DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

OFFICE OF FINANCE & ADMIN SERVICES
3003 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012

Salary: $18.7688 HRLY/$39,039.10 Salary 

Grade: 16

Closing Date: August 1, 2025

The Accounting Specialist I position located in the Centralized Invoice Payment Processing Unit is responsible for accurately paying a high volume of invoices for contracted child welfare services and/or placement providers in an approved time frame. This includes examining and verifying fiscal transactions such as invoices, back-up documentation, and payments, reconciling billing discrepancies, working with providers and other units within the department to resolve payment barriers and ensure accurate payments.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

• Process a high volume of invoices which includes examining, evaluating, approving/denying payments for contracted child welfare services and/or placement providers by ensuring that the invoices meet the contract requirements necessary to support payment, as applicable. This also includes research and analysis of data from provider invoices, case manager records, Guardian, and other sources as well as initiating requests via e-mail, phone, fax or other approved department methods for assistance in resolving payment barriers.
  
• Research and resolve billing discrepancies. Includes collaboration with providers, case managers and other DCS teams to determine correct level and duration of service. Review, analyze, research and resolve provider payment issues. Utilize critical thinking skills to attempt to resolve problems independently and know when an issue needs to be elevated to a lead or manager. Coordinate with Referral Units, Placement Administration, and case managers to remedy problems with Guardian Service Approvals, and coordinate with contracts staff to remedy contract issues that prevent accurate payment.
  
• Assist providers with questions related to payments, remittance advice, navigating Guardian to accurately complete and submit their invoices, etc.
  
• Assist in the establishment and revision of processes and procedures used in the accomplishment of work assignments. Attend trainings and meetings.
  
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:

• Accounting principles, techniques and practices
  
• State and federal laws, rules, regulations, and agency policy and procedures relating to the payment of child welfare services
  
• Multiple funded programs reflecting in various organizations
  
• Various financial automated systems

Skills in:

• Computer operation
  
• Microsoft usage
  
• Interpersonal relationships
  
• Verbal and written communication
  
• 10-key operation by touch
  
• Reconciling
  
• Problem identification and resolution
  
• Data entry
  

Ability to:

• Identify and resolve discrepancies
  
• Collaborate with a variety of people to achieve a common goal
  
• Apply Department of Child Safety (DCS) policies and procedures

The preferred candidate will have the following: 8 hours of college level accounting credits and/or 1 year experience in accounts payable

The ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.

Bi-lingual (English - Spanish) 

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
  
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
  
• 10 paid holidays per year
  
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
  
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
  
• Deferred compensation plan
  
• Wellness plans
  

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV.   Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.  Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov.  The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.