Accountant

Love clean reconciliations and a job that actually matters? El Paso County is hiring an Accountant to play a key role in maintaining the financial integrity of County operations. You'll manage journal entries, reconcile the general ledger, track capital assets, and oversee grant and fund accounting — while supporting the annual audit and ACFR. It's detailed work with real, county-wide impact.

The ideal candidate brings strong governmental accounting experience and a solid grasp of GAAP and GASB standards. You're analytically sharp, detail-driven, and comfortable working independently — but you also know how to collaborate effectively with departments, auditors, and grantors when it counts.

Hiring Range: $68,000.00 - $78,000.00 Annually

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, subject to change.

Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications. 

Performs a variety of accounting functions which may include but are not limited to analysis of data received from departments/offices and outside clients for compliance to GAAP, GASB, Federal, State, and Local policies and procedures, preparation of journals, preparation of statements and schedules for the annual audit, monitoring and tracking of all County capital assets, and reconciliation of the General Ledger against the Treasurer's report. Tracks materials used, permits, projects and Federal, State, and Grantor reimbursements. Tracks Accounts Receivable. This position is part of the Accountant career progression series, which includes Accountant and Senior Accountant. An employee is eligible to advance to the next position within the series when the employee has met the criteria for advancement as notated within the classification specification and has received a recommendation from the Hiring Authority. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.

• Analyzes, prepares, and posts all journal entries to the general ledger, including the Treasurer's Interface. Analyzes and reviews the general ledger to ensure that accounts are maintained in a consistent manner with GAAP, GASB, Federal, State, and Local policies and procedures.
• Analyzes and reviews the general ledger to ensure that accounts are maintained in a consistent manner, including Accounts Receivable, Due To, and Due From.
• Reconciles General Ledger to the Treasurer's report.
• Ensures the accuracy of reporting to grantors to maximize funding and reimbursement to the County.
• Prepares billing backup for invoicing other agencies; works directly with departments/divisions on accounting issues.
• Prepares permits and surcharges, prepares monthly billings, compiles deposits for various divisions, and tracks Accounts Receivables.
• Assists with the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other management reports.
• Tracks all Capital Assets using the automated County-wide system.
• Assists with the annual audit, including gathering information from the auditors, Budget administration staff, and departmental staff. Prepares year-end closing entries, statements, and schedules for the audit.
• Tracks Certificate of Participation (COP) Vendor Payments and coordinates COP approvals.
• Prepares year-end entries on fixed assets, infrastructure, COP's WIP, interest, amortization schedules, summary of debt services, COP premium, and bond costs amortizations.
• Verifies capital asset data each month. Verifies departmental capital asset inventories on a rotating basis.
• Prepares and distributes monthly expenditure reports and/or appropriate notification to all County departments.
• Reconciles 941's to the General Ledger as required.
• Tracks and distributes Subdivision Releases.
• Tracks materials used for projects through the Job Cost System. Analyzes job costs and equipment attachments, ensuring all job cost codes are used correctly.
• Compiles inventory for various divisions. Provides the accounting team with year-end reports. Compiles information for the auditors.
• Assists auditors with review of financial records in order to establish the financial condition of the County and maintain a high-ranking bond standard.
• Conducts various research projects requested by County departments or the general public, including CORA requests.
• Serves as a backup to the Lead Accountant and other accountants.
• Performs other duties as required.

 
Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.
 
Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques in cost/benefit, productivity, and economic analyses.
• Working knowledge of governmental fund accounting preferred.
• Knowledge of computerized accounting systems and practices.
• Must possess strong analytical skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Must have strong communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County staff, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to reconcile and balance reports.
• Ability to successfully complete the Accountant matrix. 
• Ability to use a computer and various applications, including spreadsheets and accounting software.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality; must be honest and trustworthy.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and calculators.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Two years of directly related accounting experience. 
• Governmental and/or public accounting experience.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Duties are primarily performed in an office and remote work environment; some travel may be required.

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.

Salary : $62,720 - $94,000