessary adjustments to close books.
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:
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
- Thorough knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of public accounting.
- Thorough knowledge of federal and state accounting laws, policies, and procedures.
- Thorough knowledge of agency organization and function.
- Thorough knowledge of automated accounting systems.
- Ability to solve relatively complex accounting and budgeting problems.
- Ability to develop accounting methods and procedures to meet agency needs.
- Ability to assist in budget preparation.
- Ability to prepare and interpret financial statements and reports.
- Ability to reconcile discrepancies in accounts.
- Ability to develop effective work relationships.
- Effective communication skills.
- Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
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 contributions
- Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
- 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 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
