General Accountant

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Revenue's Lottery Division is seeking a detail-oriented General Accountant (Accountant II) to join our Financial Services team. This role serves as the primary subject matter expert for the Lottery's tax reporting sub-system, ensuring strict adherence to state and federal tax guidelines. In addition to leading tax compliance and year-end reporting, you will conduct internal financial audits, maintain and document core accounting procedures, and perform high-level general ledger and bank reconciliations. This position requires an analytical mindset to investigate system anomalies, resolve complex tax queries, and continuously enhance financial internal controls.

Requirements

• Six (6) years of relevant experience in a professional accounting or auditing.
• A combination of Accounting (coursework requires 27 semester hours completed in accounting or auditing), Finance or general Business and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to six (6) years.
• Current, valid licensure as a CPA by the Colorado Board of Accountancy will count for six (6) years of the requirement.

Nice To Haves

• Additional years of Accounting or Auditing experience in a government setting.
• Extensive experience applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements within a public sector environment.
• Hands-on experience using the CORE financial system for entering and approving transactions (such as GAX, JV, and MD) and utilizing UKG dataview reports for payroll reconciliation.
• Expertise in managing federal, state, and foreign tax withholdings, with specific knowledge of IRS same-day reporting rules for high-value winnings.
• Skill in collaborating with legal counsel, such as an Attorney General’s Office, to ensure program operations comply with state statutes.
• Demonstrated ability to perform variance analysis on general ledger accounts and independently resolve discrepancies with vendors or insurance companies.
• Experience performing multi-level reviews of financial statement workpapers and management reports for validity, consistency, and propriety of estimates.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and internal controls while adhering to strict daily, month-end, and fiscal year-end deadlines.
• Knowledge of establishing and maintaining internal control measures to ensure the integrity of full accrual reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage Tax Sub-Systems & Year-End Reporting: Maintain the Lottery’s tax reporting sub-system, perform year-end processing (including IRS Forms W-2G and 1099), and ensure compliance with all federal and state tax withholding regulations.
• Perform Discrepancy Reconciliations: Balance tax reporting records, general ledger control accounts (CORE/COFRS), and bank accounts—identifying variances and preparing necessary correcting journal entries.
• Serve as the Agency Tax Resource: Analyze complex tax regulations, research unique withholding situations, and recommend system or process adjustments to avoid tax reporting penalties.
• Lead System Improvements with IT: Collaborate with IT to define requirements, request system modifications, and test changes to ensure the accuracy of the tax reporting sub-system and bonus calculation software.
• Audit Incentive & Bonus Calculations: Audit automated system calculations for retailer and sales staff bonus payments to verify compliance with official plan rules.
• Conduct Internal Cash & Counter Audits: Perform unannounced surprise audits of petty cash funds and sales counters across state regional offices (Pueblo, Denver, Fort Collins, and Grand Junction).
• Coordinate External & Internal Audits: Act as the primary liaison for annual SSAE 18 SOC audits, performance audits, and internal reviews, managing documentation delivery and follow-up on auditor recommendations.
• Develop & Maintain Accounting Procedures: Create, update, and centralize written standard operating procedures (SOPs) across the Lottery, embedding strong internal controls into every workflow.
• Analyze Operational Workflows: Interview staff across departments to investigate errors or process breakdowns, determining whether issues stem from system faults or require staff training.
• Track & Resolve Retailer Financial Transactions: Reconcile retailer accounts receivable and track Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) transfer transactions to ensure accurate financial records.

Benefits

• PERA retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan, PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401K and 457 plans
• Medical , Dental , and Vision insurance coverage
• Automatic Short-Term and Optional Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) job protection and State of Colorado Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)
• 11 Paid Holidays Annually and Accrued Annual and Sick Leave
• Variety of discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Employment Discount Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree