Description
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.
DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.
DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST 2 Job Location: Division of Child Care (DCC)
Payment Processing Unit (PPU)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Posting Details: Salary: $34,221 - $47,800
Grade: 18
Closing Date: February 23, 2025 Job Summary:
Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES' video. Come Join the DES Team!
The Department of Economic Security, Office of the Director, along with the Division of Child Care, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Accounting Specialist 2. The DCC Payment Processing Unit is responsible for approximately $228M annually in payments to over 2,200 childcare providers contracted with the Division. These payments enable our childcare provider network to deliver services to approximately 40,000 DES children authorized for childcare assistance statewide.
This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (2 days per week in the office/hoteling).
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.
Job Duties:Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Under general supervision, the Accounting Specialist 2 is responsible for entering, reviewing, analyzing, validating, and reconciling provider payments into the Division's automated fiscal services system (AZCCATS). This position is also responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of invoicing, garnishments, special payments, and other payroll related processing. Additionally, this position prepares payroll reports and warrants; assists providers with reconciling their payments; assists both State and Federal Auditors. Troubleshoots in resolving payment issues, identify payments which may conflict with childcare rules, regulations, policies or procedures and refer to specialist, supervisor and contracts manager for review. This position also assists in researching and collecting all relevant data for processing of over-payments. This position applies and exercises accounting principles and practices with GAO Accounting, DES Accounting, and DCC's Finance & Accounting Unit.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):Knowledge of:
• The principles, concepts, practices, methods and techniques of government accounting and fiscal management
• Payment processing and disbursement methodology and how to apply laws, policies and procedures related to subsidized payments for childcare services
• Accounts payable, receivable, account reconciliation
• State and Department rules and regulations, agency policies and procedures for accounts payable, fiscal management and budget control
• Rules and regulations established for the work system or agency; methods and techniques of data processing as it relates to relationships; accounting practices
• Understanding, interpreting and applying the fundamental principles of accounting and general fiscal and financial record keeping practices in the performance of assigned tasks
• Analyzing and auditing financial data and effectively communicate findings to management orally and in writing
• Understanding government policies and general fiscal and financial record keeping, appropriately interpreting them into daily practices.
Skills In:
• Accounting and financial processes, oral and written communication.
• Analysis and interpretation of financial data
• Validating billing documents.
• Understanding of personnel rules and regulations.
• Analysis of provider payment records; record keeping systems.
• Evaluations applicable to Federal, State, Local and Tribal rules and regulations.
• Public speaking abilities; - Google Tools; Microsoft Office Suite applications.
Ability to:
• Research, compile, analyze and interpret fiscal information.
• Compare multiple documents comprised of authorization information and billing information, validating billing amounts and identifying and resolving questionable payment requests.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
• Make independent decisions.
• Work independently, effectively, and efficiently.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard information.
This ideal candidate for this position will have:
• Two years experience as an Accounting/Claims Specialist 2, 3 or equivalent.
Pre-Employment Requirements:• Employee shall obtain and maintain a valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card that meets DES requirements for a level one card.
• This position may require 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. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits:The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance
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. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.
For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us at 480-653-3041 or OODHRstaffing@azdes.gov.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting us at 480-653-3041 or OODHRstaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
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