Accounting Manager

Accounting Manager

Colorado School of Mines is pleased to announce an opening for an Accounting Manager in the Controller's office. The Accounting Manager reports directly to the Associate Controller of Operations and provides strategic leadership to the Controller's Office and financial management for the Colorado School of Mines. This position assists the Associate Controller create and analyze financial reports and presentations; collaboratively develops financial and accounting policies and procedures; ensures sound financial processes and internal controls; and provides document management in multiple audits performed by the State of Colorado, Federal Government and others as necessary. This position will provide leadership in financial services for the institution and will represent the Controller's office in a wide range of activities, committees, and meetings. The Accounting Manager will collaborate and interact with many internal and external constituents including campus administration and academic departments, other higher education institutions, State governmental agencies (e.g. OSC, OSA, OSPB and JBC staff), and the public. The Accounting Manager will oversee a minimum of three Accountant level positions on the General Accounting team for the Controller's Office. The Controller's Office currently operates on a hybrid work model. Working from campus in Golden, Colorado at least weekly is required.

Primary Responsibilities

Financial Management, Compliance and Reporting

This role oversees financial management procedures, policies and strategies to administer compliance and reporting. It requires the ability to determine appropriate incorporation of regulations and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) applicable to the financial management of the institution. Examples include state-wide legislation; Governmental Accounting Standards Board pronouncements; federal and state regulations; bond requirements; and internal controls. This position will collaborate with key stakeholders within the institution. Examples of specific work include:

• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and strong internal controls
• Review, analyze, and recommend appropriate accounting and financial policies and procedures that support University operations and employ best practices. Develop and provide training as needed for financial policies and processes
• Develop, recommend, test and monitor strong accounting controls to ensure accuracy of reporting and mitigate potential risk of the misappropriation of funds.
• Follow recommended process for and implement new GASB Standards, federal guidelines and other regulatory agencies
• Provide staff with direction in the implementation of state and/or federal regulations and develop opportunities to increase flexibility within operations. Examples include but are not limited to:
• Observe, monitor, and provide feedback as appropriate for state fiscal legislation and the impact to Mines
• Review potential accounting standards and provide input or responses that advocate for Mines
• Provide accurate and timely financial reports (both ad-hoc and routine) to campus constituents and external agencies. This requires detailed understanding of the financial data sets, data locations and the best methods for extracting/and or uploading information. Examples include, but are not limited to:
• The annual financial statement package with accompanying notes
• State of Colorado Exhibits and notes
• Foundation and Endowment reporting
• Represent the Controller's Office both internally and externally for campus wide committees, events, and meetings
• Understand and advocate the financial position for Finance, Administration and Operations
• Act as a contact for external audits (state and federal)
• Serve as a liaison for campus constituents, gather feedback and improve processes to ensure seamless financial management

General Accounting Leadership

Provide leadership and management for the Controller's Office General Accounting Unit. Includes daily accounting functions, which include cash, banking, accounts receivable, endowments and gifts, and research.

• Provide training, guidance and oversight of General Accounting, Cash Management, and Chart of Accounts, which includes Workday and State of Colorado CORE financial system
• Develop performance plans and evaluations for each direct report.
• Develop direct reports and professional development plans with staff and ensure training is provided to enhance the skills and knowledge base for the team.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures covering the functional areas within the Controller's Office General Accounting Unit.
• Develop and incorporate business process best practices to existing and new procedures.
• Provide support for campus constituents with a strong focus on customer service.
• Develop policies and procedures to meet the needs of strategic initiatives.

System Administration

Assist the Business Systems Functional Support Team (BSFS) with maximizing Workday utilization. This includes running monthly business processes for close, researching & testing system upgrades and staying informed on system enhancements and efficiency improvements.

• Ensure system upgrades are tested, implemented and communicated to campus partners.
• Oversee problem identification and resolution for system related issues impacting functional users and related data

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in financial accounting, budgeting, or financial management

• Thorough knowledge, understanding of, and experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and accounting pronouncements relating to public research universities such as the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)
• Experience with computerized accounting systems, spreadsheet applications and working with large complex data sets
• Experience with developing and delivering training, demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communications skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced coursework/degree in accounting or related field
• Higher Education Accounting/Finance experience
• CPA credentials
• Workday, Banner, or other similar ERP financial system experience
• Familiarity with the State of Colorado, public higher education, financial and accounting processes

Salary and Benefits

$90,000 - $100,000 annual salary rate

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• Flexible health and dental care options
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• Free RTD Ecopass

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits .