Finance Specialist I

Douglas County Government (CO); Golden (CO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Douglas County Government in Colorado seeks a Finance Specialist I to perform complex accounting, reconciliation, and financial analysis with precision. This role manages revenue reconciliation, verifies data integrity, and supports audits across departments.

You will develop reports, maintain Excel models, analyze variances, and drive process improvements while adhering to GAAP and county policies. The position requires initiative and discretion in handling confidential information.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible financial experience.
• Associate’s degree in Accounting/Finance preferred and may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complex accounting, financial, and fiscal reports for projects and operations.
• Enter/validate revenues, disbursements, transfers, and adjusting entries.
• Maintain accounting summaries, statements of accounts, and reports.
• Develop and analyze advanced Excel spreadsheets and financial models for forecasting/budgeting.
• Conduct variance analysis and recommend corrective actions.
• Research variances, trace discrepancies, and reconcile accounts and records.
• Communicate financial discrepancies with staff across departments.
• Review/process vendor invoices, deposits, disbursements, and transactions.
• Reconcile cash accounts and bank statements; coordinate cash orders with banks.
• Monitor internal controls and suggest process improvements for accuracy and efficiency.
• Provide guidance on accounting procedures and policies to staff.
• Maintain organized filing systems and support audits.
• Gather data for departmental budget preparation.
• Assist auditors with financial records and documentation.

Skills

Financial reconciliation

Variance analysis

Excel advanced

Data entry 10-key

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree preferred (Accounting/Finance)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Dynamics 365 (ERP)

Job description

The Finance Specialist I independently performs complex accounting, reconciliation, and financial analysis work requiring specialized technical knowledge, sound judgment, and exceptional accuracy. This position manages daily revenue reconciliation, verifies financial system data integrity, develops and analyzes financial reports, and ensures compliance with fiscal policies, County procedures, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The role also supports departmental audits, provides guidance on financial processes, and leads process improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.)

• Prepare complex and department-wide accounting, financial, and fiscal reports for special projects and routine operations.
• Enter and validate financial data, including revenues, disbursements, transfers, and adjusting entries.
• Maintain accounting summaries, statements of accounts, and generate accounting reports.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze advanced Excel spreadsheets and financial models to support forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.
• Conduct detailed variance analysis and recommend corrective or preventive actions based on financial trends.
• Research and analyze variances in financial reports and statements, trace and correct discrepancies in accounts, documents, data entries, reports, and records.
• Communicate with County and department staff regarding financial discrepancies.
• Review and process vendor invoices, cash deposits, disbursements, and other accounting transactions.
• Reconcile cash accounts, bank statements, deposits, disbursements, and outstanding payments; ensure transactions are accurately recorded and coordinate cash orders with financial institutions as needed.
• Verify p-card purchases comply with County policies and procedures.
• Monitor internal control practices, identify areas of risk, and recommend process improvements that support compliance, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Provide guidance to department staff on accounting procedures, policies, and issues.
• Maintain organized and efficient filing systems.
• Gather and calculate data for departmental budget preparation.
• Track, reconcile, and facilitate recovery of NSF (non-sufficient funds) returned payments for all Clerk & Recorder divisions; maintain payment records, send required correspondence, notify customers of outstanding balances, and monitor collection and repayment activity.
• Assist auditors by providing financial records and documentation.
• Participate in system, policy, and fiscal training to remain current with evolving County, State, and Federal financial requirements.
• Maintains confidentiality of information consistent with applicable federal, state, and county rules and regulations. o Performs other duties as assigned in support of business operations and statutory compliance and department needs
• All Clerk & Recorder employees may be required to work in the Elections Division in any capacity that is needed during election cycles

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The employee performs duties under minimal supervision and is expected to apply advanced accounting knowledge and independent judgment to routine and non-routine situations. Work is reviewed periodically for accuracy, compliance, and alignment with County fiscal standards.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory duties.

INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is guided by established accounting principles, County policies, statutes, rules, and procedures. The employee exercises independent judgment in analyzing financial information, resolving discrepancies, reconciling accounts, identifying process improvements, and determining appropriate corrective actions. Unusual or unprecedented situations are referred to supervisory staff for guidance.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in financial recordkeeping, reconciliations, journal and ledger entries, or related accounting functions required. An Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field is preferred and may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of administrative and financial systems, recordkeeping practices, and business processes.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices sufficient to support internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel functions used for financial reporting, analysis, and data management.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) and financial management systems preferred.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping principles, practices, and financial recordkeeping methods.
• Knowledge of finance and accounting concepts, including budgeting, reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of data processing systems and procedures related to maintaining accurate fiscal records.

Skills:

• Financial reconciliation, account balancing, and cash management.
• Financial analysis, variance identification, and problem resolution.
• Researching, troubleshooting, and resolving financial discrepancies.
• Development, maintenance, and analysis of spreadsheets using advanced Microsoft Excel functions.
• Accurate data entry, 10-key by touch, and financial record maintenance.
• Preparation and review of financial reports, accounting records, and supporting documentation.
• Application of modern office practices and operation of standard office equipment and business software.
• Professional customer service and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Preparation of clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate written correspondence and reports.
• Participation in and support of process improvement initiatives that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls.

Abilities:

• Ability to embrace and support the organization's Vision, Mission, and Core Values.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the ability to explain financial information and processes to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions based on available information, policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Ability to analyze information, identify discrepancies or issues, and recommend appropriate solutions or corrective actions.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply accounting principles, financial policies, statutes, regulations, and procedural requirements.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and explain written materials, including financial reports, policies, procedures, manuals, and process documentation.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and execute multiple assignments simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising initiative and accountability.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, County personnel, vendors, financial institutions, and the public.
• Ability to encourage and support cooperation, trust, and teamwork in pursuit of departmental and organizational goals.
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, workloads, systems, and operational needs while maintaining effectiveness and professionalism.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective when resolving problems, addressing discrepancies, or working under pressure.
• Ability to retain information, apply knowledge to daily responsibilities, and continuously learn new systems, processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and apply quantitative reasoning in support of accounting, reconciliation, and financial analysis functions.
• Ability to reliably report to work onsite, maintain regular attendance, and perform assigned duties in support of business operations and statutory requirements.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License upon hire or within 90 days of hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Work Environment:

• Work is generally performed in a typical office environment.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and perform administrative and computer work for significant periods of time and operate office equipment.
• The employee is also regularly required to talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Material and Equipment Directly Used:

• Standard office equipment (computer, telephone, copier, printer).