Early Childhood Education Data Finance Specialist

Limited Funding - Expires 12/31/25

Support the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Department and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Early Care and Education Programs relative to compliance and quality improvement efforts for EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (birth through third grade) and facilitate collaborative relationships through a data and finance lens.
Rare in-state and out-of-state travel is required.
The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

Direct administrative activities of ECE grants and budgets including communication with procurement, accounting, personnel and payroll, and project management
Plan and review the fiscal portion of projects conducted by the ECE Unit including submission, review and processing of projects, grants, Inter-governmental Service Agreements (ISAs), and Inter-governmental Agreements (IGAs) for state and/or federal assistance funding
Designs and prepares comprehensive statistical, financial, and other reports for program accountability to funding agencies, state legislature, and other stakeholders
Direct oversight of data management, collection and analysis
Monitor budgeted line items at the LEA and ADE level for compliance with the Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR)

Knowledge in:
Adult learning styles
Fiscal management and budget preparation
Standard accounting principals and procurement
Experience in EARLY CHILDHOOD funding, as well as administrative experience
Experience in monitoring and evaluating for program effectiveness
Extensive knowledge of high-quality ECE programming, as well as implementation to provide assistance to programs with implementing the structural elements of high-quality programming
Extensive knowledge of the specific professional development requirements of ECE grants and the statewide ECE system in Arizona
Arizona State statutes and federal regulations relating to ECE
Quality EARLY CHILDHOOD programs
Bachelor's degree in the data and/or finance fields or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required
Minimum of two years supporting data and finance operations in an educational settings
Minimum three years experience providing professional development and/or technical assistance
Skills in:
Communication skills, both verbal and written
Decision making and problem solving skills
Organizational skills including planning and prioritizing
Conducting research
Analyzing data
Using data to make programmatic and fiscal decisions
Intermediate skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Ability to:
Identify a goal, create plans to achieve the goal, and ensure appropriate time and effort are allocated to complete the project
Multi-task
Work as a member of a team
Develop reports and written procedures
Provide attention to detail
Provide high quality customer service
Provide fiscal and data technical assistance and/or professional development to EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION programs
Coach and support staff

Preference will be given to those applicants with:
Post secondary education in accounting, finance, or organizational management
Minimum of 15 credit hours in accounting or financial management
Experience working in programs that support children and families

Applicants must have a valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card or the ability to obtain one prior to employment start date.

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

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
Ten paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans

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

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

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) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.