State of Hawaii Enterprise Financial System

Money Talks is a recurring series that breaks down the basics of public sector accounting, finance, and their real-world impact on the EFS Project and the State of Hawaii. In this session, we’ll discuss accounts receivable.

What are Accounts Receivable?

“Accounts receivable” refers to money owed to a business for goods or services already provided, as well as the process of tracking and collecting those payments. At the State of Hawaii, it specifically refers to money owed for public services that have been delivered or invoiced, similar to how a doctor bills its patients after a visit.

For example, after the Department of Health (DOH) performs laboratory testing for another agency or individual constituents, it issues an invoice. That transaction creates an amount owed to DOH, and until that invoice is paid, it is considered “accounts receivable.” After collecting the payment, revenue is generated and recorded. The funds are then used to support the department’s operations.

From an operational standpoint, accounts receivable help State programs monitor their collection to maintain adequate cash flow. Delays in receiving payment on outstanding amounts owed to the State can disrupt the delivery of public services and may require agencies to shift funds, causing service gaps or creating inefficiencies.

Accounts receivable are also essential for accurate financial reporting and budget forecasting. When properly tracked, it helps agencies project incoming revenue and plan future spending responsibly. This supports transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

About Anna Fonseca

With over 30 years of accounting and payroll experience in state and federal government, Anna brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a Control Accounts Bookkeeper with the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), Accounting Division. In her current role, Anna maintains and reconciles financial records, ensuring accuracy and alignment between transactions and official accounts. 

During her decade-long career with the State of Hawaii, Anna held roles as an Account Clerk and Pre-Audit Clerk within DAGS, Administrative Services Office, where she managed financial records, processed payroll forms, verified employee pay per State agreements, and oversaw vendor payments in compliance with procurement policies. In addition to her daily responsibilities, she served as a subject matter expert for the HawaiiPay Project, advising departmental staff on fiscal compliance. 

Before joining state government, Anna was a Payroll/Security Officer at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where her duties consisted of analyzing payroll data, facilitating time and leave system transitions, adapting payroll procedures to new systems, and assisting staff with troubleshooting payroll issues.  

Born and raised on Oahu, Anna graduated from Aiea High School and holds an Associate of Science (AS) in Business from Leeward Community College.