PAYROLL SPECIALIST

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Administrative Services Officer 2 (ASO 2) -Payroll/Fund Accounting to join our Business & Finance Unit within the Mission Partners Division. This position is responsible for maintaining accurate and thorough Payroll records for the agency within and outside of the statewide AZ360 system. This position will also support any and all Fund Accounting related duties.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide agency Payroll guidance and analysis while maintaining compliance with applicable agency and state-wide Payroll policies, rules, and laws.
• Handle all Payroll related duties pertaining to the agency, including but not limited to reporting, corrections, and document entries.
• Support all agency related Travel duties and processes.
• Support all Fund Accounting related performance measures, products, and services.

Job Duties:

PAYROLL MANAGEMENT & COMPLIANCE

• Execute Payroll Cycles: Oversee and perform all payroll cycle reviews, entries, corrections, and formal approvals.
• Ensure Accuracy: Audit and validate all payroll entries to guarantee complete data accuracy and policy compliance.
• Provide Expert Guidance: Serve as the agency-wide advisor on AZ360 Human Resources Management (HRM) and payroll submission policies.
• Financial Reporting: Generate, analyze, and distribute comprehensive agency-wide payroll reports.

TRAVEL PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Coordinate Travel Operations: Manage agency travel claims and reservations while providing clear policy guidance to staff.

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT & DOCUMENTATION

• Drive Continuous Improvement: Lead operational change initiatives and implement strategies to improve data validation accuracy.
• Policy Interpretation: Analyze state and federal regulations to update internal standard work instructions and job duty documentation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

KNOWLEDGE

• Financial Operations: Mastery of government accounting principles, payroll management, and financial research methodologies.
• Analysis & Reporting: Strong proficiency in dissecting, analyzing, and reporting financial data, including variance analysis.
• Compliance & Structure: Familiarity with state statutes, organizational structures, and confidentiality standards.
• Software: High proficiency in Microsoft Office and G-Suite/Workplace tools.

SKILLS

• Analytical & Technical: Advanced problem-solving, abstract/statistical analysis, and detail-oriented data gathering.
• Communication: Ability to distill and communicate budget issues clearly to all staff levels.
• Organizational: Effective time management and multitasking.
• Interpersonal: Strong customer service, teamwork, and stakeholder engagement.

ABILITIES

• Critical Thinking: Skill in analyzing financial data, applying sound judgment, and executing continuous improvement (LEAN) concepts.
• Productivity: Ability to work independently or in teams, meet strict deadlines under pressure, and manage multiple daily tasks.
• Adaptability: Capacity to prioritize effectively, adapt to changing assignments, and take personal initiative.
• Professionalism: Ability to handle inquiries with tact, maintain positive working relationships, and report work status accurately.

Selective Preference(s):

• Bachelor degree in a Payroll related field preferred.
• 2 years or more of progressive payroll related experience.