Senior Accountant

Town of Telluride; Telluride (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Telluride is seeking a Senior Accountant to manage complex accounting duties including payroll, general ledger, grant accounting, and year-end audit support. You will ensure GAAP/GASB compliance and provide financial guidance to departments and management.

The role involves budgeting support, financial reporting, and collaboration with auditors and vendors in a municipal government context. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3–5 years of experience are required; CPA/CPFO is

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably municipal/governmental.
• CPA or CPFO preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll processing and ensure timely, accurate payroll administration.
• Prepare, reconcile, and analyze general ledger activity and financial accounts.
• Prepare journal entries, accruals, and grant-related accounting tasks.
• Support monthly/annual financial reporting, audits, and year-end close.
• Provide analytical guidance to departments and respond to auditor requests.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

GASB knowledge

Budgeting & financial reporting

Fund & grant accounting

Analytical thinking

Communication & teamwork

Independence in judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/business

CPA or CPFO preferred

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

Job description

Department: Finance

Reports to: Finance Director

FLSA: Exempt

Grade: 65

The application period for this position closes at 8:00 AM MT on Monday August 3rd, 2026.

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Finance Director, the Senior Accountant performs complex professional and technical accounting work to maintain accurate financial records and support the Town’s accounting operations. This position is responsible for payroll administration, general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, financial reporting, grant accounting, and year-end audit support. The Senior Accountant assists with budget development, maintains accurate financial records, and ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, Town policies, grant requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This position also provides technical accounting guidance and financial support to Town departments, management, auditors, and other stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll

• Lead payroll processing to ensure timely and accurate payroll administration
• Review timesheets, salary changes, deductions, and payroll records for accuracy and compliance
• Serve as the primary liaison with the payroll provider to resolve issues and answer employee payroll questions
• Maintain compliance with payroll laws, regulations, and Town policies

Accounting

• Prepare, reconcile, and analyze general ledger activity, bank accounts, and other assigned financial accounts
• Maintain accounting records for governmental, enterprise, capital, grant, debt service, and other funds
• Prepare journal entries, accruals, capital asset transactions, debt service schedules, property tax entries, and other complex accounting transactions
• Review financial transactions, encumbrances, payments, and capital project activity for compliance with budgets, contracts, policies, and internal controls
• Process cash receipts, deposits, and reconciliations while maintaining accurate cashiering records
• Administer or assist with grant accounting, reporting, and compliance
• Provide accounting guidance, financial information, and technical support to departments, management, auditors, agencies, vendors, and the public

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Support preparation of monthly and annual financial statements, management reports, reconciliations, analyses, and other required financial reports
• Assist with budget development, yearend close, and preparation of supporting schedules and documentation
• Review financial activity, research discrepancies, prepare correcting entries, and recommend process improvements
• Support annual financial audits, single audits, cash audits, inventory audits, and other external reviews
• Prepare audit schedules, respond to auditor requests, and assist with implementation of audit recommendations
• Maintain current knowledge of GAAP, GASB, grant requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations

Administrative

• Train employees, provide technical guidance, and review the work of accounting staff as assigned
• Research, recommend, and assist with updates to accounting, payroll, billing, and financial systems and procedures
• Other tasks and special projects as assigned

Safety

• Work safely to prevent accidents

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education/Experience/Licenses/Certifications)

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required; 3 (three) to five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience required, preferably in municipal, governmental, public‑sector, or public accounting; or any equivalent training, education, or experience required. Certified Public Accountant or Certified Public Finance Officer preferred.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required

Knowledge of: principles and practices of governmental accounting; GAAP; GASB; auditing; internal controls; fund, grant, payroll, debt, and capital asset accounting; budgeting and financial reporting; applicable federal, state, and local regulations; computerized financial applications.

Skill in: preparing, reviewing, and analyzing complex financial reports, account reconciliations, audit schedules, journal entries, and financial transactions; researching discrepancies; interpreting and applying laws, standards, policies, and procedures; managing deadlines; using spreadsheets and financial software; communicating technical financial information; exercising independent judgment; maintaining accurate records; and working cooperatively with employees, auditors, agencies, vendors, and the public.

Environmental Factors

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment and in and around the Town’s buildings and facilities.

Physical Factors

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit for extended periods of time; may occasionally be required to lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds.