State of Colorado is hiring: ACCOUNTANT in Broomfield

Overview

The accountant position will plan and direct the accounting activities of the department, and help manage the 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 judgement and initiative in their assigned 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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Financial Management and Accuracy: Ensure accurate and timely recording of financial transactions through account reconciliation, journal entries, and closing activities.
• Financial Leadership: Manage asset inventories, capital project accounting, and compliance with internal controls and financial guidelines.
• Financial Data Integrity: Maintain integrity of the general ledger by analyzing reports, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring data quality.
• Audit and Compliance: Audit expenditures, ensuring compliance with the accounting procedures of CDHE.
• Account Reconciliation: Balance and reconcile accounts; adjust and correct daily journal entries.
• Expenditure Monitoring: Monitor expenditures and prepare monthly financial statements and administrative reports.
• Reporting: Prepare quarterly and annual statements.
• Financial Analysis: 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.
• Standardizing processes, implementing strategic automation, and mastering financial storytelling.
• Blend financial expertise with strong leadership skills, team dynamics, and an unwavering ethical compass.

Collaborative Financial Support

• Partners 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.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical approach includes:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in accounting or 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. AND 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: Certified Public Accountant designation preferred. Knowledge of: state statutes, rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.).

Skills and Abilities: GAAP skills; knowledge of regulatory standards; general business knowledge; data analysis; attention to detail; effective communication; critical thinking; problem solving; prioritizing; service orientation.

Ability to: Prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate; function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment; work in an environment with a degree of ambiguity; manage sensitive issues and confidential information; analyze and interpret financial data; think critically and apply reasoning and analysis; take the initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner; communicate effectively, both written and verbally; employ attention to technical detail and accuracy; apply time management skills to prioritize work; establish and maintain relationships with internal/external stakeholders.

Licenses and Certifications: Certified Public Accountant designation preferred.

Knowledge of: State statutes, rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in a related field. Experience: GAAP skills; knowledge of regulatory standards; general business knowledge; software proficiency; data analysis; attention to detail; effective communication; critical thinking; problem solving; prioritizing; service orientation.

Other: Proficiency with state/federal regulatory requirements and accounting systems is assumed; capable of working in a dynamic environment.

Physical and Mental Standards (Hybrid Setting)

The physical and mental standards described here are representative of those that must typically be met by employees to perform the essential functions of this class successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently sit/stand at a desk for extended periods.
• Frequently move between areas/buildings and sit/stand during meetings.
• Occasionally push or pull an object.
• Frequently use finger dexterity and operate a keyboard.
• Regularly lift 10 pounds and occasionally lift 25 pounds.
• Frequently use vision to read documents, view computer screens, and see close and distant objects.
• Frequently use speech and hearing to engage in conversation, in person, and over the telephone.

If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to HR@dhe.state.co.us

Typical Working Conditions

• The employee typically works in a standard office environment with moderate noise and controlled temperatures. Works a 40-hour work week, either remotely, hybrid, or in-office, during regular hours.
• Job duties may occasionally require extended hours or hours outside the regular schedule.

Notice: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work. They are not exhaustive. Duties may change at any time with or without notice. The State of Colorado encourages equity, diversity, and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. It provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities.

For more information or to request accommodations, contact HR@dhe.state.co.us or call 720.264.8575.