Accountant I

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work arrangements for eligible

PERA retirement benefits

Medical and dental health plans

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

State of Colorado is seeking an experienced payroll professional to oversee CO WINs deductions and payments, liaising with HR, DPA and employees. The role supports multiple agencies, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with state rules.

The position offers hybrid work with in-office days and remote flexibility, and requires four years of accounting experience plus relevant certs. This is a full-time role with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Four years of professional accounting experience.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting; CPA or equivalent preferred.
• FPC/CPP credentials encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Process and reconcile all CO WINs deductions and payments.
• Set up and maintain payroll-related systems and reports.
• Liaise between payroll, HR, Colorado WINs, DPA and employees.
• Back up leave case management and Colorado WINs duties.

Skills

Payroll administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

CPA license (Colorado)

Tools

UKG Kronos

CPPS

CPP

Job description

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Remote working arrangement - Hybrid in office 2 days, Wednesday-Thursday mandatory in office day, remote 3 days (subject to change)

About this Unit:

This unit is responsible for the a) accurate and timely collection and reporting of hours worked and leave taken by department employees in accordance with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, Family Medical Leave Act, and State Personnel Rules and b) accurate and timely payment and reporting of employee’s wages, benefits, and deductions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, federal, state and department rules and regulations. The unit serves over 5,400 employees in several agencies (Department of Human Services-IHA, Grand Junction Regional Center-IJB, Wheat Ridge Regional Center-IJC, Pueblo Regional Center-IJD, CMHIFL-IIC, CMHIP-IIB, DYC-IKA, Homelake Veterans’ Community Living Center-ILB, Florence Veterans’ Community Living Center-ILC, Rifle Veterans’ Community Living Center-ILD and Fitzsimons Veterans’ Community Living Center-ILG that are located throughout the state. This unit provides certain payroll and timekeeping functions for all agencies and facilities in the department including those in the southern and western districts. The Department employee total is approximately 5,400 FTE.

About this Position:

This position provides customer service for items as assigned within this position as related to the Colorado WINs partnership agreement. This position will complete tasks within the Colorado WINs partnership agreement requirements associated with deductions and payments. This position will function as the liaison between the payroll department with all related groups such as Human Resources, Colorado WINs, DPA and employees. This position will function as a back up to others within the unit managing items related to leave cases and Colorado WINs duties.

Summary of Duties:

Manages dues, payments and reporting for Colorado WINs:

This position is responsible for all system setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and management of all deductions and payments related to CO WINS and the applicable partnership agreement. This role reconciles all reporting to payment collections and submissions. This role will troubleshoot issues related to reconcilement on identified payment and submission issues. This role will provide reporting as necessary for all matters associated to the payroll aspects of the partnership agreement.

Option 1 (Minimum Qualifications):

• Four (4) years of relevant professional accounting experience
• Please note: This experience must be clearly documented on your application and the supplemental questions must be answered.

Option 2 (Substitutions):

• A combination of related education (coursework requires 27 semester hours completed in an accounting or auditing) and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to (4) years.

OR

• Current, valid licensure as a CPA by the Colorado Board of Accountancy will substitute for (4) years of education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• COWINS Partnership Agreement: Relevant years of State service should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process. Part‑time relevant years of State service will be prorated.
• TRANSFERS ONLY: Relevant years of State service will be considered as a preferred qualification and given the weight of at least 15% of the overall score under the process.
• Relevant years of State service contribute to a candidate's position‑related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior, or other posted competency
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in accounting.
• Four (4) years of professional accounting experience
• FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification), CPP (Certified Payroll Professional)

What job‑related competencies / preferred qualifications are essential to the position and may be assessed during the comparative analysis process?

• UKG Kronos experience
• CPPS experience
• Payroll administration

Conditions of Employment:

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.
• Pass Background Check (this can include employment verification and employee file checks).

CDHS Selection Process Explanation:

Employment history is calculated on a full‑time basis (40/hours per week). Part‑time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process:

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part‑time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review:

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties:

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. Ensure this information is documented in the Work Experience section of the application.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions:

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights:

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At [phone], or
• Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

The Assessment Process

• For additional recruiting questions, please contact [e-mail].

About Us & Benefits:

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well‑being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
• Employee Wellness program
• Excellent work‑life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values:

• We believe in a people‑first approach: We prioritize the needs, well‑being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.
• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations:

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for 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. This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing 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 [e-mail].

EEO Statement:

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.

The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives 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.

Additional Support For Your Application:

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~