Controller - Internal State Employees Only

ob Duties

The duties listed below reflect the different types of work that may be performed. The omission of any specific duty will not prevent the assignment of work that is appropriately related to this position.

• Manage the accounting staff and office functions, including payroll processing and benefits administration, accounts payable, accounts receivable, contracts management, and financial management of grants awarded to the department

• Collaborate with payroll and payments staff to ensure proper accounting procedures are followed, all deadlines are met

• Serve as the designated backup for all positions supervised to cover vacancies and leave

• Responsible for the development of Department wide internal controls

• Lead the development of timely responses to OSA and OSC

• Ensure accurate data is provided to all stakeholders

• Design, implement and operate all accounting sub-systems established by the state accounting system (CORE)

• Provide direction and expert opinions to senior staff and fiscal staff on complex accounting issues

• Conduct diagnostic reporting, budget, and other departmental reports

• Execute monthly and year-end closing of all funds and accounts by utilizing and analyzing CORE

• Monitor budget balances and prepare budgetary documents

• Report to the State Auditor’s Office, including submission of all auditor requests and preparing all internal control narratives

Education and Experience

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in a field of study/occupational field related to accounting, audit, business, finance, or a related field, which includes 24 semester hours in Accounting or Auditing

Substitution: Four (4) years of experience in a related field can replace the education requirement of a bachelor’s degree

Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience in accounting, audit, business, finance, or a related field

• Two (2) plus years of experience in a lead, decision-making role

• Strong leadership skills to manage a complex organization

Preferred Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Public Accountant Licenses

Experience:

• Extensive experience working in state or local government, preferably in accounting or budget management

• Experience working with CORE and InfoAdvantage reporting or similar products

• Experience working with various technologies used in the accounting field

Knowledge of:

• Standard office practices, procedures, software and equipment, including the use of personal computers, telephones, Zoom, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook, and Teams)

• State statutes, rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines

• General accounting practices and standards, including GAAP, GASB

• Multiple financial systems including CORE, CPPS, OnBase, HRDW, US Bank, and Wells Fargo, among others, 

• State fiscal rules, state financial reporting and State Auditor requirements 

• General ledger and reconciliation experience

Ability to:

• Work effectively in both independent and team situations

• Exercise decision-making authority in compliance with State Fiscal Rules, State Fiscal Procedures, and Federal regulations

• Solve problems and train others in financial systems

• Ask and investigate second and third order questions.

• Translate accounting principles and processes to a non-accounting audience. 

• Locate and identify discrepancies utilizing spreadsheets and other written communication

• Manage sensitive issues and confidential information

• Think critically and apply reasoning and analysis

• Take the initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner

• Communicate effectively, both written and verbally

• Employ attention to technical detail and accuracy

• Apply time management skills to prioritize work

• Establish and maintain relationships with {internal/external} stakeholders

• Read and interpret new and existing statutes to identify the impact of proposed legislation on the department

Physical and Mental Standards (Hybrid Setting)

The physical and mental standards described here are representative of those that must typically be met by employees to perform the essential functions of this class successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently sit/stand at a desk for extended periods of time

• Frequently move from one area/building to another and sit/stand during the course of a day/week/month for meetings

• Occasionally may push or pull an object

• Frequently use finger dexterity and operate a keyboard

• Regularly lift 10 pounds and occasionally lift 25 pounds

• Frequently use vision to read documents, view computer screens, and see close and distant objects

• Frequently use speech and hearing to engage in conversation, in person, and over the telephone

If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquires to HR@dhe.state.co.us

Typical Working Conditions

• The employee typically works in a standard office environment where the noise level is moderate, and the office has controlled temperatures. Works a 40-hour work week, either remotely, hybrid, or in-office, depending on the arrangement met during employment with the supervisor during normal office hours of Monday– Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

• Job duties may occasionally require working extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.

Notice

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. The duties, expectations, and actions listed for this role may change at any time with or without notice.

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 Colorado Department of Higher Education 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 Human Resource Director at HR@dhe.state.co.us or call 720.264.8575.