Senior Accountant (Accountant II)

We are currently recruiting for qualified applicants for Senior Accountant (Accountant II). Come and see why the City of Golden is the place you want to be!

Why work at the City of Golden? Being a Golden employee is more than just a job, it's a lifestyle. Golden is a vibrant outdoor community making it a great place to live, work and play. 

• Location, location, location – Work near great restaurants and shops, hit the trails, and enjoy the outdoor scenery of Clear Creek and the foothills. Convenient commuting from all directions.

• Paid time off – Paid vacation starts at 16 days (that's over 3 weeks!), plus 12 days of sick time and 12 paid holidays each year.

• Great benefits – The City matches up to 8% of your retirement contributions, plus offers a full-spectrum of benefits and perks, including tuition reimbursement (check it out)!

The Senior Accountant performs complex, technical accounting duties in support of the Finance Department, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting and compliance with applicable standards. This position is responsible for preparing and reviewing month-end and year-end adjustments, assisting with the City's annual budget preparation, managing fixed asset and project accounting, and supporting the annual audit. The role also includes mentoring junior staff, serving as secretary for the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC), and responding to departmental financial inquiries. The Senior Accountant provides backup for other accounting functions, including accounts payable and payroll, as needed.

• Perform month-end and year-end close activities, including preparing and reviewing journal entries, reconciliations, and adjustments to ensure accurate financial records.
• Assist in the preparation of the City’s annual budget, including compiling data, preparing schedules, and reviewing departmental submissions.
• Manage fixed asset and project accounting, including tracking additions, disposals, and transfers, calculating depreciation, and ensuring compliance with capital asset policies.
• Support the preparation and coordination of the annual audit, including compiling workpapers, responding to auditor requests, and ensuring timely completion.
• Prepares the annual property and casualty insurance application to CIRSA for the City’s insurance. 
• Serve as secretary for the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC), attending monthly meetings, preparing minutes, and maintaining committee records.
• Mentor and support junior accounting staff, providing guidance on technical accounting tasks and professional development.
• Contribute to special projects involving budgeting or accounting, including implementing new systems, enhancing processes, updating policies, conducting analyses, or developing custom reports.
• Respond to financial inquiries from internal departments and external stakeholders, providing accurate and timely information.
• Provide backup support for other accounting functions, including accounts payable and payroll, during staff absences or high-volume periods.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. This description is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities.  Work assignments and responsibilities are subject to change.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 
This position does not directly supervise staff but is expected to mentor and provide guidance to junior team members.

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, accounting degree strongly preferred, with a minimum of three years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with a preference for governmental. A master’s degree in accounting or closely related field preferred. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• CPA/CPA eligible, CPFO, or equivalent certification preferred but not required. 
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

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.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, technical documents, and policies. Ability to write clear and concise reports, correspondence, and committee minutes. Proficiency in preparing reports, correspondence, and presentations with clarity and precision.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Strong proficiency in accounting principles, financial analysis, and budgetary calculations. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, ratios, and variances. Competence in reconciling accounts and ensuring accuracy in financial reporting. Proficiency in applying accounting principles to ensure accurate financial reporting.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on data and analysis.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards (GASB).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to foster collaboration and provide mentorship.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in the absence of supervision.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particular Excel, and financial software systems (experience with Tyler Incode, OpenGov, and UKG preferred).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to present financial information effectively.