Vendor Accountant

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 Accountant oversees and actively participates in all DCS Vendor Management functions, including the Resource Unit and Payment Research Unit. Vendor Management functions are vital for successful referral of DCS services, as well as payment for those services. Vendor Management works closely with DCS staff, vendors, and other state agencies, helping to ensure that referral and payment processes are running smoothly and that information provided to vendors is consistent and accurate, helping to strengthen the partnerships between DCS and its vendor communities.

This is an onsite role in the central DCS offices at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Salary:

This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education and job experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee and actively participate in the processing of 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 email and phone inquiries via KidTraks, PeopleSoft & Casebook, and work toward resolving often-complicated issues involving vendor 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.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of training and resource materials for DCS vendors.
• Prepare, examine, and analyze accounting records financial reports to assess compliance with procedural standards.
• Analyze business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations to project future revenues and expenses or to provide advice.
• Assist the supervisor in analyzing budgets, preparing periodic reports that compare budgeted costs to actual costs. 
• Advise the controller or supervisor on the status of assigned accounts.
• Assist in the development of general policies for a fiscal program.
• Assist management in the preparation of agency or program area budget requests.
• Reconcile complex discrepancies between accounts and notifies the appropriate department or supervisor of errors.
• Prepare reports for reconciliation of grant funded accounts.
• Analyze and interpret financial statements and reports for accuracy. 
• Serve as liaison between agency and the federal government or other funding source for assigned account.
• Coordinate computerized accounting system within assigned area.
• Control the flow of appropriated funds.
• Direct the work of lower-level accountants and account clerks assisting in complex or unusual situations.

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.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary. 

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Specialized knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of public accounting.
• Specialized knowledge of agency organization and function.
• Specialized knowledge of federal and state accounting and bookkeeping laws, policies, and procedures.
• Specialized knowledge of automated accounting systems.
• Ability to solve complex accounting methods and procedures to meet agency needs.
• Ability to prepare budgets.
• Ability to prepare and interpret complex financial statements and reports.
• Ability to reconcile discrepancies between accounts.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

A degree is not required.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

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 View email address on us.fitly.work .