ACCOUNTANT. Job at State of Colorado in Denver

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Department Information

The accountant position will plan and direct the accounting activities of the department, and help manage financial reporting, billing, collections, payroll, and budget preparation. This position will coordinate training programs for new staff and identify training needs for current staff.

Supervision Exercised

This position does not supervise any employees.

Scope of Responsibilities

This intermediate level position is responsible for independently performing accounting duties for the Department of Higher Education. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures, practices, and policies of the work unit.

Description Of Job

The duties listed below reflect the different types of work that may be performed. The omission of any specific duty will not prevent the assignment of work that is appropriately related to this position.

Financial Management And Accuracy:

• Ensure accurate and timely recording of financial transactions through account reconciliation, journal entries, and closing activities.
• Manage asset inventories, capital project accounting, and compliance with internal controls and financial guidelines.
• Maintain integrity of the general ledger by analyzing reports, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring data quality.
• Audit expenditures, ensuring compliance with the accounting procedures of CDHE.
• Balance and reconcile accounts; adjust and correct daily journal entries.
• Monitor expenditures and prepare monthly financial statements and administrative reports.
• Prepare quarterly and annual statements.
• Analyze financial reports in relation to current budget and prior year information.

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Develop and implement strategic plans that align accounting functions with institutional priorities.
• Lead improvements that increase efficiency, transparency, and compliance with GAAP, GASB, and state regulations.
• Standardize processes, implement strategic automation, and master financial storytelling.
• Blend financial expertise with strong leadership skills, team dynamics, and an unwavering ethical compass.

Collaborative Financial Support:

• Partner with departments to strengthen financial practices, deliver training, and support shared understanding of fiscal responsibilities.
• Coordinate surplus property processes, support records retention, and contribute to banking operations.
• Collaborate with Facilities planning to track capital project expenditures and ensure accurate reporting.
• Record numerical and financial data to produce financial records.
• Ensure financial data is entered correctly and accurately.
• Enter journal entries to debit and credit the state's accounts.
• Reconcile and report differences or issues found in financial records.

Institutional Engagement:

• Participate in college committees and working groups, contributing financial expertise in support of CDHE’s values of equity, excellence, and student success.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions Of Employment & Appeal Rights

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in accounting or a closely related field and three years of professional accounting experience.
• OR
• Valid related licensure or certification and five years of professional accounting experience.

AND

• Experience working collaboratively with a team.
• Experience using accounting software, spreadsheets, and word processing tools to support accurate financial reporting and analysis.

Experience

• Four (4) years of accounting experience with demonstrated experience with CORE (accounting system) and InfoAdvantage (reporting system).
• Experience working in state or local government finance or accounting.
• Experience with higher-level rules and guidance within statewide fiscal rules and accounting systems.

Licenses And Certifications

NA

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field(s).
• GAAP skills, knowledge of regulatory standards, general business knowledge, software proficiency, data analysis, attention to detail, effective communication, critical thinking, problem solving, prioritizing, and service orientation.
• Certified Public Accountant designation preferred.

Knowledge Of:

• State statutes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.).

Ability To:

• Prioritize tasks, delegate when appropriate, and work well in high-paced and stressful environments.
• Handle ambiguous situations, manage sensitive information, analyze financial data, and think critically.
• Communicate effectively, pay attention to technical detail, and employ time management skills.
• Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Additional Information

Physical and mental standards are typical for a hybrid setting, with reasonable accommodations available. Work involves sitting, moving, lifting light weights, using vision, speech, and hearing regularly.

Work environment is a standard office, with potential for extended hours or outside normal schedule. The role encourages diversity and inclusion, and provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Employment Details

• Full-time, non-applicable seniority level, in the government administration industry.