Accountant, Finance Operations & Analytics
About The Position
The Finance Office is seeking a collaborative, analytical, and customer-focused accounting professional to join our team. This Accountant position plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the University's financial operations while helping departments navigate accounting processes, financial reporting, and enterprise financial systems. This position serves as a trusted financial partner to stakeholders across campus by performing professional accounting and financial operations functions. Primary responsibilities include financial reconciliations, analyzing financial data, financial reporting, chartfield administration, journal entry review, payroll suspense monitoring, stakeholder consultation, support of month-end and year-end close activities, and improving accounting processes. This role offers an opportunity to work with enterprise systems, large financial datasets, and cross-functional business partners while contributing to operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, customer service, and the ability to identify opportunities for improving financial processes and operational efficiencies.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Coursework must include a minimum of 24 semester hours in accounting or auditing.
- A combination of education and directly related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may substitute for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.
- One (1) year of professional accounting experience (for Intermediate Professional Level).
- Two (2) years of professional accounting experience (for Senior Professional Level).
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
- Outstanding customer service skills.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to identify trends, investigate discrepancies, and solve complex financial problems.
- Knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls.
- A continuous improvement mindset and willingness to explore new technologies and solutions.
- Ability to learn new software, systems, and business processes quickly.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to communicate financial information effectively to both financial and non-financial audiences.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful workplace environment.
Nice To Haves
- Professional accounting experience within higher education, government, public sector, or other complex organizations.
- Experience with ERP systems such as PeopleSoft, Workday, Oracle, SAP, or similar enterprise financial systems.
- Experience using financial reporting, business intelligence, or data analytics tools.
- Advanced experience with Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, look-up functions, data analysis, and reporting.
- Experience identifying and implementing process improvements.
- Experience providing financial guidance and customer support to diverse stakeholder groups.
- Prior experience or familiarity with University of Colorado financial systems, reporting tools, and administrative policies.
Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive reconciliations of university bank accounts, clearing accounts, and related financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Analyze financial transactions, identify discrepancies, investigate variances, and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Reconcile student-related financial activity, including wire transfers, returned checks, and demand warrant transactions to supporting subsystems and the general ledger.
- Review journal entries for compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), university policies, and established accounting standards.
- Prepare recurring and ad hoc financial reports to support operational and financial decision-making.
- Review and process chartfield setup and maintenance requests in compliance with university policies and fund accounting requirements.
Benefits
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 15/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
