DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Address: 1110 W Washington St Ste 500
Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $24.7086 - $28.7141 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Under the general direction of the Financial Administrator, oversees the agency payroll related processes, including travel claims and other employee reimbursements or employee related payments. Hires, supervises and trains direct reports whose primary duties are to process payroll, travel claims, employee reimbursements, and other financial transactions within the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) finance unit as needed.

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 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:

• Supervise and train staff responsible for processing payroll transactions and travel claim reimbursements for the agency.
  
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to provide guidance, support, and performance feedback.
  
• Oversee the maintenance and accuracy of staff’s standard work documentation, ensuring procedures are current and clearly defined.
  
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of all payroll and travel reimbursement transactions in accordance with established deadlines.
  
• Perform monthly and ad-hoc payroll reconciliations per SAAM policy and report any issues with direct supervisor.
  
• Recommend policy updates to ensure agency compliance with the State of Arizona Accounting Manual (SAAM), financial laws, and relevant payroll/travel regulations.
  
• Serve as the lead in submitting agency payroll or travel exception requests under SAAM policies.
  
• Attend all relevant payroll and travel meetings, particularly those hosted by the State General Accounting Office (GAO), and provide updates to the Financial Administrator and/or CFO as required.
  
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.
  

Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the State of Arizona Accounting Manual (SAAM).
  
• State and Federal laws and agency policies, program rules, regulations and operating procedures.
  
• Principles and practices of leadership and supervision.
  
• Financial management principles and practices.
  
• Computer applications to include AZ360.
  
• Principles and practices of auditing standards and procedures.
  
• State, Federal and agency policies, procedures, program rules, regulations and operating procedures relating to payroll and travel.
  

Skills in:

• Managing, monitoring and evaluating staff.
  
• Managing payroll and related financial operations.
  
• Using computers and related software applications.
  
• Time management.
  
• Leadership.
  
• Written and verbal communications.

Ability to:

• Learn, understand and apply state and federal laws as well as state and agency rules, procedures and policies.
  
• Establish and implement effective payroll procedures.
  
• Provide leadership through managing the work of subordinates.
  
• Manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  
• Analyze problems and identify alternative solutions.
  
• Ability to drive on State Business.
  

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited college or university or related field.
  
• Five or more years of relevant payroll/accounting/finance experience.
  
• Three or more years of payroll supervisory experience preferably with the State of Arizona.
  

A valid Arizona Driver's License.

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).

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

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 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
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, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment

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

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
  
• Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
  
• Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
  
• The current contribution rate is 12%
  

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Selene Rojas at srojas@dffm.az.gov for assistance.

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 (623) 236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.