Senior Accountant

The Senior Accountant will prepare, collect, analyze, reconcile, and consolidate accounting transactions to close out the accounting month\quarter\year. Prepare, coordinate, and consolidate annual workpapers for the University’s audited financial statements and footnotes, PBC’s, and State exhibits.  Serve as a resource and unit leader to guide others on complex processes and procedures.

Monthly Account Reconciliations and Year-End Close

• Coordinate and execute month-end close activities, including preparation and/or review of journal entries, accruals, and supporting documentation.
• Perform and/or review monthly balance sheet and key account reconciliations; ensure reconciliations meet established standards (timely completion, clear support, documented review).
• Analyze and resolve account differences between subledger systems and the general ledger; research root cause and coordinate corrective actions.

Accounts Receivable (A/R) Oversight and Compliance

• Provide oversight of A/R processes to promote timely billing, collections, adjustments, write-offs, and accurate aging and allowance considerations in accordance with policy.
• Monitor receivable compliance by evaluating Federal, State, and University rules and regulations; interpret impact and recommend operational or policy adjustments.

Campus Services, Training, and System Stewardship

• Provide guidance to campus stakeholders on interpreting and applying University, State, and Federal rules to financial transactions; escalate policy exceptions or control concerns as appropriate.
• Develop, update, and deliver training related to KFS, accounting guidance, reporting tools, and financial policies; publish job aids or process guidance as needed.

Leadership, Internal Controls, and Controller backup

• Provide direct supervision and support for assigned accounting personnel (e.g., OFM/Athletics Accountant, General Accountant, A/R team), including performance reviews and coverage planning.
• Evaluate internal controls and business processes; recommend and implement improvements (standardization, automation, documentation, review sign-offs) to strengthen compliance and efficiency.

• Provide direct supervision and support for assigned accounting personnel (e.g., OFM/Athletics Accountant, General Accountant, A/R team), including performance reviews and coverage planning.

• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by the proposed start date.
• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, emphasis in Accounting or Finance. Must have completed Intermediate Accounting coursework.
• 5+ years of professional accounting or finance experience.
• 2+ years of experience with complex accounting or finance reconciliations and responsibilities.
• Strong computer skills.
• Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated through application materials and experience.
• A proven team player and individual contributor.

• Master’s degree in Accounting (MAcc), Finance, or Business Administration (MBA).
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (active or eligible) Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Experience with GASB (public) or FASB / NACUBO-style not-for-profit reporting (as applicable).
• Knowledge of internal controls (design, documentation, testing support) and audit/PBC coordination.
• Experience leading training, writing procedures, and improving processes/automation.
• Experience supervising or leading work (coaching, reviews, coverage planning).
• Reporting/analytics tools experience (e.g., PowerBI, dashboards).
• 7+ yrs professional accounting experience.
• Prior higher education experience with university receivables, sponsored programs, auxiliaries/athletics, or financial aid-related reconciliations (as applicable).
• Experience with university systems/ERPs (enterprise resource planning), such as Kuali Financial System (KFS), Banner.
• Experience acting as backup to a Controller/Manager or owning close coordination.

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.