Accounting Specialist 1

Overview

This position is located in the Office of Finance and Admin Services at 3003 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012.

Salary: $18.7688 HRLY/$39,039.10

Grade: 16

Closing Date: October 17, 2026

Job Summary:
The Accounting Specialist 1 role, located in the Centralized Invoice Payment Processing Unit, is responsible for accurately paying a high volume of invoices for contracted child welfare services and/or placement providers within an approved time frame. Responsibilities include examining and verifying fiscal transactions such as invoices, supporting documentation, and payments; reconciling billing discrepancies; and coordinating with providers and internal units to resolve payment barriers and ensure accurate payments.

Responsibilities

• Process a high volume of invoices by examining, evaluating, and approving/denying payments for contracted child welfare services and/or placement providers, ensuring invoices meet contract requirements necessary to support payment, as applicable.
• Research and analyze data from provider invoices, case manager records, Guardian, and other sources.
• Initiate requests for assistance using email, phone, fax, or other approved department methods to resolve payment barriers.
• Research and resolve billing discrepancies.
• Collaborate with providers, case managers, and other internal teams to determine the correct level and duration of service.
• Review, analyze, research, and resolve provider payment issues, using critical thinking to resolve problems independently and escalating issues to a lead or manager when needed.
• Coordinate with Referral Units, Placement Administration, and case managers to address Guardian Service Approvals issues.
• Coordinate with contracts staff to address contract issues that prevent accurate payment.
• Assist providers with payment questions, remittance advice, and guidance for navigating Guardian to accurately complete and submit invoices.
• Assist in establishing and revising processes and procedures used to complete work assignments.
• Perform other duties as assigned related to the position.

Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.
• Bilingual: English & Spanish.

Pre-employment requirement:

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

Driver’s license/vehicle note:

• 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 (as referenced in the posting).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Accounting principles, techniques, and practices.
• State and federal laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relating to payment of child welfare services.
• Multiple funded programs reflecting in various organizations.
• Various financial automated systems.

Skills:

• Computer operation
• Microsoft usage
• Interpersonal relationships
• Verbal and written communication
• 10-key operation by touch
• Reconciling
• Problem identification and resolution
• Data entry

Ability To:

• Identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Collaborate with a variety of people to achieve a common goal.
• Learn agency policy.
• Apply Department policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8 hours of college level accounting credits and/or 1 year experience in accounts payable.

Compensation & Benefits

The State of Arizona provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4:00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3:42 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Remote work:

• Full-time or part-time remote work schedule is available as a management option (not an employee entitlement or right). An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Retirement:

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Paid parental leave:

• Paid parental leave is available (as outlined in the posting).

Location

3003 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Office of Finance and Admin Services