Accounting Specialist 1

The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is a social and human services agency dedicated to strengthening families and ensuring safety for Arizona’s children. The Accounting Specialist I is responsible for processing a high volume of invoices for contracted child welfare services, verifying fiscal transactions, and resolving payment discrepancies.

Responsibilities

• Process a high volume of invoices which includes examining, evaluating, approving/denying payments for contracted child welfare services and/or placement providers by ensuring that the invoices meet the contract requirements necessary to support payment, as applicable. Research and analysis of data from provider invoices, case manager records, Guardian, and other sources as well as initiating requests via e-mail, phone, fax or other approved department methods for assistance in resolving payment barriers
• Research and resolve billing discrepancies. Collaboration with providers, case managers and other DCS teams to determine correct level and duration of service. Review, analyze, research and resolve provider payment issues. Utilize critical thinking skills to attempt to resolve problems independently, and know when an issue needs to be elevated to a lead or manager. Coordinate with Referral Units, Placement Administration, and case managers to remedy problems with Guardian Service Approvals, and coordinate with contracts staff to remedy contract issues that prevent accurate payment
• Assist providers with questions related to payments, remittance advice, navigating Guardian to accurately complete and submit their invoices
• Assist in the establishment and revision of processes and procedures used in the accomplishment of work assignments. Attend trainings and meetings
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Skills

• Accounting principals, techniques and practices
• State and federal laws, rules, regulations, and agency policy and procedures relating to the payment of child welfare services
• Multiple funded programs reflecting in various organizations
• Various financial automated systems
• Research
• Computer operation
• Microsoft usage
• Interpersonal relationships
• Verbal and written communication
• 10-key operation by touch
• Reconciling
• Problem identification and resolution
• Data entry
• Analyze
• Identify and resolve discrepancies
• Collaborate with a variety of people to achieve a common goal
• Apply Department of Child Safety (DCS) policies and procedures
• If position is required to drive on state business, the position will require the possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment
• Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training
• Must be able to secure and maintain clearance from DCS Central Registry
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify)
• 8 hours of college level accounting credits and/or 1 year experience in accounts payable

Benefits

• 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
• Paid Parental Leave pilot program

Company Overview