Accounting and Operations Specialist with extensive experience in governmental accounting and billing operations. Demonstrated leadership in optimizing workflows, enhancing revenue recovery, and ensuring compliance across complex financial programs. Expertise in financial analysis, audits, and cross-functional collaboration drives operational success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Accounting Specialist Manager
Arizona Department of Economic Security - Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
11.2020 - Current
Led team of four staff members, coaching and training to enhance performance and accountability.
Develop and maintain standardized workflows and procedures to improve billing accuracy and operational efficiency.
Analyze and audit Room & Board billing to identify discrepancies and resolve financial concerns, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Coordinate with AHCCCS, Social Security OIG, Case Management, and internal departments to ensure compliance and maximize revenue recovery.
Prepared reports and monitored financial activity to ensure accurate billing information communicated to leadership and stakeholders.
Interpret policies, regulations, and laws related to Cost of Care, Residential Billing, Estates, Trusts, and Annuities.
Assist with fraud, waste, and abuse investigations involving member Social Security benefits.
Accounting Specialist Team Lead
Arizona Department of Economic Security - Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
08.2017 - 11.2020
Led billing operations and provided guidance on policy, procedures, and compliance requirements.
Reviewed and recommended policy changes and legislation impacting client billing to enhance compliance and operational effectiveness.
Managed Tort Settlement Recovery reporting and ensured compliance with AHCCCS requirements.
Conducted financial analysis and reporting for Cost of Care, Share of Cost, and Residential Billing programs.
Collaborated with internal departments and external stakeholders to resolve complex billing issues, ensuring timely and accurate resolutions.
Created and implemented improved billing and reporting procedures to streamline processes and enhance accuracy.
Accounting Specialist I
Arizona Department of Economic Security - Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
01.2017 - 08.2017
Reviewed financial records to ensure billing compliance with state and federal guidelines, minimizing risks of non-compliance.
Managed statewide billing operations and coordinated collections for Tort Settlement programs, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
Prepared reports and communicated financial and policy information to stakeholders.
Supported project management activities and implemented operational process improvements to enhance workflow efficiency.
Accounting Specialist I
Arizona Department of Child Safety
10.2014 - 01.2017
Reviewed, evaluated, and processed payments for contracted child welfare services, ensuring timely and accurate financial support for program operations.
Researched provider invoices, case records, and billing discrepancies to ensure payment accuracy.
Collaborated with providers, case managers, mental health specialists, and licensing personnel to resolve payment issues.
Maintained professional relationships with foster homes, shelters, residential treatment facilities, and DDD homes to facilitate smooth communication and address payment concerns.
Delivered high-quality customer service while managing high-volume billing operations.
Foster Claims Specialist II
Arizona Department of Economic Security
06.2006 - 08.2009
Reviewed provider documentation and case records to ensure accurate payment processing and compliance.
Coordinated with agency staff and providers to identify and resolve billing barriers and service issues efficiently.
Managed billing for foster care families, group homes, shelters, and residential facilities to ensure timely payments.
Maintained detailed records and ensured compliance with departmental requirements.
Education
Associate in Applied Science - Behavioral Sciences
South Mountain Community College
Phoenix, AZ
Certificate of Completion - Advanced Behavioral Health Science
South Mountain Community College
Phoenix, AZ
Skills
Government accounting
Financial Auditing
Audit compliance
Financial reporting
Billing reconciliation
AHCCCS & DDD Compliance
Policy development
Financial Issue Resolution
Financial Stakeholder Engagement
Team Leadership & Staff Training
Office software
Software proficiency
Timeline
Accounting Specialist Manager
Arizona Department of Economic Security - Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
11.2020 - Current
Accounting Specialist Team Lead
Arizona Department of Economic Security - Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
08.2017 - 11.2020
Accounting Specialist I
Arizona Department of Economic Security - Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
01.2017 - 08.2017
Accounting Specialist I
Arizona Department of Child Safety
10.2014 - 01.2017
Foster Claims Specialist II
Arizona Department of Economic Security
06.2006 - 08.2009
Associate in Applied Science - Behavioral Sciences
South Mountain Community College
Certificate of Completion - Advanced Behavioral Health Science
Senior Accountant/Finance and Accounting Specialist at Robert Half Finance & AccountingSenior Accountant/Finance and Accounting Specialist at Robert Half Finance & Accounting