Arizona Department of Education 

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

PAYROLL AND TRAVEL ACCOUNTANT II

Job Location:

Accounting Section

Phoenix Location

Posting Details:

Salary: $58,000 - $60,000 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: 04/09/2026

Job Summary:

• Under the direction of the Accounting Supervisor, this position provides professional accounting support to ensure accurate financial reporting and sound fiscal management. The role applies accounting principles and judgment to review financial transactions, maintain records, support budgeting activities, and ensure compliance with (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) GAAP and agency requirements.
• Responsibilities include analyzing financial statements and documents, monitoring expenditures, using automated accounting systems to track revenues and expenses, and preparing financial reports. The position also assists with improving accounting processes, resolving vendor and customer issues, and helping ensure budgets remain within available funds.
• Rare in-state travel 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.

Job Duties:

• Processes accounting transactions involving federal grants and state appropriated funds in AZ360, the statewide accounting system, and AZ360-HRM the statewide human resource portal
• Assists in monitoring agency time sheets, a system of controls, procedures, and forms for payroll and travel functions, adhering to state and federal policies and confidentiality standards
• Oversees all out-of-state travel for the agency, using the Central Travel Account (CTA) card to book flights, lodging, and other incidentals for travelers
• Assists travelers in the completion of travel claims and out-of-state packets to provide excellent customer service and alleviate disruption in travel
• Maintains records and completes monthly spending log to reconcile to bank statement
• Prepares and presents travel information for new employee orientation, quarterly travel training, and one-on-one training as requested
• Stakeholders include new and current employees, vendors traveling for the State, entire program areas, and others
• Surveys attendees and adjusts training materials based on feedback to meet unit performance measures
• Monitors updates to payroll and travel policy and communicates changes to the Payroll & Travel team, the Payroll & Travel Supervisor, the Accounting Administrator, the Chief Financial Officer, and the agency, as necessary
• Updates operating procedures and training manuals to keep reference materials up-to-date and stakeholders educated on changes
• Logs daily incoming customer claims and requests in their respective repositories
• Maintains the Payroll, Travel, and personal inboxes, takes phone calls, and attends virtual and in-person meetings
• Communicates with other accountants, HR, and program areas to resolve issues and discrepancies
• Answers customer and vendor questions about payment/reimbursement status and any other requests

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

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.
• Techniques required to maintain accounting records through automated accounting systems
• Oral and written communication
• Work organization and accomplishment
• Applying accounting principles and practices
• Excellent customer service
• Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Critical thinking

Ability to:
• Problem solve
• Read and understand federal regulations, Arizona Revised Statutes, applicable agency manuals and policies