Contracts Finance and Accounting Specialist (Finance and Accounting Principal Professional)

University of Colorado

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Contracts Finance and Accounting Specialist plays a critical role in the development, financial statement analysis, and the financial and accounting oversight of departmental contracts. Operating independently and collaboratively within a dynamic and diverse professional environment, this position ensures the integrity and compliance of all contractual processes, including in adherence to financial reporting and University and State policy standards. The Contracts Finance and Accounting Specialist is expected to perform duties at an advanced and expert level, maintaining full accountability for contract review, approval, and fiscal monitoring, while contributing to the strategic growth and success of departmental goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in financial analysis, accounting, or contract management.
A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Strong understanding of GAAP and federal financial regulations.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Proficiency in financial reporting tools and accounting software.
Proficient in Excel.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Experience in government or higher education financial practices.
Fund accounting and database management experience.
Proficient in Smartsheet and other data management tools

Responsibilities

Financial Analysis, Accounting & Reporting
Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.
Ensure accuracy and timelines of financial reporting in compliance with University and State policies and guidelines.
Provide financial guidance and recommendations to leadership to support strategic decision-making.
Review and monitor all departmental accounts for valid and allowable expenditures.
Responsible for maintaining flow of accounting transactions.
Ensure financial transactions comply with institutional policies and federal guidelines.
Investigate discrepancies and resolve issues related to account activity.
Maintain documentation and audit trails for all financial transactions.
Contract Development and Management
Serves as the Subject Matter Expert in contracts development and management and responsible for articulating complex contract issues and communicates effectively to diverse stakeholders including faculty, staff and leadership (Chair and Vice Chair for Finance and Administration).
Responsible for working with CU Medicine and other funding agencies for the creation and management of external contracts.
Study the legalities of contracts and help to negotiate terms and conditions with faculty and third parties, before drafting agreements to outline terms of service and project deliverables.
Provide contract analysis and summaries and ensure contract execution accomplished in accordance with company policy.
Create and maintain relationships with partners and university personnel and serve as the singular point of contact for matters concerning contracts.
Update and maintain internal tracking database with detailed descriptions of the agreement with financial terms and actionable dates.
Provide expertise to faculty members related to compensation and scope for agreements.
Contract System Management
Develop and maintain system to track contract receivables and transactions.
Maintain accurate records and financial databases.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including procurement, grants, and research administration.