Controller

AZ State Jobs; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave

Vacation with holidays

Parental Leave

Health and dental insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance and disability

Optional benefits

Job summary

Arizona Department of Transportation seeks a Controller to lead the Fiscal Operations team, including Payroll, AP, AR, G/L and Financial Reporting. The role ensures GAAP compliance, internal controls, and policy development for fiscal integrity. Remote work within Arizona may be available based on performance and business needs.

Responsibilities include coaching managers, preparing financial reports, and guiding strategic process improvements for the agency. A CPA or CGFM is preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of GAAP, chart of accounts, and compliance with federal/state rules.
• Ability to guide financial staff and maintain internal controls.
• Experience with AZ360 or Procurement Portal is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google applications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day payroll, AP, AR, G/L and financial reporting operations.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, laws, and internal controls.
• Develop and implement departmental policies to maintain fiscal integrity.
• Provide updates to executive leadership on planning and improvements.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Guidance to financial staff

Automated accounting systems

Microsoft and Google apps

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

CPA or CGFM preferred

Job description

DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION

Be a part of an innovative and collaborative team driving a safer transportation system for Arizona.

Controller

Job Location:

Address: Financial Management Services
800 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $129,793.98 - 139,793.98
Anticipated Salary: $134,793.98

Grade: 28

Closing Date: 09/30/2026

Job Summary:

Responsible for planning, organizing and directing the Fiscal Operations team, which includes Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, and Financial Reporting. Provide professional expertise to ensure agency compliance with generally accepted accounting principles(GAAP) and state and federal requirements and best practices. Develop/administer financial policies and internal controls, and provide recommendations to division and agency leadership.

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.

Job Duties:

Overseeing and coaching the day to day operations of the departments through subordinate managers for: Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, and Financial Reporting preparation.
Assure compliance with all federal and state requirements, and maintain fiscal and internal controls. Establish appropriate Departmental policies and procedures to maintain fiscal integrity.
Provide updates to executive leadership, especially as it relates to: succession planning, training and handling of human resources issues for employees under direct or indirect supervision, developing and implementing strategic plans and process improvements, and providing direction to the Fiscal Operations team.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and chart of account structure, compliance with federal regulations, state laws, and policies.
• Providing guidance to financial staff.
• Automated accounting systems, such as the financial system AZ360, and Procurement Portal.
• Microsoft and Google applications.

Skill in:

• Analytics, interpreting and research financial data.
• Oral and written communication.
• Presentations.
• Writing documents policies and procedures, memos.
• Planning, organizing and managing
• Interpersonal interaction

Ability to:

• Direct and coordinate the work of others
• Plan and control functions
• Coordinate financial matters
• Prepare financial reports
• Comply with policies and statutes,
• Report accurately.
• Maintain the highest degree of integrity of financial records and reports
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Understand and anticipate constituent and stakeholder concerns.
• Coach and develop employees.
• Develop continuous improvement practices and principles.

Selective Preference(s):

A Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting from an accredited college or university; OR a Bachelor's degree in a related field with a minimum of 24 semester hours in accounting courses. A license as a Certified Public Accountant(CPA) by the state of Arizona, or license as Certified Govt. Financial Manager (CGFM) is also preferred. Must have knowledge of managerial techniques and team

Pre-Employment Requirements:

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

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

Benefits:

• Sick leave
• Vacation 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).
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

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 program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

Mandatory participation in the Arizona Retirement System (ASRS) is required.

Contact Us:

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact ADOT Human Resources Recruitment via email at [e-mail] or phone call at [phone] option 2.

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 [phone] option 3. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. ADOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.