Acounting Section

Phoenix Location

Salary: $59,000 - $61,000 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: 11/22/2024

• Under the direction of the Accounting Supervisor, this position makes practical applications of technical accounting principles, theories, and concepts beyond the mere application of detailed rules and instructions pertaining to a specific system.
• Rare in-state travel may be required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Prepare and submit cash receipts for all contract invoices in AZ360
• Assist in processing credit card transactions in AZ360, including: deposits, refunds/payments to internal and external vendors, inter and intra agency transfers, and any other related transactions, following state and federal mandates and procurement regulations
• Process accounting transactions involving federal grants and state appropriated funds in AZ360, the statewide accounting system, and other interfacing financial systems
• Assist in monitoring a system of controls, procedures, and forms for recurring funding
• Create and maintain the agency's vendor and billing customer profiles in AZ360
• Process and review complex receivable transactions
• Provides guidance to Accountant 1s and assists in completing transactions as needed
• Analyze, prepare, and reconcile daily, monthly, and annual invoice payments and refund reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards
• Research and resolve issues that arise, including preparing the necessary adjustment entries
• Prepare and assist with audit inquiries
• Log daily incoming electronic or paper invoices in the accounting database
• Maintain the Accounts Receivable and personal inboxes, takes phone calls, and attends virtual and in-person meetings
• Communicate with other accountants and program areas to resolve issues and discrepancies with contracts, receipts, requisitions, purchase orders, and invoices
• Answer customer and vendor questions about payment status and any other requests

Knowledge in:
• Methods and techniques of automated accounting systems and data processing as it relates to accounting practices
• Judgment in realizing when funds are depleted and take initiative to request funds
• Rules and regulations established for the work system of an agency
• Research and analysis methods ideally including statistical techniques
• A Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.

Skills in:
• Analysis, interpretation and reconciling of financial data
• Work techniques required to maintain accounting records through automated accounting systems
• Verbal and written communication
• Work organization and accomplishment
• Applying accounting principles and practices
• Excellent customer service skills
• Critical thinking skills and ability to problem-solve
• Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Ability to:
• Read and understand federal regulations, Arizona Revised Statutes, applicable agency manuals and policies and procedures
• Effectively manage time
• Detail-oriented
• Analyze difficult statistical data and draw logical conclusions
• Work as part of a team and individually with minimal oversight
• Organize, prioritize a large and varied workload
• Research statutes and policies based on SAAM (State of Arizona Accounting Manual) regulations

• Preference will be given to those applicants with prior working knowledge of AFIS/AZ360.

• 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.