Controller

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Company: State of Colorado

Location: Denver, CO 80219

Description:

Salary : $108,816.00 - $174,132.00 Annually
Location : Denver Metro, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: QAA 06929 4.18.2025
Department: Department of Early Childhood
Opening Date: 04/23/2025
Closing Date: 5/7/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: 710 S. Ash Street, Denver, CO 80246
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: ely.behrhorst@state.co.us
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Department Information
STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENCY REQUIRED
NOTE: This announcement may be used to fill multiple openings.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis is committed to building a Colorado For All, a place where everyone has an opportunity to succeed and live the Colorado way of life. Governor Polis is focused on lowering health care costs for hardworking Coloradans, transitioning the state to renewable energy sources, ensuring every Colorado child gets a quality education, and building an economy that works for everyone. The Governor's staff includes offices for budgeting, communications and outreach, legal counsel, legislative liaison, operations, policy and research, and scheduling.
Committed to Diversity - We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. If you're looking for a place where you can be your authentic self at work and celebrate the uniqueness of those around you, then we want to talk to you! State of Colorado employees were asked to reflect on their experience with equity, diversity, and inclusion. Click here to learn more about their experiences Colorado For All - Colorado Employees Reflect on Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
We offer a generous benefits package including:
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
Medical, dental, and vision plans
State paid life insurance policy
Choice of 2 retirement plans (defined benefit or defined contribution)
Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
State paid short-term disability coverage
Additional optional life and disability plans
Credit Union membership
Training and professional development
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit:
This position will have the opportunity for a hybrid schedule (combination of in-office and remote workplace). **Please note - equipment provisioning and certain onboarding tasks will take place in person, in our Denver office, on the first day of employment.**

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) ensures the delivery of a comprehensive, community-informed, data-driven, high-quality, and equitable early childhood system that supports the care, education and well-being of all Colorado's young children, their families and early childhood professionals in all settings. CDEC provides access to collaborative, coordinated, quality early childhood programs and support to children, families, and early care professionals in an effort to best prepare Coloradans for future success. CDEC works with many partners, including parents, schools, child care providers, Early Childhood Councils, counties, Community Centered Boards, early intervention service providers, family resources centers, county human services, county public health, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to provide high-quality early childhood and family support programs.

The Accounting & Finance unit exists to perform general accounting and financial reporting functions for the Department of Early Childhood and to be of assistance to the management of all programs within CDEC, the State Controller's Office, the Federal government, county departments, Office of the State Auditor, Federal auditors, and others in need. Generally, this unit is responsible for providing accounts payable, account receivable, cash management, cost accounting, grants accounting, payroll and timekeeping, and financial reporting functions as required to meet the department's needs. In particular this unit is responsible for the following services:
  • Making payments to clients, staff, providers, and other vendors and recording the corresponding expenditures;
  • Providing financial information to management and budget and serving as a resource to Program Administrators for policy, budget and planning for the future
  • Managing automated systems that record financial transactions, data, bills, payments, payroll, timekeeping, and other required as well as ad hoc reports;
  • Recording Federal expenditures and revenue for grants and providing financial reports to the Federal government and other grantors;
  • Accounting for the State's capital assets by recording in the fixed asset system and monitoring the inventory; Providing payments to the county departments, recording and reporting their expenditures in the State's accounting system;
  • Allocating costs for the purpose of providing information, determining charges for services, reviews and assist the Department federal indirect cost plan, assigning indirect costs and capturing revenue
  • Ensuring audit compliance and coordination with auditors from the State and Federal governments;
  • Ensuring that State systems capture the financial information needed for county reimbursements and claiming federal funds
  • Reconciling all of the systems data to insure complete and accurate information; Establishing accounting services for programs.

Description of Job
This position serves as a Controller for the Department, formulating and implementing policy and internal controls Department-wide as they relate to the Colorado Revised Statutes, State Fiscal Rules, Departmental Standard Operating Procedures, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Assures coordination and implementation of other departmental policies necessary for the Department to meet its mission and goals. Provides overall leadership and direction to all accounting staff. This position serves as the Department's principal point of contact with the Office of the State Controller (OSC) and the Department of Treasury.
What you'll be doing:
  • Making payments to clients, staff, providers and other vendors and recording the corresponding expenditures;
  • Providing financial information to management and budget and serving as a resource to Program Administrators for policy, budget and planning for the future;
  • Managing automated systems that record financial transactions, data, bills, payments, payroll, timekeeping and other required as well as ad hoc reports;
  • Recording federal expenditures and revenue for over 100 grants and providing financial reports to the Federal government and other grantors;
  • Accounting for the State's capital assets by recording in the fixed asset system and monitoring the inventory process;
  • Providing payments to the county departments, recording and reporting their expenditures in the State's accounting system;
  • Allocating costs for the purpose of providing information, determining charges for services, assigning indirect costs and capturing revenue;
  • Ensuring audit compliance and coordination with auditors from the state and federal governments;
  • Ensuring that State systems capture the financial information needed for county reimbursements and claiming of federal funds;
  • Reconciling all of the systems data to insure complete and accurate information;
  • Establishing fiscal internal controls and policy directions;
  • Maintaining budgetary accounting and allocations; and
  • Establishing accounting services for programs.
  • Develop strategic fiscal and accounting planning to set direction for the Finance Unit in order to coordinate and implement its mission, goals, and objectives.
  • Formulate fiscal accounting policy by conferring with Chief Financial Officer, Department staff, other state department controllers, State Controller's Office, State Treasurer, Office of the State Auditor, federal officials, CDEC program divisions, county officials, and other customers.
  • Issue accounting policy and procedures for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, 64 county departments, and accounting and fiscal staff by application of Fiscal Rules and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Recommends and/or implements change for CDEC's accounting system.
  • Plan, prioritize, assign, analyze and monitor workflow, and maintain appropriate staffing levels and review progress to ensure the quality and quantity of work meets standards and deadlines for deliverables to meet program goals and objectives.
  • Establish work schedules, review and approve worktime and absences.
  • Initiate the hiring process, provide subject matter expertise to HR during the comparative analysis process, interview candidate and hire.
  • Recommend promotions and changes in pay, submit personnel or position actions.
  • Resolve problems, performance issues, disputes, and informal grievances and initiate corrective action or recommend discipline as needed.
  • Identify training and developmental needs, and provide training as needed.
  • Provide feedback and coaching, write performance plans, and sign performance evaluations.
  • Monitor, measure, and evaluate the workload by requiring work plans and progress reports from staff; examination and analysis of reports that quantify and qualify results.
  • Improve systems, procedures, and processes by creating quality assurance teams and task forces.
  • Develop a communication process between the Finance Unit and all other CDEC divisions to improve customer service.
  • Responsible for development, implementation, and functionality of the following systems: timekeeping, payroll, inventory management, accounts receivable, patient billing, Financial Information System, accounting for funds in a fiduciary capacity, fixed assets, cash receipting and warrant control, letters of credit/cash management, reports management, grants management, revenue management, indirect cost allocations for the Department and counties, and the state accounting system, currently the Colorado Financial Reporting System.
  • Develop, monitor, and implement internal controls to protect the CDEC assets.
  • Ensure that checks and balances are built into systems and that processes exist to prevent loss of assets, inappropriate use of funds, and loss of accountability.
  • Require that all systems and processes contain adequate audit trails to facilitate federal and State audits.
  • Ensure that all systems and processes are fully documented and properly supported by policies and procedures.


Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications:

Option I: Experience
Nine (9) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

Option II: Combination of Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in accounting, auditing, business administration, finance or closely related field AND five (5) years of experience in an occupation related to the work assigned
Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application and in the supplemental questions. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section and supplemental questions of your application will be reviewed to determine this. "See Resume" statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

Substitutions:
  • Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
  • Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
  • A current, valid licensure as a CPA by the Colorado Board of Accountancy will count for six (6) years of the requirement
Preferred qualifications:
  • State of Colorado experience relevant to this role.
  • Thorough knowledge of GAAP, GASB, financial management principles and procedures, including the ability to manage short and long-term financial planning; ability to identify, interpret, and apply state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to the Department's operations;
  • Financial experience with local, State, or federal government, including knowledge and experience with contract or grant administration;
  • Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access), Gmail and Google Applications, financial management software, and the ability to quickly learn other software systems.

Highly Desired:
  • Current or previous experience as Controller or Deputy Controller, or Accounting Manager/Lead administering Colorado fiscal rules and accounting systems for a Colorado state agency;
  • Certified Public Accountant;
  • Proven ability in accurate analysis and effective diagnosis of financial issues and mitigation strategies;
  • Demonstrated success in providing management and supervision over accounting professionals;
  • Proven ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and projects in a demanding environment;
  • Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy;
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines and be adaptable to changing assignments;
  • Ability to take initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner;
DEFINITION OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:Work that involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment, and personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment.
  • Employees who have been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of disciplinary termination, or negotiated their termination from the State of Colorado must disclose this information on the application.


APPEAL RIGHTS:

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
Please note that ONLY your State of Colorado job application will be reviewed during the initial screening; if you submit a resume and cover letter, they will be reviewed in later stages of the selection process. Therefore, it is paramount that you clearly describe all your relevant experience on the application itself. Applications left blank or marked "SEE RESUME" will not be considered.
Complete Applications must include the following documents:
  • A complete CDEC Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green 'APPLY' button at the top of this announcement)
  • A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)
  • If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing that your degree has been conferred and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
  • If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

  • Your application will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications for the position. If your application demonstrates that you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be invited to the comparative analysis process, which is described below

    Comparative Analysis Process

    The comparative analysis process will consist primarily of a review of applications against the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Applications will be reviewed in comparison to all others in the applicant pool in order to identify a top group of candidates who may be invited for a final interview. Depending on the size of the applicant pool, additional selection processes may be utilized to identify a top group of candidates. Applicants will be notified of their status via email.

    Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date will result in your application being rejected.

    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.

    ADAAA Accommodations: The Colorado Department of Early Childhood 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 the Human Resources Specialist: us

    The Department does not offer sponsored visas for employment purposes.

    Technical Assistance
    If you experience difficulty in uploading or attaching documents to your online application, or for any other technical difficulties, call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 anytime between 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).
    The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:

    Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
    01

    All positions at the Department require that potential employees undergo a thorough background check. As a condition of employment, you are required to submit to pre-employment screening if offered the position. Are you willing to meet this requirement?
    • Yes
    • No

    02

    Are you willing to accept an offer within the posted salary range?
    • Yes
    • No

    03

    This position has been designated as hybrid. The Hiring Manager will discuss the expectations and details of the schedule with you during the interview process. A hybrid position can work a portion of the time from home and a portion of the time in the state workplace location. A workspace is provided for the employee when they come into the office, which could include a cubicle, office, or hoteling station. When required to come into the assigned state workplace, the employee is required to bear the expense of commuting. Do you understand this expectation and are you willing to meet this requirement? (Please write "YES" in the space below in order to continue in the selection process.)
    04

    Former state employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position. Otherwise, please list N/A.
    05

    List any additional relevant experience you would like us to consider in determining if you meet the qualifications of this position. Please, include the months and years relevant to the experience you describe.
    06

    Please describe any experience using the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) also known as the "Super circular" or "Uniform Guidance"
    07

    Please describe any experience with accounting and financial processes and procedures.
    Required Question

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