PAYROLL AND TRAVEL ACCOUNTANT I

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Accounting Supervisor, this position is responsible for maintaining a fiscal services system for state appropriations and federal grants of the agency’s fiscal management section including examining a variety of financial documents for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) or other specific accounting requirements. 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.

Requirements

• The 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.
• The 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 related field, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.
• Analysis, interpretation and reconciling financial data
• Work 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
• Critical thinking
• Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Problem solve
• Read and understand federal regulations, Arizona Revised Statutes, applicable agency manuals, and policies and procedures
• Effectively manage time
• Be detail-oriented
• Analyze difficult statistical data and draw logical conclusions
• Work as part of a team and individually with minimal oversight
• Organize and prioritize a large and varied workload
• Research statutes and policies based on SAAM (State of Arizona Accounting Manual) regulations

Nice To Haves

• Prior working knowledge of AFIS/AZ360
• Payroll experience
• HR systems experience

Responsibilities

• Processes accounting transactions involving federal grants and state appropriated funds in AZ360-FIN, the statewide accounting system, and AZ360-HRM, the statewide human resources module, adhering to state and federal policies and confidentiality standards
• Utilizes accounting reports, contracts, operating procedures, and guides to verify accounting information is appropriately coded
• Primarily responsible for processing a high volume of travel claims for internal employees
• Assists in reviewing biweekly time sheets for the agency (+600 employees) to check for errors and communicate needed adjustments
• Participates in other payroll processes as needed
• Monitors updates to payroll and travel policy and communicates changes to the Payroll & Travel team, the Payroll & Travel Supervisor, the Accounting Administrator, and the Chief Financial Officer
• 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
• Attends virtual and in-person meetings
• Communicates with other accountants, Human Resources, and program areas to resolve issues and discrepancies
• Answers customer and vendor questions about payment/reimbursement status and any other requests
• Aids in preparing and presenting travel information for new employee orientation, quarterly travel trainings, and one-on-one trainings as needed (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 in order to meet unit performance measures

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level