Accountant, Finance Operations & Analytics

Job Summary 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. Key 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. Work Location Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 2 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings. Why Join Us At the University, you'll have the opportunity to: Support a mission that positively impacts students, faculty, research, healthcare, and the community. Work on meaningful financial processes that support university-wide operations. Collaborate with professionals across diverse departments and disciplines. Gain exposure to enterprise financial systems and complex accounting environments. Develop expertise in financial reporting, systems, analytics, and process improvement. Contribute ideas that improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, and strengthen financial operations. Grow your career within a large, dynamic, and mission-driven organization. Benefits Medical: Multiple plan options Dental: Multiple plan options Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% 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 Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Entry Professional Level: 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. Substitution: A combination of education and directly related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may substitute for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis. Intermediate Professional Level: 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. Substitution: 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. Senior Professional Level: 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. Substitution: A combination of education and directly related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may substitute for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis. Two (2) years of professional accounting experience. Applicants for all levels must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire. Preferred Qualifications: 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. Conditions of Employment 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. Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) 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. Anticipated Pay Range The starting hiring ranges for this position has been established as Entry Professional: $50,000 - $60,000 Intermediate Professional: $55,000 - $65,000 Senior Professional: $60,000 - $70,000 The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Total Compensation Calculator Equal Employment Opportunity Statement CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. ADA Statement The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at View email address on click.appcast.io. Background Check Statement The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees. Vaccination Statement CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program. #J-18808-Ljbffr CU Denver