Address:

Arizona Correctional Industries (ACI)
4441 East McDowell Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
https://corrections.az.gov/

Salary: $64,800.00 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 03/18/2026

Do you have at least 3 years of accounting experience in government, corrections, or an institutional environment? Are you a leader with experience in payroll systems, accounts receivable processes, and financial reporting? Join our energetic and diverse Arizona Correctional Industries (ACI) finance team. Apply today and make a difference!

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) is looking for an accountant to join our team as the Accounting Specialist Manager. This position oversees key financial operations with a primary focus on inmate payroll administration, accounts receivable management, and daily accounting functions. Ensures accuracy in financial reporting, compliance with institutional policies, and timely processing of financial transactions. Also supervises accounting support staff, provides leadership, training, and performance oversight to maintain a high standard of accuracy, efficiency, and accountability.

For further information about the Arizona Correctional Industries visit: https://aci.az.gov/

Inmate Payroll Management
- Administers the full cycle of inmate payroll, including timecard collection, wage calculation, deductions, and disbursements
- Ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing inmate compensation, maintains accurate payroll records, audits discrepancies, and resolves issues promptly
- Coordinates with facility supervisors to verify work assignments, hours worked, and eligibility for pay
- Prepares and distributes payroll reports for internal and external audits, ensuring payroll processes are accurate and on schedule for all facility work programs and contracted labor
- Oversees the setup and maintenance of contract labor workbooks for the facility’s payroll, conducts audits of payroll records, and resolves discrepancies promptly

Accounts Receivable (A/R) Management
- Oversees all accounts receivable functions, including invoicing, payment posting, reconciliation, and collections
- Monitors outstanding balances and follows up on delinquent accounts in accordance with policy
- Ensures invoices are issued accurately and on schedule in accordance with contracts, maintains accurate customer/vendor records, and ensures timely billing cycles
- Prepares monthly A/R aging reports, presents findings to management, analyzes trends in receivables, delinquencies, and payment behaviors
- Collaborates with internal departments to resolve billing discrepancies/disputes, reviews adjustments, write-offs, and account corrections
- Supports audits by providing documentation, reconciliations, and explanations
- Works with sales, customer service, and operations to resolve disputes and improve customer experience

General Accounting Duties
- Performs daily, monthly, and annual reconciliations for assigned accounts, assists with budget preparation, financial forecasting, and expenditure tracking
- Prepares journal entries, financial statements, and supporting documentation
- Ensures compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and audit requirements
- Supports annual audits by preparing schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring documentation accuracy
- Supervises accounting clerks or specialists by providing direction, coaching, and performance evaluations
- Trains staff on accounting procedures, software systems, and compliance requirements
- Assigns and reviews work to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to policy
- Develops and implements workflow improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce errors
- Serves as a subject-matter expert for the inmate payroll and accounts receivable processes
- Fosters a collaborative, professional, and accountable work environment
- Drives on State business
- Performs other duties appropriate to the assignment

Knowledge of:
- Principles, concepts, practices, and techniques of government accounting and fiscal management
- Methods and techniques of data processing as it applies to accounting practices
- Processes of state government, including legislative processes and administrative prerogatives and responsibilities
- Methods and techniques of automated financial systems

Skill in:
- Excellent written, verbal, and telephone communication etiquette
- Organization
- Time and project management
- Analysis and problem-solving
-Attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management

Ability to:
- Lift/Carry approximately 5 lbs.
- Push/Pull approximately 5 lbs.
- Walk/Run approximately 5 miles
- Reconcile, compute, and examine data
- Implement efficient office and workflow procedures
- Relate effectively with peers, supervisors, vendors, and management
- Work in a corrections environment with inmates
- Abide by numerous ADCRR policies, procedures, personnel rules, and state and federal laws
- Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Have a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism
- Interpret and apply complex regulations related to inmate payroll and financial operations
- Maintain records in accounting systems

- At least three (3) years of work experience in accounting, preferably in government, corrections, or an institutional environment
- Experience with payroll systems, accounts receivable processes, and financial reporting
- Prior supervisory or lead experience strongly preferred
- Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office
- Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
- Strong understanding of GAAP and internal control principles

Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a background investigation and drug test.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, 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).

In an effort to maintain a safe environment, all employees are required to take a Tuberculosis (TB) test during their New Employee Orientation and every year thereafter.

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

We offer an excellent and affordable comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees:
- Vacation and sick days 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).
- Robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability options
- Exceptional retirement program
- Optional employee benefits such as deferred compensation plans, credit union membership, and a wellness program
- An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program

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

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

Current ADCRR Employees: Consult with your respective Human Resources Liaison if you are in a different retirement plan than the one indicated above.

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) 255-2430. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.