Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Section
Phoenix Location 

Salary:  $65,000 - $67,000

Grade: 21

Closing Date:  10/02/24

• The Accountability Liaison role involves managing collections, appeals, audits, providing support to the department investigator, and reconciling refund checks.
• Rare in-state travel may be required for this position.

Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Contact and follow up with ESA clients for outstanding repayments
• Coordinate repayment plans and settlements with ESA clients
• Maintain accurate records of collections activities
• Review and process ESA client appeals related to misspending
• Gather necessary enrollment and purchasing documentation and information to support the Department's determination of misspending
• Communicate with clients regarding the status of their appeals
• Work with internal and external auditors, investigators, and the Department's attorney to provide necessary documentation and support
• Perform regular internal audits of ESA accounts to ensure compliance with applicable state law, State Board of Education rule, and Department policies
• Address any discrepancies or issues identified during audits
• Assisting the department investigator in gathering evidence and information for investigations
• Provide administrative support for investigative activities
• Assist in documenting and reporting findings
• Verify and reconcile refund checks with financial records
• Supervises staff who audits purchases, audits account closures, and assists in processing refund checks

Knowledge in:
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial procedures
• Familiarity with account collections processes and procedures
• Knowledge of administrative appeals and documenting appeals
• Understanding of audit processes and compliance requirements
• Proficiency in check processing and reconciliation
• A college degree or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.
• Applicants must have supervisory experience.

Skills in:
• Interpersonal skills to effectively interact with supervisors, peers and account holders
• Excellent organizational and time management
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal
• Proficient in data entry and record-keeping
• Attention to detail and accuracy in tasks
• Analytical and problem-solving
• Supervisory skills to effectively lead and motivate a team to ensure efficient auditing process
• Intermediate to advanced skill in using Microsoft Outlook and Excel.

Ability to:
• Maintain excellent working knowledge of department policies and procedures
• Multi-task, prioritize workload, and adjust priorities on a dynamic setting
• Handle a variety of demands and projects
• Accept directions and feedback from ESA Management and follow through appropriately
• Gather facts and communicate details clearly
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new processes
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity with sensitive information
• Aptitude for independent work and collaboration with leadership and investigative teams
• Supervise, coach, develop and train team members

• Preference will be given to those who have knowledge of Title 15 (ESA Legislation) laws, rules, regulations and policies, and/or are bilingual.

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

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
• Ten 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
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

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

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

To submit your resume, click the "APPLY NOW" button below.

Having trouble applying for this position?

Email HRIShelpdesk@azdoa.gov or call (602) 542-4700 for assistance.