Accountant

Arvada-Fire-Protection-District; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 49,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Arvada-Fire-Protection-District seeks a detailed Accountant to support financial operations and internal controls. You will maintain accurate records, assist with monthly/year-end close, and help ensure GAAP compliance for Colorado local government.

The role involves collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, audits, and financial statement preparation, with a focus on process improvements and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field.
• 5–7 years of accounting experience; government accounting preferred.
• CPA or CPFO designation preferred; pursuing candidates encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Perform general ledger accounting and month/year-end close activities.
• Prepare and analyze financial reports and schedules.
• Maintain GAAP compliance and internal controls.
• Assist with audits and regulatory reporting.
• Support accounts payable/receivable and cash receipts
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve processes.

Skills

General ledger accounting

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: ARVADA, CO 80005Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $35.57 - $42.30 HourlyTravel Percentage: NegligibleJob Shift: DayJob Category: FinanceAre you an Accountant who enjoys solving problems, learning new things, and contributing beyond the traditional accounting role?

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented accounting professional to join our Finance team.

In this role, you'll support a variety of accounting functions, contribute to financial reporting, audits, and internal controls, and help improve processes across the organization. This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful work, broaden your experience, and play a key role in supporting a growing and evolving organization.

We're looking for someone who is curious, adaptable, and collaborative, with a willingness to take on new challenges and continuously learn. If you're seeking a position where your contributions are visible and valued, we'd love to hear from you.

While not required, CPA or CPFO designation is preferred. Candidates actively working toward obtaining either designation are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, the Accountant performs professional accounting and financial management functions in support of the district’s financial operations. This position is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing and analyzing financial information, supporting month end and year end close processes, and ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting procedures applicable to Colorado local government. This position will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial data. Responsibilities include general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, audit support, and assisting with the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and yearly financial statements. This position requires strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles, attention to detail, sound judgement, and the ability to analyze financial information and identify issues or opportunities for process improvement. The Accountant also supports the development and maintenance of effective internal controls and contributions to continuous improvement of financial processes and systems.

Immediate Supervisor:

Reports to the Chief Financial Officer

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are an overview of the primary duties and responsibilities of the Accounting Technician and should not be considered an all-inclusive list.

• Perform general ledger accounting functions, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end and year-end close activities.
• Prepare, review, and analyze financial reports and supporting schedules.
• Maintain accurate accounting records in accordance with governmental accounting principles, applicable GASB standards, and organizational policies.
• Assist with the preparation of annual financial statements, audit schedules, and other regulatory or management reports.
• Process and review accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, and other financial transactions.
• Reconcile bank accounts, investment accounts, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Assist with capital asset accounting, including additions, disposals, depreciation, and related reporting.
• Support external, financial, and compliance audits by preparing documentation and responding to information requests.
• Identify discrepancies, research accounting issues, and recommend appropriate corrections.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and financial procedures.
• Provide financial information and customer service to internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Assist with financial system administration, process improvements, and implementation of accounting policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain positive, effective working relationships with district employees, volunteers, reserves, district residents, other governmental agencies and the community.
• Work well in a progressive, team-oriented environment.
• Promote a positive, professional image of the district at all times.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications and Certification Requirements:

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Possess a minimum of 5-7 years of experience, government accounting experience preferred.
• CPA or CPFO designation preferred. Candidates actively working toward obtaining a CPA or CPFO designation are encouraged to apply.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of and compliance with the district's rules, policies, and procedures as they pertain to the district's finances specifically and the district generally, including but not limited to the rules, policies and procedures contained in the district's Member Handbook and SOGs.
• Ability to use and operate a wide variety of office automation equipment and software, including spreadsheet applications, database management, record storage and retrieval systems, and word processing.
• Demonstrated proficiency using software within Microsoft Office.
• Ability to learn complex procedures, compile and prepare financial reports, learn laws and regulations governing fiscal record keeping, and examine and verify routine financial documents and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex information, identify patterns and trends, draw sound conclusions, and translate findings into actionable insights for decision makers.
• Ability to deliver accurate and thorough work products. Carefully review data and documentation to identify errors or inconsistencies, ensuring high standards of quality and reliability in all outputs.
• Professional oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing demands, and meet strict deadlines. Adept at organizing work to ensure timely completion of projects without sacrificing accuracy or quality.
• Proficient in applying statistical concepts and methods to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, routine correspondence, and memos, and ability to write basic reports and correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at a level adequate to perform the duties of the position.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This position is primarily performed on-site in a fast-paced environment. The role has frequent interactions with the public, employees, and management. Limited hybrid work may be permitted for certain job functions and circumstances, as determined by the district. The ability to work remotely is not a standard or guaranteed component of the position.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position will involve sedentary administrative work in an office environment.
• Use of sensory activities, such as talking, seeing, and hearing, will be required frequently.
• Position requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, and frequent pushing, pulling, pinching, gripping, reaching overhead, and reaching away from body.
• This position also requires frequent standing, walking, twisting, and turning, and occasional kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily office activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and finger coordination in preparing statistical reports and data, using a computer keyboard and mouse.
• Position requires ability to frequently lift/move objects of up to 25 pounds in weight and occasionally lift/move objects of up to 50 pounds in weight.