Program Assistant I - Program Accounts

Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG); Yuma (AZ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Arizona State Retirement System

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

Job summary

Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) is seeking a Finance Support role to track and maintain accurate financial data for Head Start programs in Mohave, La Paz and Yuma counties. The position emphasizes cost allocation, reporting, and compliance with federal and agency standards.

You will work with the Finance Department, manage P-card accounts, processing requisitions, and ensure timely in-kind reporting and monthly close activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One (1) year experience in general office work or accounts payable.
• Associate's degree preferred.
• Experience with GAAP and federal uniform guidance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Finance Department to support Head Start operations and requirements.
• Track and document in-kind contributions; manage reports and ensure timely submission.
• Manage multiple P-card accounts; reconcile monthly.
• Process requisitions and purchase orders in Microix; verify quotes, approvals, and invoices.
• Enter account information and complete claims for DES and other sources; prepare monthly reports.
• Support procurement per Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards and Head Start standards.
• Manage petty cash for Yuma office and monthly reconciliation.
• Perform data entry and maintain accurate records in systems and spreadsheets.
• Prepare data for audit documentation and assist as needed.
• Provide training to program staff on finance procedures.

Skills

GAAP

Federal guidance

MS Office

Data reporting

Teamwork

Communication

Project management

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Access

Job description

About This Role

WACOG is the Head Start Grantee for Mohave, La Paz and Yuma Counties. Our programs focus on school readiness for all children and families. As a leader in quality early childhood programs in the area, WACOG is a champion of developmentally appropriate practices.

Summary Statement

Under close supervision, track, process and maintain accurate financial data pertaining to the Program's compliance requirements.

What You'll Do

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Work closely with the WACOG Finance Department to support Head Start operations and requirements, ensuring accurate cost allocation and financial documentation.
• Track and document in-kind contributions. Manage reports and ensure in-kind is submitted by each center in a timely manner.
• Manage multiple P-card accounts, ensuring cards are secured, purchases are approved, and documentation is accurately captured and reported; Reconcile accounts monthly.
• Process requisitions and purchase orders in Microix system using accepted general ledger account codes. Verify quotes, obtain approvals, verify invoices with receivables, submit purchase orders for processing and payment.
• Enter account information and complete claims for DES and other sources as appropriate, maintain records, and prepare monthly reports.
• Support ongoing procurement processes per Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and agency policies and procedures.
• Manage petty cash account for Yuma office and reconcile monthly.
• Perform timely and accurate data entry into relevant systems and spreadsheets; Ensure files are complete, current, and accurate.
• Prepare work to be processed by gathering, sorting, organizing, and recording data, information, and documents, e.g. process accurately and completely in a timely manner.
• Assist management to provide audit documentation and serve as point-of-contact for process, as needed.
• Provide training to program staff on proper procedures for finance related documents and collection, as needed.
• Attend and actively participate in meetings as required.
• Maintain reliable and predictable attendance; work outside of standard business hours as needed.
• Utilize tact and discretion to maintain confidentiality of information and a positive image of WACOG.
• Perform other duties as necessary to carry out the administrative/ programmatic goals and objectives of WAGOG and/or department.

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED Certificate

One (1) year experience in performing general office work or accounts payable

Preferred Education And Experience

Associate's degree

Experience in accounting

Other Requirements

Current AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card/ Criminal History Affidavit/Central Registry Background Check

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment

• Ability to secure and maintain a driver's license valid in the state of Arizona, or an acceptable alternative means of transportation. May be required to drive an agency vehicle. Employees authorized to operate a private vehicle for WACOG business are required to carry liability insurance minimums. For purposes of vehicle insurance, minimum 21 years of age.
• Current Health Physical and TB Clearance WHEN incumbent is paid primarily (≥50%) out of Head Start department funds, allocations adjusted monthly

Nice To Haves

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (KSAs)

The individual who holds this position must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The KSAs listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed for satisfactory performance.

• Ability to learn and obtain understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and federal uniform guidance for federal funds
• Proficiency in operating office equipment and personal computers, including Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Access
• Ability to navigate relevant software programs and generate accurate data reports
• Strong written communication skills
• Skill in maintaining exceptional accuracy and efficiency in both work output and organization
• Ability to collaborate effectively as a team member
• Ability to manage project goals, activities, and timelines effectively
• Ability to problem-solve and demonstrate innovation when facing immediate challenges or changes
• Ability to work independently while coordinating multiple projects simultaneously

EOE/ADA

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Arizona State Retirement System
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account