Principal CPA, Director of Tax (US - Remote)

Arizona Department of Education

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

PAYROLL AND TRAVEL SUPERVISOR

Job Location: Accounting Section Phoenix

Location Posting Details:

• Salary: $72,000 - $82,000
• Grade: 24
• Closing Date: 04/27/2026

Job Summary:

This position ensures accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll and employee travel reimbursements.

This position provides centralized oversight of two highly regulated functions, strengthens internal controls, and ensures consistent application of state and federal policies.

Additionally, the role serves as a primary customer service point for employees, managers, and external partners, resolving complex issues and maintaining service continuity.

Rare in-state 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.

Job Duties:

• Directs, instructs, supervises, advises, and evaluates the work product and work in progress of the Payroll & Travel staff, monitoring and reconciling entries in the HRIS and AZ360 systems
• Resolves problems and questions of subordinates and customers in all areas of their duties, following Federal and State regulations
• Coordinates with customers/vendors and other agency units, including Budget, Human Resources (HR), Information Technology (IT), and all other program areas, to review and resolve issues, educate on internal policies and provide guidance, and improve internal processes
• Gathers information to define financial needs for the agency
• Evaluates existing and proposed financial procedures, policies, systems, and practices suggesting areas for improvement in process and/or efficiency
• Performs ongoing review of operational systems to ensure objectives continue to be met and to improve operational effectiveness
• Plans and conducts various and ongoing financial analysis of accounting data, and performs various and complex reconciliations of AZ360 system data to agency enterprise and legacy systems
• Supports other supervisors as backup personnel
• Manages special financial projects in coordination with agency financial unit

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:

• Principles, concepts, practices, methods, and techniques of accounting, internal control structures, and fiscal management
• Reference materials such as Federal regulations, Arizona Revised Statutes, applicable agency manuals, and policies and procedures
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Methods and techniques of automated accounting systems
• Organizational processes
• Planning, organizing and evaluation
• Business Methods and procedures
• Analysis, design, modification and presentation of data
• A Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required

Skills in:

• Analysis, interpretation and communication of financial data
• Management
• Group facilitation
• Problem solving
• Public speaking
• Advanced interpersonal and customer service skills
• Maintaining accounting records through automated accounting system
• Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Ability to:

• Conduct complex data analysis.
• Express ideas/information clearly and concisely.
• Establish and maintain effective, cooperative relationships.
• Identify and analyze organizational and/or procedural problems and determine effective solutions

Selective Preference(s):

Preference will be given to those applicants with:

• Prior working knowledge of AZ360
• Supervisory experience

Pre-Employment Requirements:

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).

Benefits:

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

Retirement:

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.

Contact Us:

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.