Job Description
SUMMARY Oversee the daily operations of general accounting for the district, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of all financial data. Lead month-end and year-end close processes, maintain strong internal controls, and supervise a high-performing accounting team. Ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, and Colorado school finance requirements, coordinate external audits, and provide financial guidance to support district operations and strategic decision-making. Drive the effective use of modern accounting systems and process improvements to enhance efficiency and focus attention on analysis and exception management.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Lead, supervise, and develop a high-performing general accounting team; establish clear expectations, workflows, performance standards, and professional development plans to ensure operational excellence and staff growth.
Oversee the district's general ledger operations, including journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end and year-end close processes; implement process improvements and standardized procedures to improve accuracy, strengthen internal controls, and efficiency.
Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the district's financial records in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards; monitor regulatory changes and implement required adjustments to accounting practices and reporting, and analyze financial data for risks, and recommendation process improvements to accounting leadership.
Develop, implement, and maintain the district's chart of accounts, accounting policies and standardized procedures to ensure consistency, compliance, operational efficiency, and improved identification of financial data anomalies, risks, or process gaps.
Collaborate quarterly and annual financial statement preparation with the Manager of Special Revenue and Capital Accounting, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR); establish repeatable, technology-supported processes to ensure accuracy, transparency, and timely submission.
Coordinate with the Assistant Director on external financial statement audits; prepare required documentation, respond to auditor inquiries, and lead corrective action efforts as needed.
Oversee fund accounting activities to ensure accurate classification and reporting of general, special revenue, capital, and other district funds in alignment with Colorado school finance requirements.
Collaborate with accounting leadership to maintain and refine the district's chart of accounts to support compliance, financial transparency, and robust financial reporting.
Design, implement, and monitor effective internal controls with the Analyst - Controls and Internal Audit to safeguard district assets, ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and mitigate financial risk, and address corrective actions.
Provide technical accounting guidance and responsive fiscal support to schools and departments; cultivate a customer-service orientation within the accounting function.
Participate in financial system optimization initiatives, including ERP configuration, workflow improvements, and reporting enhancements, as well as districtwide strategic projects.
Lead and contribute to cross functional and district wide special projects designed to support strategic financial objectives and continuous improvement efforts.
Other duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE At least five (5) years in accounting/business financial management and at least two (2) years supervisory experience. Experience in public sector or school district accounting strongly preferred.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING Bachelor's degree required Preferred field of study of accounting, finance, business administration, accounting systems management, or related field. Additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of degree.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS None required. Certified Management Accountant (CMA) desirable.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of governmental accounting principles, including GAAP and GASB standards, fund accounting, internal controls, and public sector compliance. Knowledge of Colorado school finance, state reporting requirements, and ERP-based accounting systems. Skilled in managing month-end and year-end close processes, reviewing financial statements and complex transactions, developing standardized procedures, and supervising professional accounting staff. Skilled in preparing financial reports and coordinating external audits. Ability to analyze financial data, interpret evolving accounting standards, communicate complex information clearly, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound professional judgment while maintaining confidentiality.
SPAN OF CONTROL Supervises a team of professional and technical accounting staff responsible for general ledger maintenance, reconciliation, grants accounting, and financial reporting functions. The position exercises decision making authority over district accounting operations, including developing accounting policies and procedures; directing month end and year end close activities; ensuring adherence to GAAP, GASB, and district policies; and overseeing district wide internal controls. The role has authority to develop and implement process, workflow, and system improvements that affect financial operations across schools and departments, as well as to coordinate external audits and make recommendations that influence financial compliance, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency district wide.
The physical demands, mental functions, and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Ability to focus on objects at varying distances (with corrective lenses). Perform tasks that require manual dexterity, including operation of computers & small office equipment. Basic mobility and the ability to navigate the office environment safely. Ability to speak clearly, listen attentively (with assistance devices), and convey information accurately. May be required to give presentations to groups.
MENTAL FUNCTIONS Ability to analyze complex situations, identify potential risks, and devise effective solutions. Ability to remain flexible in dynamic environments, adjusting plans and strategies as necessary to accommodate changing requirements or circumstances. Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other teams. Ability to manage time and priorities to meet deadlines.
WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in a semi-secured office building with a typical office environment and risk factors.