Accounting Specialist Unit Supervisor

State of Arizona•Phoenix, AZ

55d•$25 - $29•Remote

About The Position

In partnership with local, county, state, and federal agencies, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) protects Arizona's people by: providing coordination and resource response for the suppression and management of wildland fire; delivering education to aid in wildland fire prevention; providing integrated management strategies, technical assistance and information through various Department programs; collaborating in forest restoration projects; and ensuring fire and life safety through permitting, plan reviews and building inspections. Under the general direction of the Financial Administrator, oversees the agency payroll related processes, including travel claims and other employee reimbursements or employee related payments. Hires, supervises and trains direct reports whose primary duties are to process payroll, travel claims, employee reimbursements, and other financial transactions within the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) finance unit as needed. 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.

Requirements

Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the State of Arizona Accounting Manual (SAAM).
Knowledge of State and Federal laws and agency policies, program rules, regulations and operating procedures.
Knowledge of Principles and practices of leadership and supervision.
Knowledge of Financial management principles and practices.
Knowledge of Computer applications to include AZ360.
Knowledge of Principles and practices of auditing standards and procedures.
Knowledge of State, Federal and agency policies, procedures, program rules, regulations and operating procedures relating to payroll and travel.
Skills in Managing, monitoring and evaluating staff.
Skills in Managing payroll and related financial operations.
Skills in Using computers and related software applications.
Skills in Time management.
Skills in Leadership.
Skills in Written and verbal communications.
Ability to Learn, understand and apply state and federal laws as well as state and agency rules, procedures and policies.
Ability to Establish and implement effective payroll procedures.
Ability to Provide leadership through managing the work of subordinates.
Ability to Manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Ability to Analyze problems and identify alternative solutions.
Ability to drive on State Business.
A valid Arizona Driver's License.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited college or university or related field.
Five or more years of relevant payroll/accounting/finance experience.
Three or more years of payroll supervisory experience preferably with the State of Arizona.

Responsibilities

Supervise and train staff responsible for processing payroll transactions and travel claim reimbursements for the agency.
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to provide guidance, support, and performance feedback.
Oversee the maintenance and accuracy of staff's standard work documentation, ensuring procedures are current and clearly defined.
Ensure timely and accurate processing of all payroll and travel reimbursement transactions in accordance with established deadlines.
Perform monthly and ad-hoc payroll reconciliations per SAAM policy and report any issues with direct supervisor.
Recommend policy updates to ensure agency compliance with the State of Arizona Accounting Manual (SAAM), financial laws, and relevant payroll/travel regulations.
Serve as the lead in submitting agency payroll or travel exception requests under SAAM policies.
Attend all relevant payroll and travel meetings, particularly those hosted by the State General Accounting Office (GAO), and provide updates to the Financial Administrator and/or CFO as required.
Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment
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.
Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.