Oklahoma DHS Finance Division

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Finance Division plays a crucial role in managing and safeguarding the financial resources that enable the agency to deliver essential services to Oklahoma’s most vulnerable populations. It serves as the fiscal backbone of DHS, responsible for overseeing budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, procurement, and payment processing.

One of the core functions of the Finance Division is budget management. This involves developing and monitoring the DHS annual budget, working closely with various program divisions to align spending with strategic priorities and legal mandates. This process includes forecasting future needs, justifying budget requests to the Oklahoma legislature, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. The division must also manage budget revisions throughout the fiscal year in response to changing needs and funding availability.

Accounting and financial reporting are equally important aspects of the division’s responsibilities. The Finance Division maintains accurate and detailed records of all DHS financial transactions. This includes processing invoices, tracking expenditures, reconciling accounts, and preparing comprehensive financial statements. These statements are essential for transparency, accountability, and compliance with auditing requirements. The division adheres to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other relevant standards to ensure the integrity and reliability of its financial data.

Procurement is another key function. The Finance Division oversees the procurement of goods and services necessary for DHS operations. This includes developing requests for proposals (RFPs), evaluating bids, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with state procurement laws and regulations. The goal is to obtain the best value for the state while maintaining fair and transparent procurement practices.

Payment processing is a significant daily task. The Finance Division is responsible for disbursing payments to vendors, contractors, foster parents, and other individuals and entities that provide services to DHS clients. This requires careful verification of payment requests, adherence to payment schedules, and compliance with internal controls to prevent fraud and errors. The division employs various electronic payment methods to streamline the process and enhance efficiency.

In addition to these core functions, the Finance Division also provides financial guidance and support to other DHS divisions. This includes training on budgeting, accounting, and procurement procedures, as well as assistance with financial analysis and decision-making. The division strives to be a valuable resource for DHS staff, helping them to manage their resources effectively and achieve their programmatic goals.

The Oklahoma DHS Finance Division is committed to maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency in its operations. It continuously seeks to improve its processes and procedures to ensure that DHS financial resources are used efficiently and effectively to serve the needs of Oklahoma’s citizens.