Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility
Business Operations
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $14.3375 - $20.5346/Hourly ($29,822 - $42,711.97 Annually) 

Grade: 16

Closing Date: April 20, 2025

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Accounting Specialist 1 for Business Operations. The Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME) oversees four separate programs that provide basic needs to thousands of Arizonans. These programs are Nutrition Assistance (NA), Medical Assistance (MA), Cash Assistance (CA) and Disability Determination Services. The Accounting Specialist 1 will be under the direction of the Division’s Business Operations Manager and will perform entry level, routine accounting tasks, which will include providing general administrative support to the Business Operations Purchasing Team. This position will be responsible for verifying the delivery of services and supplies, matching receipts with invoices, and entering financial transactions using Arizona Procurement Portal (APP). The Specialist will research requisitions, purchase orders and financial documents, communicate with DBME field offices and vendors, consult with the Purchasing Team and the supervisor, resolves complex transactions, and apply generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Verify the delivery of services and supplies, this involves matching receipts with invoices and enter the financial transaction using Arizona Procurement Portal (APP).
• Research requisitions, purchase orders and financial documents, communicate with the DBME field offices and vendors.
• Work closely with the Division Purchasing Team to provide them administrative support and to help resolve complex transactions using the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Track and follow-up on action items.

Knowledge of:

• The principles, concepts, practices, methods and techniques of accounting and fiscal management.
• Generally accepted accounting principles.
• DES organization structure.

Skill in:

• Analysis and interpretation of purchase orders, invoices, and receipts.
• Verbal and written communication.
• Customer Service.

Ability to:

• Prioritize multiple tasks.
• Effectively communicate findings to management orally and in writing.
• Work with little supervision.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Requires a high school diploma or GED and 12 semester hours.
• OR one year of accounting experience.

• 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.
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plan.
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

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

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, pleae contact Jennifer Honhoinewa at 480-356-6674 or JHonhoinewa@azdes.gov.

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 contacting 480-356-6674. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.