Accounting Operations Lead (Prin Prof) or Accounting Operations Program Manager

University of Colorado•Colorado Springs, CO

2d•$64,336 - $78,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Finance Office is seeking a collaborative, analytical, and customer-focused accounting professional to join our team. This position provides advanced technical accounting leadership and professionally oversees key accounting operations within the Finance Office. At the principal level, this role will act as a subject matter expert for the Department and lead campus accounting support functions, including chartfield oversight; reviewing and approving complex accounting transactions; overseeing selected financial reporting, reconciliations, and close activities; and ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, Governmental Accounting Standards Board requirements, university policies, and internal controls. This role serves as a trusted advisor to campus departments, strengthens service delivery through training and process improvement, and supervises one Finance and Accounting Professional. At the program manager level, this role will manage the day-to-day accounting functions and operations of the Finance Office. This includes managing chartfield governance, developing and implementing operational workflows, policies and processes, and independently supervising the accounting operations team. In collaboration with the Assistant Director, this role will make informed recommendations to leadership and effectively translate Departmental strategy into relevant long and short-term objectives for accounting operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a directly related field from an accredited institution.
A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
Three (3) years of professional accounting experience which includes financial reconciliations, financial analysis and reporting, journal-entry review, and month-end and fiscal year-end close activities (for Principal Professional Level).
Five (5) years of professional accounting experience including financial reconciliations, financial analysis and reporting, journal-entry review, complex problem resolution, and month-end and fiscal year-end close activities (for Program Manager Level).
One (1) year of professional experience supervising employees, including assigning and reviewing work, coaching staff, and supporting performance and professional development (for Program Manager Level).
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, lookup functions, data analysis, and reporting.
Advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, fund accounting, Governmental Accounting Standards Board requirements, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to identify trends, investigate discrepancies, assess risk, and resolve complex financial issues.
Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively in writing and verbally to financial and non-financial audiences.
Ability to build collaborative working relationships with employees and stakeholders at all levels of the institution.
Responsive, solutions-oriented customer service that balances stakeholder needs with accounting standards, university policy, and internal-control requirements.
Sound judgment, discretion, accountability, and the ability to make well-supported decisions in areas of technical complexity.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and meet deadlines.
Ability to learn and effectively use new software, systems, reporting tools, and business processes.
Commitment to continuous improvement, responsible use of technology, and an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful workplace.

Nice To Haves

Professional accounting experience in higher education, government, the public sector, or another complex organization.
Experience with an enterprise resource planning system such as PeopleSoft, Workday, Oracle, SAP, or a comparable financial system.
Experience using financial reporting, business intelligence, or data analytics tools.
Experience identifying and implementing process improvements, strengthened controls, or workflow automation.
Experience providing consultative 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

Lead and oversee the campus accounting support function, serving as the primary resource for accounting guidance, issue resolution, stakeholder consultation, and service delivery.
Review and approve complex accounting transactions, journal entries, chartfield requests, and organizational structure changes to ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB requirements, university policies, and internal controls.
Manage financial reporting, reconciliations, and analysis activities by investigating discrepancies, resolving complex accounting issues, monitoring financial activity, and ensuring the accuracy of financial records.
Coordinate and perform month-end, quarter-end, and fiscal year-end close activities, including account analysis, accrual review, financial reporting, sales tax reporting, and resolution of outstanding items.
Provide technical accounting expertise and consultative support to campus departments by interpreting accounting requirements, advising on financial matters, and delivering training on accounting policies and procedures.
Supervise and develop accounting staff through coaching, work prioritization, performance management, quality review, and professional development support.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve accounting processes, strengthen financial controls, enhance reporting capabilities, and leverage technology and automation to increase operational efficiency and service excellence.