Access and Eligibility Services (AES) is responsible for supporting and administering a range of vital state benefit programs, including the State Supplement Program (SSP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), SUN Bucks, and other evolving initiatives, designed to support hundreds of thousands of low-income and disabled residents across the Commonwealth. ForHealth Consulting at UMass Chan Medical School provides financial and operational leadership on behalf of our state partners to ensure the effective delivery of these benefits.

Under the general direction of the Accounting Supervisor of AES, the Financial Data and Operations Analyst is responsible for performing complex administrative, financial, and accounting functions across multiple AES programs. This role provides critical support for the accurate preparation and review of monthly and quarterly financial statements, budgets, journal entries, and operational transactions. Additional duties include performing detailed financial data and cost-benefit analysis to facilitate data-driven decision-making for the organization.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced analytical skills, strong attention to detail, sound judgment, agility in responding to new programmatic needs, and a solid foundation in financial analysis and accounting principles. Proven ability to analyze and interpret financial data, monitor transaction flows, and reconcile program accounts is essential. This position requires a high standard for documentation and presentation, including preparing daily and monthly reconciliation packages in a professional, organized, and neat format for internal review and external audit purposes. The position requires collaborative teamwork, the ability to receive direction from supervisors and managers, self-direction, time management, and willingness to learn new skills. The Financial Data and Operations Analyst will manage incoming and outgoing phone calls with clients to address questions and provide guidance regarding their payments, process operational transactions with accuracy, and actively collaborate with team members to support the development and implementation of new program areas.

• Demonstrate strong financial analysis and accounting skills throughout all essential functions, ensuring accurate accounting, data integrity, and resolution of issues for AES programs. Work independently to problem-solve and address routine matters but promptly escalate atypical or complex issues to the supervisor for direction and resolution.
• Prepare daily and monthly financial reconciliation packages by gathering and organizing supporting documentation, performing account analyses, researching and resolving discrepancies, and ensuring that all materials are presented timely in a clear, professional, and neat format suitable for management review, audit, and recordkeeping.
• Accurately verify and reconcile daily and monthly payment file transmissions across case tracking systems and bank systems, including identifying and resolving exceptions and reconciling items, processing refund deposits, and detecting potential fraud.
• Proactively research discrepancies and create detailed reports of suspected or confirmed fraud for prompt escalation to the supervisor, in accordance with established protocols.
• Analyze, review, and interpret complex financial data sets and budgets to support operational and strategic decisions for AES programs (SSP, SNAP, SUN Bucks, and other future programs); demonstrate initiative in investigating variances and recommending solutions.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses and deliver recommendations, reports, and presentations to management as needed, applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills to generate actionable insights.
• Prepare, review, and support monthly and quarterly journal entries, ensuring accuracy and resolving any discrepancies identified during the process.
• Research and resolve escalations related to payments, banking information, and client inquiries across multiple programs, utilizing independent judgment and investigative skills to provide timely solutions to complex problems. Promptly escalate any unusual or unresolved issues to the supervisor for direction.
• Perform financial tracking and monitoring of overpayments and recoupments, including investigating discrepancies, documenting cases, coordinating resolutions, and ensuring compliance with relevant policies through independent analysis and problem resolution.
• Monitor daily print and mailing activity for program communications; track relevant usage and supply metrics. Maintain inventory of essential supplies, such as check stock, postage, and envelopes, to ensure critical checks and notices are sent out timely and without interruption. Troubleshoot supply and process issues as needed.
• Review outstanding payments and void activity to ensure timely resolution, proactively investigating and resolving discrepancies independently.
• Coordinate banking activity uploads and verify resulting output across AES program systems; review upload discrepancies and solve issues as they arise.
• Engage in both incoming and outgoing calls with clients to discuss their payments, answer questions, and process changes or updates as required; research and resolve any issues or complaints independently.
• Collaborate with program teams to process operational transactions for new and existing program areas, including independent problem-solving and troubleshooting, escalating abnormal situations promptly to the supervisor.
• Proactively recommend updates to policies and procedures to address evolving workflows and strengthen internal controls, drawing on insights gained from problem resolution and discrepancies identified during daily operations.
• Maintain flexibility and a proactive approach in supporting new program areas and adapting to evolving procedures, systems, or requirements as AES expands its offerings; demonstrate initiative in troubleshooting and resolving unfamiliar issues while exercising sound judgment in consulting with the supervisor on non-routine or complex matters.
• Perform all other tasks assigned by the supervisor and/or manager.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or similar field
• 3 years financial accounting, reporting and analysis, budgeting, or related experience
• Familiarity with designing and programing spreadsheets, databases, or custom reports
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and writing skills needed to communicate effectively with all levels of management
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret financial documents, such as system reports
• Demonstrated experience following privacy and data security rules in the management of financial and personal client information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar software

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of public assistance programs, preferably Title II and Title XVI of the Social Security Act and those programs administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance or similar public service agency