Senior Accountant

Job Summary

The Campus Controller's Office (CCO) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Senior Accountant! This position exists to assure proper accounting of the General, Auxiliary, Restricted, Loan, and Plant funds at the University of Colorado Boulder in accordance with all Federal, State, University and campus rules and regulations. They provide timely and accurate reports and related information to external constituents, and internally as requested. They also provide consulting, training, and mentoring to campus personnel on the proper administration of funds and the use of the PeopleSoft Financial System (and new business processes associated therewith), and departmental roles and responsibilities in the administration of its fund.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

CCO maintains and supports the university's fiscal responsibility through accurate financial accounting and reporting and in compliance with laws, regulations, policies/procedures and contract requirements for sponsored projects. We provide oversight, assistance and training in financial stewardship for the Boulder campus.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Process Excellence (identifying, improving, maintaining processes, including metrics):

• Control and detect irregularities or unusual developments; assess potential impact on campus financial reporting and recommends proper accounting treatments by 1) interpreting, and applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) standards, Colorado Higher Education Standards, State Fiscal Rules, Colorado Department of Administration (DOA) Rules, TABOR (Amendment 1) Guidelines, University of Colorado Policies and Procedures, and Financial Reporting System guidelines; 2) perform post-auditing through exception reports including abnormal balances, unchanged balances, suspended accounts activities, cash deficit controls, budget deficits controls, recharge activity review, use of interdepartmental revenue/expense review, and other exception reviews as vital. Assure campus user compliance with above by instructing and advising correct application and practice of these principles and standards.
• Administer, review, analyze, and assess campus departmental compliance with Uniform Guidance rule for Internal Service Units (ISC) operations; advise campus users and campus management of compliance issues; recommend and direct courses of actions; assure that the ISC rate calculation follows requirements. Develop and produce, as needed, monthly and quarterly General, Auxiliary, Restricted, Loan, and Plant fund reports and variance analyses for Office of State Controller, Office of University Controller, UCB – Budget and Fiscal Planning (BFP), and campus management by compiling, analyzing, and interpreting finance system data, COFRS data, and system-generated documents and discussing fund activities with campus departmental users for changes.
• Assist cost accountant with monthly and periodic journal entries and data gathering for yearly rate submissions.
• Understand and review campus departmental operations to ensure that they are in the compliance with applicable accounting and industry standards.
• Develop sound campus business management practices by examining State, campus management, and campus departmental users’ needs.
• Create and assure accuracy of year-end financial statements, related footnotes, and work papers for audit and publication for the General, Auxiliary, Restricted, Loan, and Plant funds by developing, reviewing, compiling, comparing, analyzing, and interpreting accounting system sources and generated documents for correctness, comparability, and appropriateness
• Follow-up reviews on internal audit reports and reports the current status of management actions on findings to the Controller.
• Perform credit card business practice evaluations and makes appropriate recommendations on the creation of credit card accounts.
• Other duties as assigned.

University Engagement (engaging with and training campus staff):

• Provide, coordinate, and plan for consulting, training, advising, coaching, and mentoring services to campus personnel on the identification and investigation of current accounting issues; the development of accounting methods and business processes; the implementation of accounting related projects; the design of customized managerial reports; the preparation of service center rate calculations; and the facilitation of accounting opportunities and solutions.
• Develop, design, and implement optimum training and customer support approaches.
• Provide, coordinate, and plan for training campus personnel on the use of the financial systems or other pertinent financial topics.
• Discuss fund activities with campus users, and serve as liaison between campus user departments and State audit staff, University System Administration, and Campus management.
• Service as the financial specialist for assigned CU Boulder departments.
• Represent the Campus Controller's Office and provide financial expertise in cross-functional campus-wide and CU system-wide committees, meetings, and trainings.

People Development (developing, retaining, recognizing our staff):

• Seek opportunities for professional development and training for self/unit.
• Provide suggestions for growth and development of the area accounting area and CCO.
• As senior accountant, provide guidance to other area accountants by answering questions and training on appropriate procedures such as post-audit reports, customer service issues, and internal service center management.
• Supervise the Area Accounting unit when Area Accounting Manager is absent.

Infrastructure Enhancement (technology requirements, system upgrades and brand identity):

• Assist with training and implementation of system upgrades, such as PeopleSoft or Cognos
• Identify areas to improve service excellence to campus constituents

What You Should Know

• We are in a hybrid work situation, you will be required to come into the office two days a week.

What We Can Offer

• The salary for this position is $62,000.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .

Be Statements
Be Ambitious. Be Impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Positions at this level typically require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
• Positions at this level typically require at least 3+ years of professional, job related experience.

What You Will Need

• Proven knowledge of GAAP, University and state accounting and fiscal rules.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven track record as a problem solver.
• Demonstrated customer service orientation.
• Proven public presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of people.

What We Would Like You To Have

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Accounting or related field.
• Experience and knowledge of governmental or higher education accounting procedures.
• Solid understanding of PeopleSoft.
• CPA.
• Advanced Microsoft Access and Excel skills.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.

2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by August 11, 2021, for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: recruiting@colorado.edu