What does the Accounting Services Division do?

Click on the following link for a Division Overview.

Does the Auditor General’s Office operate like a public accounting firm?

In many respects, the Auditor General’s Office operates like a public accounting firm.  However, the Arizona State Legislature determines the services we provide and we report directly to them.  The Accounting Services Division performs review and various compliance and consulting activities for all of the governmental entities referred to above.

What can I expect during my first year?

If you start work in January or July, you will most likely attend a variety of new-staff training courses during your first week.  You will receive on-the-job training in reviewing financial statements, internal control compliance questionnaires, audit contracts, and participate in performing on-site procedural and status reviews of school districts or charter schools.  Examples of other opportunities include client consultation,  preparing annual budget and financial report forms, revising accounting manuals, and reviewing annual expenditure limitation reports of community college districts, counties, cities, and towns. 

How is the division structured?

The Accounting Services Division includes a director, administrative secretary, several managers, seniors, level II, and level I accountants.  While there are no structured teams, managers and seniors specialize in specific areas (such as school districts, charter schools, counties, etc.).  Level Is and IIs work on tasks in several different areas for various seniors and managers.

What are the division's basic qualifications?

Applicants interested in the Accounting Services Division should have a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with 24 completed semester hours of accounting and a minimum 3.0 GPA in accounting classes. Students within a year of graduation will also be considered.  In addition, you should be willing to travel approximately 5-10 percent of the time and have strong oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.  Further, you should have a working knowledge of Windows, word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.

How and when will I be evaluated?

Evaluations are completed at the end of your first 3 months with the Office and also two more times during the first year.  Each subsequent year, until you become a level II, two evaluations will be completed each year by up to two supervisors.  Evaluations will be completed by someone for whom have worked primarily during the evaluation period.  As part of your annual evaluation, you will complete a professional development plan that will outline your professional goals.