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 reports that will be relied on by executive leadership for decision making and to ensure financial records are accurate and complete. Examples of tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Preparing standard reconciliations and schedules to support trial balance amounts and investigations of reconciling items to determine action items or corrections needed.
- Follow-up with campus to ensure all records are complete for schedules and reconciliations.
- Preparing fixed asset and depreciation schedules.
- Preparing asset inventory review schedules and timelines.
- Managing debt payment schedules.
- Reconciling Construction in Process for large capital projects.
Salary and Benefits
$57,800 - $63,400
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.
How to Apply
Applicants must:
- Complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status)
- Upload a resume or CV
- Upload a cover letter
This posting will close on November 6, 2024. Please apply by November 5, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.
Mines welcomes everyone to our team; in your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc). If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.
Successful Completion of a Background Investigation is Required for this Position.
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. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).
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 7,000 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, cultural awareness 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 diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?
Look to Mines.
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, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse 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 inequity or concerns for safety.
Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting