AP Accountant I

Position Title
AP Accountant I
The Opportunity

The position initiates, reviews or approves a variety of accounting transactions in in the Controller’s Office in support of Colorado School of Mines campus community. This position is part of the Controller’s Office-Mines Administrative Processing Services (MAPS), Accounts Payable team which provides financial support for all campus departments through recording of: vendor payments, travel expenses, employee reimbursements, accounts receivable, cash receipts, cost transfers, and preparing reports. The significant duties of this position include input, review and approval of vendor payments, travel expenses and employee reimbursements, journal entries, and preparation of a various monthly reconciliations and schedules. This position performs research regarding transaction history, proper accounting treatment and recommended corrections. All responsibilities must include consideration of proper treatment in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP), Government Accounting Standards & Guidance (GASB), and Mines’ Fiscal Policies and procedures.

The accountant will make decisions on the proper accounting treatment of transactions, which impact the University’s and the State’s financial reporting. In order to accomplish this purpose, the accountant shall:

1. Manage their daily, monthly, quarterly and annual responsibilities to ensure timely and accurate recording of transactions.
2. Organize documentation in accordance with policy and procedures.
3. Provide collaboration between Mines departments requesting financial information support and guidance.
4. Determine how to appropriately and accurately post documents.
5. Evaluate policy and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and rules.

Responsibilities

Due to the independence of operation and potential complexity of the duties, position must function at a professional level which requires experience with and application of, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Government Accounting Standard Board (GASB) pronouncements, federal and state rules and regulations. All areas of responsibility include delivering excellent Customer Service, by providing assistance and advice to campus employees and partners.

Review, post and approve campus transactions in the functional areas below. Employee must evaluate the submitted documentation and approvals, available budget, post and/or approve the transaction in accordance with the appropriate rules, regulations and guidance. Work to be completed with a high level of accuracy and customer service.
• Vendor payments
• Employee Reimbursements and Travel Advances
• Accounts Receivable, Cash Receipts and Interdepartmental Sales
• Capitalization of assets
• Foundation Budgets and Reimbursements
• Cost Allocations and Journal Entries

Year End Close and Audit
• Assist in and review fiscal results, investigate variances, and process related journal entries as needed.
• Prepare year-end and financial reports, schedules and exhibits; collate and organize documentation per auditor requests.
• Assist with year-end physical inventory of fixed assets
• Assist with year-end expense and revenue accruals

Monthly Reconciliations or Schedules
• Prepare standard bank reconciliations and schedules to support trial balance amounts
• Investigate reconciling items and determine action item or corrections needed
• Follow-up with financial managers on deficit cash balances
• Review accounts receivable aging, record the allowance for doubtful accounts and record collection agency results.
• Prepare other balance sheet reconciliations or schedules as required.

Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned from time to time, including by not limited to:
• Training of campus staff.
• Assist with capital projects and capital asset work.
• Assist with grant reviews, analysis and reconciliations.
• Recommend policy and procedures revisions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, with 1-3 years of experience. Substitution of additional technical work experience for the bachelor’s degree will be considered.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working with cross functional teams
• Ability to communicate effectively on a one-on-one basis and understand the needs of campus departments and campus employees
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, multi-task and organize workflow to complete assigned tasks within established deadlines
• Experience to act as a liaison between the Controller’s Office and academic and non-academic departments, assisting with interpretation of financial information, resolution of issues and training
• Ability to provide accounting guidance to departments to ensure transactions are properly recorded, internal controls are maintained, and staff have a working knowledge of financial information.
• Possess a strong working knowledge of fund accounting structures and accounting rules related to each fund category
• Demonstrate clarity and professionalism in written and verbal communications
• Experience with robust ERP systems
• Experience with the Microsoft Office suite including but not limited to: Excel, Word, Access
• Demonstrate the ability to use a 10-key by touch and intermediate typing skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the governmental fund accounting structures or institutions of higher education requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of state and local sales tax requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with cash management, account analysis, monthly reconciliations, monthly, quarterly and year-end close.
• Experience with accounting and recording capital assets, including monthly depreciation entries, disposals and physical inventory.
• Experience in other accounting functions, including cash receipts, accounts receivable, accounts payable, or payroll.
• Experience and ability to adapt quickly to changes in priorities, technology, and changes in federal/state laws, rules & regulations, university policy & procedures.

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

That size – roughly 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact.

Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, cultural awareness and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus – nationally-renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few.

And don’t get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails – and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high-altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

Pay Range

$ 56,400 - $63,045

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Total Rewards

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• Fully paid health and dental premiums
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• Free RTD Ecopass

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more), equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center, the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), and backup child and elder care. Coming soon is an on-campus daycare center. For more information about benefits at Mines, go to mines.edu/human-resources/benefits .

How to Apply

Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, veteran status) and upload a resume and cover letter (required). References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. Mines welcomes everyone to our team; in your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc). If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.

Background Investigation Required
Yes

Advertised: Jun 1, 2023 Mountain Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 15, 2023 11:55 PM Mountain Daylight Time