Federal and Cost Accounting Statewide Accountant III

Division of Business and Finance (DBF)
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
Main Office Location: 100 N. 15th Ave, Suite 302, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: Up to $78,543.00 

Grade: 24

Open Until Business Needs Are Met (1st Review of Resumes 8/3/2026)

The Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA), Division of Business and Finance (DBF), is currently seeking a highly skilled and analytical Statewide Accountant III to join their dedicated team. In this vital role, the successful candidate will be entrusted with overseeing significant areas and managing critical assignments that involve complex, unique, and often statutorily mandated tasks in a governmental accounting context.

This position demands a deep understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines. The selected individual will play a pivotal leading role, guiding the development and implementation of statewide accounting policies and procedures, ensuring their alignment with statutory requirements and overarching government regulations.

The Statewide Accountant III will contribute, lead and/or review the preparation of key financial reports, including components of the Statewide Cost Allocation Plan (SWCAP) and the Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA). This role will monitor or oversee monitoring and resolution of daily interface issues. Additionally this position works with team members reviewing grant and project cost structure set up and modification in the statewide financial system AZ360, providing guidance to agencies and all customers. This role is not only about maintaining standards but also enhancing them through continuous improvements to the financial system and existing processes. .

Secondary responsibilities include overseeing the integrity of financial systems and controls, reviewing financial data for accuracy before public release, and responding to technical pronouncements from GASB. The role may also involve providing expert testimony in legislative or judicial settings, drafting management recommendations on internal controls and procedural changes, and finalizing financial schedules for comprehensive statewide reporting.

This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for those passionate about advancing their career in government accounting, contributing to the financial integrity and transparency of state operations in Arizona.

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.

• Acts in a leading role for the monitoring of grants and other federal monies for compliance with the federal draw requirements stipulated in the federal cash management improvement act to assure that the state pays the minimal amount of interest to the federal government
• May act in a leading role for the preparation and negotiation of the statewide cost allocation plan (SWCAP), Treasury State Agreement (TSA), and Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA)
• Composes or reviews other assigned professional and/or technical staff draft correspondence dealing with subject matters in ways that call for considerable discretion, judgment or negotiation, replying to inquiries, presenting and requesting information
• Monitors subordinate or other assigned professional and/or technical staff follow-up activities on auditor general recommendations
• Responds to agencies, board and commissions, and the JLBC and OSPB by providing guidance and/or research necessary to resolve problems or situations defined by the requesting entity
• Makes recommendations for improvement, applying knowledge and skills of own technical specialty
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Knowledge of:

• GAAP, GAAS, FASB, GASB and other related publications
• The principles, concepts, practices, methods and techniques of government accounting, audit methodologies, internal control structures, accountability, and fiscal management
• Reference materials such as federal regulations, (e.g., Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations Part 200), Arizona Revised Statutes, applicable agency manuals including the Department of Administration, General Accounting Office Statewide Accounting and System manuals, policies and procedures and the information contained therein and its applicability to the assigned area
• Research methodologies, spreadsheet techniques, statistical sampling, quality assurance and final technical report referencing
• Methods and techniques of development of data processing relating to large financial systems
• Legal requirements impacting area of assignment
• Customer service etiquette

Skills in:

• Work organization and accomplishment
• Analysis and interpretation of financial data
• Spreadsheet development and statistical sampling techniques
• Work techniques required to maintain accounting records through financial systems (includes personal and mainframe computer skills)
• Leadership and interpersonal relationships
• Oral and written communications
• Multi-tasking and adaptability to changing priorities on a regular basis
• Collaborating with team members and other agency personnel to achieve shared goals

Ability to:

• Communicate both verbally and in writing with customers and co-workers
• Express complex analytical findings into a clear, concise, and understandable manner in reports and oral presentations
• Work within guidelines of established methods; obtaining, clarifying and providing information within established parameters
• Analysis of data and interpretation of that data
• Embrace change and learn new skills.

• Certified Public Accountant license preferred

• A Bachelor's degree in accounting is required
• Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, and required documents. 

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 Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

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

• 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

• If you have any questions please feel free to contact Christopher Langseth at christopher.langseth@azdoa.gov for assistance
• The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.