Accountant II

Engineering a world of possibilities Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing talent, knowledge and solutions to service industry and benefit society. Mines has a strong reputation and celebrates high rankings due to its STEM-focused education and research results. Department Information The Accounts Payable Office provides exceptional customer service to suppliers and the campus community by providing significant guidance across campus to ensure the timely and accurate processing of all payments for goods and services in support of the University mission. The Accountant I position is responsible for the reconciliation of multiple AP accounts in Workday, ensuring accurate financial record-keeping, providing support to university faculty, staff and students regarding Accounts Payable and Travel and Reimbursement programs. This position utilizes critical thinking skills to ensure all paperwork and tasks are completed timely and in compliance with policies and all authoritative regulations. This is a professional position that requires a strong service focus, and skills in planning, organization, and collaboration. The Accountant I must be able to work independently, research and resolve issues, strategically analyze complex processes, understand the broad impact of decisions, and make recommendations for improvements. Knowledge and understanding of when to apply specific regulations or policies is critical when working with campus partners. The ideal candidate enjoys working in a complex, dynamic environment and collaborating with others to resolve unique challenges. This position is hybrid in Colorado. The Colorado School of Mines provides dedicated professional development and training. Onboarding for this position includes training on financial systems, policies, procedures, regulatory compliance requirements, and processes. Primary Responsibilities FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & REPORTING General Ledger and Reporting Collaborate closely with the Controller’s Office for an efficient close process and to produce accurate financial reporting. Prepare and process annual 1099 reporting, mailings and IRS filings and any corrections. Assist with the AP 1042S reporting, filings, and any corrections. Manage supplier profiles in Workday according to NRAs tax status, ensuring accurate back up withholding. Reconciliation Complete monthly Reconciliations of Cash Advances & Expense AR, AP Sub Ledgers, Refunds/Reprocessing Payments, Quarterly Alcohol Expense Report Review. Analyze account variances and generate financial reports. Perform account maintenance, recording entries and reconciling liability accounts. Reconcile AP Supplier Registrations in Sprintax, the Non-Resident Alien Tax Compliance System. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE OPERATIONS Policy and Compliance Adhere to financial, procurement, travel policies. Understand when a business process or landscape in Higher Education has changed and policies need to be reviewed and recommendations for policy change is warranted. Evaluate policy and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Invoice and Payment Processing Vendor invoice review, processing, and reconciliation. Oversee payment transactions such as ACH, wire transfers, paper checks, and credit card(s), including receivables of personal charges made in error on the One Card. Review unclaimed payments and follow the escheat process twice annually. Prepare correcting entries when errors are identified. Dispute Resolution; point of escalation for AP, ensure timely remediation of issues. Assist with the Virtual Card Payables Program and maintain reconciliation file. BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT Metrics and Process Improvement Provide guidance on projects, process improvements, and workflow documentation. Assist with developing appropriate and useful measures and metrics to assess and understand department wide service levels, department and individual performance levels, customer satisfaction, and other information necessary to continuously improve the quality and efficiency of service; and Analyze data and information to identify performance levels, service trends, issues, and opportunities; make recommendations for process and service level enhancement. Verify campus requests are processed timely and accurately while adhering to procedures and fiscal rules. Effectively identify, recommend, and help implement scalable process optimization, resource efficiency, and automation opportunities. Internal Controls Support the accounts payable function in compliance with internal controls, policies, and procedures. Participate in Workday system testing to help streamline operations and internal controls. Ensure 3-way matching and preventing duplicate payments or fraudulent invoices. YEAR-END CLOSE & AUDIT Manage AP for Fiscal Year End Prepare financial reports, accruals, schedules, and exhibits; collate and organize documentation per auditor requests. Compliance and Audit Assist with annual financial audits, research audits, PERA Audits and other audit including preparation of audit schedules and responding to audit inquiries. Collaborate closely with external auditors during audit by preparing requested information and addressing auditor inquiries related to A/P. STAKEHOLDER PARTNERSHIP AND SHARED GOVERNANCE Ensure the shared services functions meet or exceed user expectations and requirements. Actively develop campus collaboration through shared responsibility in positive outcomes for campus clients, shared services and the Mines community. Establish and maintain relationships with new and existing vendors. Provide guidance and training to the campus community on processes, forms and rules related to all areas of financial management under the purview of the position. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business management, finance, or related field. 3+ years progressive professional experience in Accounts Payable. Understanding and experience applying general accounting standards in a professional setting. Experience in problem solving, provide solutions and exceptional customer service. Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP systems. Strong strategic thinking skills and ability to contribute to high-level decision-making processes. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal. Professional knowledge of A/P rules and regulations. Understanding of IRS 1099 and AP 1042S reporting. Ability to work collaboratively and in partnership with a broad group of stakeholders. Demonstrated focus on customer service and compliance. Strong technological and analytical skills and experience and an understanding of how metrics and measures can drive innovation and service level quality. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of governmental accounting. A high-level understanding of accounts payable, travel, finance, and business operations. Knowledge of higher education culture, governance, structures, and mission. Experience with Workday. Salary And Benefits $70,760 - $79,200 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. Additional Information And Reasonable Accommodation Requests It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance. Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. Equal Opportunity Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses. Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce. Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety. Supplemental Information About Mines & Golden, CO When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines. Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 36 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2025). Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds. At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 "Very High Activity" research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size. That size – roughly 8,200 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact. Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus – nationally‑renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few. And don’t get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails – and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high‑altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play. Are you looking for an inspiring, mission‑driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a community where our individual perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience? Look to Mines. #J-18808-Ljbffr