Arizona Department of Education

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

Accounting Section

Phoenix Location

Salary: $72,000 - $82,000 

Grade: 24

Closing Date: 06/12/2026

• 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 Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required
• Applicants must have supervisory experience

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

N/A

• Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required d