Contract Traveling Accountant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Accounting Section

Phoenix Location

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.

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

Knowledge in:
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.
Skills in:
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
Ability to:
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

Preference will be given to those applicants with:
Prior working knowledge of AFIS/AZ360
Payroll experience
HR systems experience

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
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

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.