Accounting Manager

Colorado School of Mines•Colorado, CO

28d•$90,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Colorado School of Mines is seeking an Accounting Manager for the Controller's office. This role reports directly to the Associate Controller of Operations and provides strategic leadership and financial management for the institution. The Accounting Manager will assist in creating and analyzing financial reports, developing financial policies and procedures, ensuring sound financial processes and internal controls, and managing documentation for various audits. This position will also lead financial services for the institution and represent the Controller's office in various capacities. Collaboration with internal and external constituents, including campus administration, academic departments, other higher education institutions, state governmental agencies, and the public, is essential. The Accounting Manager will oversee a minimum of three Accountant level positions within the General Accounting team. The Controller's Office currently operates on a hybrid work model, requiring at least weekly presence on campus in Golden, Colorado.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in financial accounting, budgeting, or financial management
Thorough knowledge, understanding of, and experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and accounting pronouncements relating to public research universities such as the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)
Experience with computerized accounting systems, spreadsheet applications and working with large complex data sets
Experience with developing and delivering training
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communications skills
Currently authorized to work in the United States

Nice To Haves

Advanced coursework/degree in accounting or related field
Higher Education Accounting/Finance experience
CPA credentials
Workday, Banner, or other similar ERP financial system experience
Familiarity with the State of Colorado, public higher education, financial and accounting processes

Responsibilities

Oversee financial management procedures, policies, and strategies to administer compliance and reporting, incorporating relevant regulations and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) applicable to public research universities.
Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and strong internal controls.
Review, analyze, and recommend appropriate accounting and financial policies and procedures that support University operations and employ best practices.
Develop and provide training as needed for financial policies and processes.
Develop, recommend, test, and monitor strong accounting controls to ensure accuracy of reporting and mitigate potential risk of misappropriation of funds.
Provide staff with direction in the implementation of state and/or federal regulations and develop opportunities to increase flexibility within operations.
Observe, monitor, and provide feedback as appropriate for state fiscal legislation and its impact on Mines.
Review potential accounting standards and provide input or responses that advocate for Mines.
Provide accurate and timely financial reports (both ad-hoc and routine) to campus constituents and external agencies.
Represent the Controller’s Office both internally and externally for campus-wide committees, events, and meetings.
Understand and advocate the financial position for Finance, Administration and Operations.
Act as a contact for external audits (state and federal).
Serve as a liaison for campus constituents, gather feedback, and improve processes to ensure seamless financial management.
Provide leadership and management for the Controller’s Office General Accounting Unit, including daily accounting functions (cash, banking, accounts receivable, endowments and gifts, and research).
Provide training, guidance, and oversight of General Accounting, Cash Management, and Chart of Accounts, including Workday and the State of Colorado CORE financial system.
Develop performance plans and evaluations for each direct report.
Develop direct reports and professional development plans with staff and ensure training is provided to enhance the skills and knowledge base for the team.
Develop and maintain policies and procedures covering the functional areas within the Controller’s Office General Accounting Unit.
Develop and incorporate business process best practices to existing and new procedures.
Provide support for campus constituents with a strong focus on customer service.
Develop policies and procedures to meet the needs of strategic initiatives.
Assist the Business Systems Functional Support Team (BSFS) with maximizing Workday utilization, including running monthly business processes for close, researching & testing system upgrades, and staying informed on system enhancements and efficiency improvements.
Ensure system upgrades are tested, implemented, and communicated to campus partners.
Oversee problem identification and resolution for system-related issues impacting functional users and related data.

Benefits

Flexible health and dental care options
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
Discount programs through the State of Colorado
Free tickets for Mines Athletics home games
Access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more)
Equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center
On campus daycare center