Senior Accountant

Jeffco Public Schools - Colorado; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

Jeffco Public Schools - Colorado seeks an experienced accounting professional to maintain the district's general ledger, prepare journal entries, and support month-end and year-end closes. The role guides charter schools on funding, reporting, and compliance, while collaborating with departments to strengthen internal controls and ensure accurate financial records.

The position entails working with financial systems, audits, and state reporting requirements to support sound financial management

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Five years experience in accounting, finance, or audit.
• Experience with detailed financial analysis and large data sets.

Responsibilities

• Maintain integrity of the general ledger in accordance with GAAP and District policies.
• Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and schedules.
• Support month-end and year-end close, and financial reporting.
• Assist with annual financial reporting submissions and state reporting via required pipelines.
• Provide guidance to charter schools on funding and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with departments to resolve accounting issues and improve controls.
• Support audits with schedules, reports, and documentation.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Government accounting

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Audit processes

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Job description

SUMMARY:

Maintains the integrity of the District's general ledger by ensuring transactions are accurate, complete, and compliant with GAAP, relevant state & federal law, and organizational policies. Performs advanced professional accounting work to support the District's general ledger, financial reporting, and accounting operations. Ensures accurate financial records, supports month-end and year-end close processes, and assists with audits, compliance, and state reporting requirements. Serves as the primary accounting liaison for charter schools, providing guidance on funding, reporting, and financial transactions. Partners with departments, schools, and stakeholders to resolve issues, improve processes, and support sound financial management practices to support the District's ability to effectively serve students and the community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

Maintain the integrity of the District's general ledger by ensuring financial transactions are accurate, complete, and recorded in accordance with GAAP, accounting standards, and District policies.

Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules; assist with the analysis of revenue, expenditure, and balance sheet accounts to ensure accurate classification and reporting.

Support month-end and year-end close processes, including financial reporting.

Support the District's annual financial reporting submissions, including required state reporting (e.g., Colorado Department of Education Financial Data Pipeline and Colorado Department of Education Transportation 40)

Perform system balancing activities, review exception transactions, and resolve discrepancies to ensure accurate financial data and general ledger posting.

Provide accounting support to charter schools, including guidance on accounting practices, financial reporting, compliance requirements, and resolution of accounting issues.

Record and provide support on charter school funding, debt activity, banking relationships, and other financial transactions.

Support charter schools with their completion of year-end activities, including accruals, billings, required reporting, and financial submissions.

Serve as a liaison between Financial Services, charter schools, departments, and schools to facilitate communication and resolve accounting-related matters.

Deliver training, technical assistance, and guidance on financial systems, accounting procedures, and District policies.

Collaborate with departments and stakeholders to improve accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and support efficient financial operations.

Assist with internal and external audits by preparing schedules, reports, and supporting documentation.

Participate in financial system testing, upgrades, implementation activities, and issue resolution.

Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

Bachelor's Degree required. Preferred field of study of accounting, finance, or related field. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

EXPERIENCE:

Five years experience in accounting, finance, or audit and experience with detailed financial analysis including large data sets.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS:

None required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), governmental accounting practices, financial reporting requirements, internal controls, audit processes, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Knowledge of general ledger structure, account reconciliation practices, financial systems, and state reporting requirements. Skill in preparing and reviewing journal entries, account reconciliations, financial analyses, and supporting schedules to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data. Skilled in support month-end, quarter-end and year-end close processes, perform system balancing checks, resolve discrepancies, and maintain the integrity of the general ledger. Skill in collaborating with charter schools and internal departments to provide guidance on funding, debt activity, compliance requirements, and effective financial practices. Ability to interpret and apply accounting principles, policies, and procedures. Ability to communicate complex financial information and provide guidance to a variety of audiences. Ability to exercise sound professional judgment; and maintain confidentiality while supporting District financial operations and compliance requirements.

SPAN OF CONTROL:

Provides lead oversight and technical direction for assigned District financial functions. Exercises independent judgment in reviewing transactions, resolving complex accounting issues, protecting financial account access, maintaining internal controls, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards, District policy, and regulatory requirements. Reviews the work of assigned staff and prepares financial data and reports relied upon by District leadership. Errors may result in financial loss, compliance violations, inaccurate reporting, or disruption to District financial operations.

The physical requirements, mental requirements and work environment factors described below 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 and distinguish between colors (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.