Position DescriptionThe Director of Accounting oversees manages and supports the Accounting Office to maintain the mission of the Controller and Chief Financial Officer. The position's primary responsibilities include reviewing and approving all transactions within the state's accounting system (CORE), analyzing and investigating various reports concerning account expenditures and fund balances, implementing departmentwide accounting policies and procedures including compliance with state fiscal and procurement rules, and assisting the Controller in completing quarterly diagnostic reports and annual exhibits.Supervision ExercisedThis position supervises three (3) Employees: one (1) Senior Accountant and two (2) Accountants.Scope of ResponsibilitiesThis is a management position responsible for oversight of the Accounting Office for the Department of Higher Education. Positions at this level are responsible for performing complex, specialized, and diverse work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which may include department budget administration, program evaluation and implementation of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, priorities, and standards. The duties of the work require considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.?Job DutiesThe 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.Manage workflow of the accounting team and lead accountants with basic to intermediate skillsAssign tasks, monitor work progress and workflow, review accountants' work performance and revise work standards as neededCommunicate with the Office of the State Controller and Office of State Auditor on Department business, this includes:Ensuring the timeliness and accuracy of the monthly and annual finalization of financial records of the accounting periodsContribute financial data to ensure the timely delivery of quarterly reports to the Office of the State ControllerWork with the Controller to upload data and information for the Provided by Client (PBC) list for the annual auditInterpret and understand Colorado State Government financial languagePrepare internal and external financial statements in accordance with GAAP and GASBContinuously evaluate accounting processes and systems for improvements and efficiencyMaintain the integrity of the Department's accounting system in accordance with state and federal regulations and Department policiesCreate and process financial transaction documents in CORE, including budget documents, payroll documents, CORE, UDOCs, Internal Exchange Transactions (IET), Internal Transaction Initiator (ITI), Internal Transaction Agreement (ITA), and Journal Variance (JV) entriesManage and approve accounts receivable for cash fund divisions, including the Office of Private Postsecondary Education, the Division of Private Occupational Schools, and other entities with the DepartmentReconcile all general and grant ledger expenditure accounts and fund allocationsApprove employee travel reimbursements and verify expenses in accordance with state fiscal rulesProvide financial analysis and insights to support business decisionsEnsure proper documentation support, chart of account coding, authorization, mathematical accuracy, and assure that documents are complying with state fiscal rules, state procurement rules and department policiesSupport the development, mentoring, retention, and performance of the accounting staff in partnership with the Controller and Chief Financial OfficerQualificationsEducation and ExperienceAny 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:Education:Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in a field of study/occupational field related to accounting, audit, business, finance, or a related field including 24 semester hours in accountingSubstitution: Four (4) years of experience in a related field can replace the education requirement of a bachelor's degreeExperience: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 accountingExperience with higher-level rules and guidance within statewide fiscal rules and accounting systemsLicenses and Certifications:N/AKnowledge of:Standard office practices, procedures, software and equipment, including the use of personal computers, telephones, Zoom, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook, and Teams)State statutes, rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelinesGeneral accounting practices and standards, including GAAP, GASB.State fiscal rules, state financial reporting and state auditor requirementsGeneral ledger and reconciliation experienceAbility to:Work effectively in both independent and team situationsIndependently investigate questions regarding accounting record and deliverables.Translate accounting principles and processes to program staffManage sensitive issues and confidential informationThink critically and apply reasoning and analysisTake the initiative to solve problems in an innovative mannerCommunicate effectively, both written and verbally, with internal and external partnersEmploy attention to technical detail and accuracyApply time management skills to prioritize workEstablish and maintain relationships with internal/external stakeholdersRead and interpret new and existing statutes to identify the impact of proposed legislation on the departmentPhysical 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Frequently sit/stand at a desk for extended periods of timeFrequently move from one area/building to another and sit/stand during the course of a day/week/month for meetingsOccasionally may push or pull an objectFrequently use finger dexterity and operate a keyboardRegularly lift 10 pounds and occasionally lift 25 poundsFrequently use vision to read documents, view computer screens, and see close and distant objectsFrequently use speech and hearing to engage in conversation, in person, and over the telephoneIf 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 inquires toTypical Working ConditionsThe employee typically works in a standard office environment where the noise level is moderate, and the office has controlled temperatures. Works a 40-hour work week, either remotely, hybrid, or in-office, depending on the arrangement met during employment with the supervisor during normal office hours of Monday- Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.Job duties may occasionally require working extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.NoticeThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. The duties, expectations, and actions listed for this role may change at any time with or without notice.The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.The Colorado Department of Higher Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resource Director at HR@dhe.state.co.us or call 720.264.8575.
