Accountant I

Engineering a world of possibilities

The Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the 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.

The Office of Finance, Administration and Operations (FA&O) provides critical support to the mission and forward-thinking strategic initiatives while managing $325 million in operating activity, stewarding $900 million in assets, and supporting 1400 faculty and staff. The Controller’s Office is within FA&O and provides oversight for financial reporting, compliance, student billing and receivables, campus shared services, and payroll.

This position is part of the Controller’s Office, General Accounting team which provides financial support for all campus departments. The significant duties of this position include research, preparation and entry of journal entries, preparation of various monthly reconciliations and schedules, and assisting with capital asset, inventory and debt reporting duties. This Accountant may also assist with cash receipting, grant and gift accounting and cost accounting tasks. This position performs research regarding transaction history, proper accounting treatment and recommended corrections. All responsibilities include consideration of proper treatment in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP), Government Accounting Standards & Guidance (GASB), and Mines’ Fiscal Policies and procedures.
This is a professional position that requires independent decision making and analysis. Collaboration with other communication teams and key personnel within the university is critical for success. This position must be able to research and resolve issues, make recommendations and provide excellent customers services.

This position is hybrid in Colorado and requires a routine on-campus presence. The Colorado School of Mines provides dedicated professional development and training. Onboarding for this position includes training on policies and procedures, and technical training opportunities for systems and technology required for this role.

The Colorado School of Mines is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Primary Responsibilities

Ensure accurate financial transactions for campus

The accountant will make decisions on the proper accounting treatment of transactions, which impacts the University’s and the State’s financial reporting. To accomplish this purpose, the accountant is required to:

• Accurately, research, prepare, review, and post a variety of accounting documents.
• Manage daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual responsibilities to ensure timely and accurate recording of transactions.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Internal Revenue Service regulations.
• Reconcile accounts and ensure that financial transactions are recorded accurately and in a timely manner, have the correct approvals, supporting documentation and, if appropriate, are within budget.
• Prepare and review financial statements, budgets, and reports per management requests.
• Provide collaboration between Mines departments requesting financial information support and guidance.
• Evaluate policy and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and rules.

Assist with Year End Close Processes and Audits

This position is required to assist with all fiscal year end closing procedures and accounting tasks. Specifically, this position will focus on those tasks related to capital assets, debt and inventory. They may also assist with accounting tasks in other general accounting areas. Examples of fiscal year end tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in and review fiscal results, investigate variances, and prepare related journal entries as needed.
• Assist in preparation of year-end and financial reports, schedules and exhibits; organize documentation per management and auditor requests.
• Plan, coordinate and perform year-end physical inventory of fixed assets and other inventories.
• Assist with capital asset financial statement footnotes and schedules.
• Assist with year-end expense and revenue accruals.

Prepare monthly reconciliations, schedules and financial reports

This position will provide various reconciliations and repor