Accountant III

Salary : $6,972.00 - $9,472.86 Monthly
Location : Denver, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: KAA 7931 Accountant III 10.26
Department: Department of Labor and Employment
Division: Executive Director's Office
Opening Date: 10/06/2026
Closing Date: 10/14/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: 707 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: View email address on click.appcast.io
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.


Department Information
THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT RESIDENTS OF COLORADO ONLY

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 5:00 PM ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2026
This position is Hybrid and will be required to report to the identified office location as required by the supervisor.
The Department of Labor and Employment keeps Colorado strong and competitive. We connect workers with great jobs and assist those who have been injured on the job. We help people who are unemployed through no fault of their own by providing temporary wage replacement and we ensure fair labor practices. We provide an up-to-date and accurate picture of the economy that helps in decision making. And we protect the workplace - and Colorado communities - with a variety of consumer protection and safety programs.
This is a values-driven organization, committed to accountability, agility, collaboration, and respect.
We believe in outstanding customer service, an inclusive culture, continued process improvement and in our role as a trusted and strategic partner. Recognizing that knowledgeable employees drive our success, we are seeking dedicated individuals who exhibit our shared values and our passion for quality and excellence in all we do.
In addition to rewarding and meaningful work, we offer excellent benefits:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• MotivateMe employee wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Access to participate in employer-supported employee affinity spaces
• RTD EcoPass Commuter Program
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information go to

Our agency website: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
CDLE has implemented a pilot program on March 1st, 2022 which will award Disability Hiring Preference Points similar to the Veterans' Preference Points program. During your application process you will be asked if you would like to be considered for either of these programs for additional points in the hiring process. To learn more about Disability Hiring Preference and what will be required to participate, please visit our website:
PLEASE NOTE: With the beginning of this program, CDLE will no longer accept attachments of any kind with applications. Please be as thorough as possible in documenting your education and work history in the application system. Attachments will not be accepted or considered during any phase of the hiring process including minimum qualification screening, comparative analysis, or interviews.

Description of Job
The salary range of this posting is:
HOURLY
$40.22 - $54.65
BIWEEKLY
$3,217.85 - $4,372.09
MONTHLY
$6,972.00 - $9,472.86

The Accountant III is a professional accounting position that typically has experience with design, structure, and maintenance/update of the accounting system used by a unit that is beyond the entry level. The type of responsibility found at the professional accountant level generally requires the application of more complex accounting theories, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and standards (Financial Accounting Standards Board) usually acquired through an accounting or finance degree. The Accountant III typically manages or leads accountants and/or staff who have basic to intermediate level accounting skills. The Accountant III has significant experience and knowledge with higher level rules and guidance within the constraints of statewide fiscal rules and accounting systems. Accountant IIIs are involved with Colorado Operations Resource Engine (CORE) modules Payroll and public agency and program accounting stand-alone systems and sub-systems maintenance and interface, as well as any necessary development, implementation and modification of agency systems or sub-systems. Accountants also work with accounting and fiscal condition reports preparation, analysis, and interpretation; accounting records production and maintenance; and accounting reports and statements review to assure accurate and timely reflection of fiscal conditions of the agency and/or program. Accountant IIIs will be beyond the entry level Accountant and more engaged at the analytical and interpretation levels. Accountant IIIs assure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Colorado Operations Resource Engine (CORE), the Governmental and Financial Reporting Standards (GASB), and state fiscal rules.

