ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST 1

Division of Financial Operations (DFO)

Accounting Administration
1789 W Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $42,712.00 

Grade: 16

Closing Date: July 17, 2026

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive while being eligible for great state benefits and an opportunity to work in a hybrid environment? 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, Division of Financial Operations (DES-DFO) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Accounting Specialist 1. With direction from the Accounting Manager, the Specialist will be responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and verifying vendor statements, invoices, and creating the fiscal transaction utilizing the applicable automated accounting system. These systems include the Arizona Financial Information System (AFIS), Arizona Procurement Portal (APP), and Human Resources Information Solutions (HRIS) system, as well as GMail and Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel and Access. This position researches unresolved financial documents and responds to vendor, client and employee inquiries; gathers and compiles financial data for reports; consults with the supervisor, presenting and resolving complex transactions; applies accounting principles and practices of governmental accounting while exercising discretion and independent judgment within the Administration’s established practices; and performs related work as required.

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 either partially or fully 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Apply accounting principles and practices used within the Administration
• Perform routine accounting tasks involving basic numeric calculations for the assigned fiscal management section
• Gather, compile, and reconcile fiscal data
• Examine and verify fiscal transactions such as, billing invoices, accounts receivable/accounts payable, payroll or other financial documents
• Maintain records. Prepare reports summarizing financial transactions. Complete journal entries

Knowledge of:

• The principles, concepts, practices, methods and techniques of government accounting and fiscal management
• Rules and regulations established for the work system or DES
• Methods and techniques of data processing as related to accounting practices
• Fundamental principles of accounting
• General fiscal and financial record keeping practices in the performance of assigned tasks

Skilled in:

• Basic math
• Data entry
• Analysis and interpretation of financial data
• Verbal and written communication
• Customer service
• Maintaining positive interpersonal relationships
• Effective time management
• Report preparation
• GMail and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Access

Ability to:

• Research and compile fiscal and statistical information
• Analyze and interpret fiscal and statistical data
• Reconcile records and reports
• Maintain records
• Prioritize multiple task
• Analyze financial data
• Effectively communicate findings to management orally and in writing

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• One year of Accounting experience

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:

• 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).

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
• Paid annual and sick leave
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

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.

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 Shawn Morrison at (623) 271-2117 or by email at shmorrison@azdes.gov.
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, please contact Shawn Morrison at (623) 271-2117 or by email at shmorrison@axdes.gov.
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.