DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.

DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST 2

Job Location:

Division of Child Care (DCC)
Payment Processing Unit (PPU)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $34,221 - $47,800 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: February 23, 2025

Job Summary:

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, Office of the Director, along with the Division of Child Care, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Accounting Specialist 2. The DCC Payment Processing Unit is responsible for approximately $228M annually in payments to over 2,200 childcare providers contracted with the Division. These payments enable our childcare provider network to deliver services to approximately 40,000 DES children authorized for childcare assistance statewide.

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (2 days per week in the office/hoteling).

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.

Job Duties:

Under general supervision, the Accounting Specialist 2 is responsible for entering, reviewing, analyzing, validating, and reconciling provider payments into the Division's automated fiscal services system (AZCCATS). This position is also responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of invoicing, garnishments, special payments, and other payroll related processing. Additionally, this position prepares payroll reports and warrants; assists providers with reconciling their payments; assists both State and Federal Auditors. Troubleshoots in resolving payment issues, identify payments which may conflict with childcare rules, regulations, policies or procedures and refer to specialist, supervisor and contracts manager for review. This position also assists in researching and collecting all relevant data for processing of over-payments. This position applies and exercises accounting principles and practices with GAO Accounting, DES Accounting, and DCC's Finance & Accounting Unit.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:
• The principles, concepts, practices, methods and techniques of government accounting and fiscal management
• Payment processing and disbursement methodology and how to apply laws, policies and procedures related to subsidized payments for childcare services
• Accounts payable, receivable, account reconciliation
• State and Department rules and regulations, agency policies and procedures for accounts payable, fiscal management and budget control
• Rules and regulations established for the work system or agency; methods and techniques of data processing as it relates to relationships; accounting practices
• Understanding, interpreting and applying the fundamental principles of accounting and general fiscal and financial record keeping practices in the performance of assigned tasks
• Analyzing and auditing financial data and effectively communicate findings to management orally and in writing
• Understanding government policies and general fiscal and financial record keeping, appropriately interpreting them into daily practices.

Skills In:
• Accounting and financial processes, oral and written communication.
• Analysis and interpretation of financial data
• Validat