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Associate Director of Accounting Services

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Position Number: 6077223
Location: Denver, CO
Position Type: Business - Accounting

Associate Director of Accounting Services

University of Colorado Denver

Associate Director of Accounting Services-36405

University Staff

Description

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.

By joining our team, you'll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado's system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU's campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you're passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.

Position Summary:

The Office of University Controller: The Office of University Controller (OUC) is responsible for managing the university's system of record - the Finance System - and its interfaces with purchasing, payables, human resources, and other subsystems, including the Cognos Reporting System. The OUC works closely with the CU campus controllers, the state controller, and the state auditor's office to ensure that fiscal practices comply with external and internal rules and regulations and generally accepted accounting principles. The OUC communicates fiscal policies and procedures to the university community through its newsletter, website, and training programs, and provides direct assistance to faculty, staff, and other individuals through the Financial Services & Solutions Help team. The office also administers a Continuing Professional Education program and the CU Innovation & Efficiency (CU I&E) Awards employee recognition program.

The University of Colorado is seeking an experienced Associate Director of Accounting Services to add to the University of Colorado System Administration team. This position provides strategic leadership and oversight of Accounting Services within the Office of University Controller. The Associate Director of Accounting Services supports the University's mission by providing timely, accurate and relevant financial information to the University's employees and external entities, as well as assisting the Office of University Controller with accounting functions.

To thrive in this position, the individual must be an accomplished accounting professional and a creative and self-motivating problem-solver, interested in analyzing problems and pursuing solutions. They should be a team player who thrives in collaboration while also excelling at independent work, with outstanding communication skills-both written and verbal-and strong interpersonal abilities.

This position is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified System and reports to the University Controller.

Where You Will Work:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule, working some days from home and some days in office.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado System Administration Office is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse workforce. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Responsible for the ongoing leadership, strategic vision and processes, and oversight of the Accounting Services team
Manage and provide strategic guidance to staff responsible for internal, external, and state financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.
Oversee the preparation of financial reports, variance analyses, and reconciliations, ensuring timely and accurate submission to internal and external partners.
Provide mentorship and training to staff, encouraging a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
Ensures accuracy and timely preparation of the University's financial statements, and ensures timely and accurate feed to the Colorado Resource Engine (CORE)
Manages and maintains the chart of accounts for all four University of Colorado campuses
Directs and coordinates all aspects of the annual external financial audit and related communications
Develops strategies and recommends changes to University policies and procedures to strengthen compliance with applicable accounting and auditing requirements
Maintains current knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) that affect the university's financial systems and best practices in internal controls over financial reporting
Acts in an advisory role and engages with campus controller offices, providing guidance and leadership in the interpretation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and implementation of new GASB standards
Acts as liaison and collaborates between the University and the Office of State Controller (OSC), the Office of State Auditor (OSA), UCCS, CU Denver, CU Boulder, CU Anschutz, and others

What We Offer:

Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $130,000 - $140,000

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate's education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position's scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and Free Onsite Parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Please ensure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all minimum requirements listed at the time of application to be considered for this role.

Bachelor's degree in the field of accounting, or a related field, from an accredited institution of higher education (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis)
Six (6) years of technical accounting experience, internal/external reporting, and/or auditing, which may include experience in auditing at a public accounting firm
One (1) years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role, which includes supervising personnel, developing/mentoring direct reports, and completing performance reviews to ensure continuous improvement, high performance, and employee retention
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Preferred Qualifications:

Nine (9) years' of technical accounting experience, internal/external reporting, and/or auditing, which may include experience in auditing at a public accounting firm
Four (4) years' experience years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role, which includes supervising personnel, developing/mentoring direct reports, and completing performance reviews to ensure continuous improvement, high performance, and employee retention
Three (3) years of experience in auditing at a public accounting firm
Professional experience with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)
Professional experience with PeopleSoft enterprise software
Professional experience in the State of Colorado higher education system
Professional experience with the State of Colorado's general ledger system, commonly referred to as CORE

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To be successful in this position, employees will need to know the following:
Knowledge of accounting principles, procedures, regulations, and best practices.
Skilled in reviewing data and performing analysis on data accuracy.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Advanced organization and teamwork skills.
Ability to meet critical deadlines.
Ability to work independently, deliver results under tight deadlines, handle multiple concurrent tasks and responsibilities, and to deal with changing priorities, while maintaining personal effectiveness.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite applications, specifically Excel.
Ability to provide exceptional customer service.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application:

A cover letter identifying the job specific minimum qualifications you possess
A resume including any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.

Please ensure you check the "Job Specific Attachments" box next to each document on the "Required Documents" page of the application for the appropriate documents to be attached.

Per the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you are not required to provide your date of birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation on your resume or cover letter. If an application requires additional materials, such as a transcript or certification, you may redact identifying information relating to your date or birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation.

When to Apply:

For full consideration completed applications must be submitted by Monday, March 24th, 2025. Reference checking is a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including email addresses, for up to five references as part of the search process for this position. *Please note: All application materials must be submitted through CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered.*

Sponsorship Statement:

We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial history, motor vehicle history and/or fingerprinting background check. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

ADA Statement:

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: systemhr@cu.edu.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Job Category: Finance and Accounting

Primary Location: Denver

Department: S0001 -- System Administration - 50027 - University Controller

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Mar 13, 2025

Unposting Date: Mar 25, 2025, 5:59:00 AM

Posting Contact Name: System HR Recruiting

Posting Contact Email: Systemhr.recruiting@cu.edu

Position Number: 00695594

To apply, please visit: https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=36405&lang=en