This position may be the Unit Supervisor, a Payroll Accountant, a Grant Program Accountant, or Lead. This position ensures that financial and/or applicable payroll activity performed by direct reports is recorded accurately and timely to most effectively manage the financial needs of the Finance Division and other Divisions as assigned by the Controller and/or the Deputy Controller. This position's duties in the Accountant series include but are not limited to:

• Manages, supervises or executes key payroll or program/grant accounting operations for General Accounting and/or Payroll.
• Fiscal oversight for all general accounting, payroll reconciliation, compensated absences and some grant program expenditure, revenue, asset and liability accounts.
• Advises the Deputy Controller and Grant Program Accountants/Managers on financial matters pertaining to general accounting and some grant program or Payroll administration.
• Communicates, negotiates and interacts verbally and in writing with Department program managers, auditors, Federal, State and County agencies, and program stakeholders regarding program fiscal rules and regulations.
• Assists the program fiscal stakeholders with the interpretations of financial reports, in addition to compiling and submitting extensive federal reporting monthly, quarterly and annually.
• This position interprets and determines grant financial reporting requirements and program needs from a transactional basis.
• The position will monitor and report general accounting and some grant program fund allocations to ensure that Director and Program Managers have the most current information for decision making.
• This position formulates grant fiscal requirements, and plans, develops and implements the appropriate account code structures in the financial/accounting subsystem to achieve the departments' fiscal objectives.
• Reviews accounting, payroll and financial records and transactions of direct reports to assure conformance to all applicable Federal, State, and Local rules and regulations.
• Either Supervisor or Lead duties responsibilities training and training plans for other accountants or other direct reports.
• Written checklists, policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned by the Controller and/or the Deputy Controller.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Residency Requirement:
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description:


H8A3XX
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience Only:
Eight (8) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

Or

Education and Experience:
A combination of related education (coursework requires 27 semester hours completed in accounting or auditing) and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years
Current, valid licensure as a CPA by the Colorado Board of Accountancy will count for six (6) years of the requirement

Preferred Qualifications:

• Payroll accounting experience.
• Time Keeping and/or Universal Kronos Group application (UKG) experience.
• Team leadership experience.
• Performing similar duties as a State of Colorado classified employee.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a Colorado resident at time of application.
• You must pass a thorough background check prior to employment which will include the E-Verify process.

Appeal Rights:
As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: View phone number on click.appcast.io. Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io. Email address: View email address on click.appcast.io. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at .
Supplemental Information
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact: View email address on click.appcast.io
Minimum Qualification Screening

A Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application, CDLE does not accept attachments of any kind during the application process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience and qualifications must be specifically documented on your online application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application. CDLE does not accept attachments of any kind during the application process.
Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit with your application materials. Therefore, it is extremely important to document in the work experience/job duties portion of your online application the extent to which you possess the education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement. It is also important to thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase.
Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions on the application completely and thoughtfully. Your answers may be rated based on your writing ability (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing) as well as the content of your answer.
Work Visas

CDLE does not sponsor Work Visas of any type.
Applicant Use Of AI

The use of AI tools to aid in preparing application materials is allowed under the condition that the applicant independently verifies and confirms the information's accuracy before submission. Applicants are fully accountable for the content of their submissions and must ensure the safe and ethical use of any AI tools. Furthermore, active and direct participation in the interview process is required.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE AND/OR FUTURE VACANCIES
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinators at View email address on click.appcast.io. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For all other inquiries about this recruitment effort, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io.
While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:


Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01


I acknowledge the comparative analysis process for this position will consist of a review of the information contained within my application/job duty statements and that any attachments will not be included during the minimum qualification screening or application review. The structured application review/numerical scoring of my application will be based on the content listed in the job duty statements, the preferred qualifications, required competencies, and answers to supplemental questions. My responses to the supplemental questions will be scored based on my ability to follow instructions and provide detailed, clear and concise answers to each question.

• Yes
• No

02


Please describe your experience with UKG/Payroll.
03


Please describe your experience with CORE or another ERP.
04


Tell us about a time you developed a new procedure or tracking system with no existing framework to follow. How did you determine the necessary workflows and collaborate with other divisions or stakeholders to bring it to completion?
05


This position is a work leader, accountable for training, mentoring, and the final work product of multiple team members. Please tell us about your team leadership experience with respect to these functions.
Required Question