Accounting Section

Phoenix Location

Salary: $72000 - $82.000

Grade: 24

Closing Date: 04/27/2026

This position ensures accurate timely and compliant processing of payroll and employee travel reimbursements.
This position provides centralized oversight of two highly regulated functions strengthens internal controls and ensures consistent application of state and federal policies.
Additionally the role serves as a primary customer service point for employees managers and external partners resolving complex issues and maintaining service continuity.
Rare in-state is 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.

Directs instructs supervises advises and evaluates the work product and work in progress of the Payroll & Travel staff monitoring and reconciling entries in the HRIS and AZ360 systems
Resolves problems and questions of subordinates and customers in all areas of their duties following Federal and State regulations
Coordinates with customers/vendors and other agency units including Budget Human Resources (HR) Information Technology (IT) and all other program areas to review and resolve issues educate on internal policies and provide guidance and improve internal processes
Gathers information to define financial needs for the agency
Evaluates existing and proposed financial procedures policies systems and practices suggesting areas for improvement in process and/or efficiency
Performs ongoing review of operational systems to ensure objectives continue to be met and to improve operational effectiveness
Plans and conducts various and ongoing financial analysis of accounting data and performs various and complex reconciliations of AZ360 system data to agency enterprise and legacy systems
Supports other supervisors as backup personnel
Manages special financial projects in coordination with agency financial unit

Knowledge in:
Principles concepts practices methods and techniques of accounting internal control structures and fiscal management
Reference materials such as Federal regulations Arizona Revised Statutes applicable agency manuals and policies and procedures
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
Methods and techniques of automated accounting systems
Organizational processes
Planning organizing and evaluation
Business Methods and procedures
Analysis design modification and presentation of data
A Bachelors degree in accounting or related field; or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree is required

Skills in:
Analysis interpretation and communication of financial data
Management
Group facilitation
Problem solving
Public speaking
Advanced interpersonal and customer service skills
Maintaining accounting records through automated accounting system
Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook Word and Excel

Ability to:
Conduct complex data analysis.
Express ideas/information clearly and concisely.
Establish and maintain effective cooperative relationships.
Identify and analyze organizational and/or procedural problems and determine effective solutions

Preference will be given to those applicants with:
Prior working knowledge of AZ360
Supervisory experience

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:Drivers 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 programhere. 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 or emailing Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.