CONTROLLER II: DORA/EDO Employees Only - Reallocation (SAA-1324-06/26)

Department Information

Hybrid Workplace Arrangement: 

Although this position will be designated under the department’s hybrid workplace program, it will still be required to report to the department office on a scheduled basis and at the discretion of the supervisor, based on business need. 

The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado.  

Consumer Protection is our Mission.

The Executive Director's Office (EDO) provides leadership and support to DORA's ten divisions, which include Banking, Civil Rights, Consumer Counsel, Conservation, Financial Services, Insurance, Professions and Occupations, Public Utilities Commission, Real Estate, and Securities. The EDO manages the department’s centralized administrative operations and the department policy and external affairs functions; this includes: Office of Accounting and Purchasing (OAP); Budget Office; Human Resources; Department Operations; Communications and Stakeholder Engagement; Legislative Affairs; Broadband Deployment; and Colorado Office of Policy, Research & Regulatory Reform (COPRRR). 

Description of Job

The purpose of the Office of Accounting (OA) is to provide accounting and financial reporting services for the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), inclusive of its 10 divisional operating entities, comprising approximately 174 cost centers. The Department executes a mixed budget of general, cash, reappropriated, and federal funds. It collects revenues exceeding 355 million for the General Fund and 29 other restricted cash or other types of funds. Accounting services provided consist of supplying quality, informed decision making, guidance, comprehensive training and recommendations of a financial nature, development of a unified system of accounts and its ongoing maintenance, and a complete package of financial services. These services include accounts payable and accounts receivable processing, fixed asset management and grant management, financial reporting (internal management, state, and federal), budget monitoring and fiscal policy and procedure.

Position: SAA 1324

Responsibilities of this position: The purpose of this position is to lead and direct the accounting function of the Department. This includes reviewing, monitoring and making changes related to Departmental accounting policy; designing and implementing a system of accounts that reflects the financial activities of the Department’s operating entities; directing the production, preparation and distribution of financial reports and comprehensive training useful to management and employees; explaining, clarifying or defending account status or financial presentation; interpreting and monitoring state fiscal rules and policies and the department accounting policies and procedures; interacting with management to better understand needs and develop solutions, sharing with leadership and collaborating with the Chief Administrative Officer and executive management team, directing staff and providing assistance in other financial areas. This position is involved in inter-agency accounting and financial matters by representing the Department in statewide forums, committees, and interactions with the State Controller to share information and apply statewide direction to DORA's operations. Keeps the Chief Administrative Officer informed on all significant and material matters. Maintains a collaborative decision-making framework, ensuring executive oversight for significant policy, personnel, service, or strategy changes in/via the Office of Accounting. Duties include but are not limited to: 

• Departmental Accounting Oversight: Develop fiscal and accounting planning to set direction for the Office of Accounting in order to coordinate and implement the Department mission, goals, and objectives. Formulates fiscal accounting policy and procedures by conferring with Department staff, other state department controllers, Office of the State Controller, State Treasurer, and Office of the State Auditor. Issue accounting policies and procedures for the agency and accounting staff by application of the State Fiscal Rules and statutes, federal regulations and in accordance with GAAP and GASB. This position interprets, clarifies or explains financial data and internal accounting/fiscal policies, procedures and methods to the Chief Administrative Officer and department executive management, the State auditor, the state Controller, legislative staff and committees and other interested parties. Works with State auditors to assess and improve accounting controls, and to clarify audit findings and implement audit recommendations. Operates under delegation from the Office of the State Controller for fiscal oversight, ensuring compliance with all state and federal requirements.

• Financial Reporting: Designs and directs the implementation, modification, and valuation of accounting structures to satisfy Department needs and financial reporting requirements. Directs ongoing table maintenance within the CORE system and arranges reporting hierarchy to unify and consolidate financial information to senior leadership and others. Applies final approval of accounting documents in CORE for the Department by reviewing and verifying that the fiscal rules, Department policies and procedures, and governmental accounting standards are followed. Holds the Department’s delegated signing authority for accounting transactions, directs and participates in the development and preparation of annual and interim financial statements, quarterly reporting, ad-hoc reports, and supplementary information requested by DORA management or outside parties (including State Controller, State Auditor, Joint Budget Committee). Coordinates with the Budget Director on budgetary oversight and monitoring through budget to actual reporting, fund balance projections, and other information deemed necessary. Coordinates the preparation of interim and annual financial statements and year-end exhibits.

• Supervision of Office of Accounting Staff: Provides supervision to Office of Accounting staff including; assigning job duties and roles, ensuring staff are performing duties effectively and within DORA policy and procedures, state fiscal rules and federal law, monitoring the operational functions of the Unit, managing staff time away from the office, conducting performance management and evaluations, mentoring staff, resolving staff issues as needed, and participating in conducting employee corrective or disciplinary processes when needed.   Ensures staff is responsive to department needs, with a focus on efficiency, customer service, and collaboration. Position starts the hiring process, interviews applicants, and recommends hire, promotion, or transfer.

• EDO Senior Staff/Administrative Branch Management Team and External DORA Accounting Representation: Participates in statewide user groups (e.g., Controllers Forum) to increase knowledge and communicate successful methods of accomplishing unusual or complex tasks. Conducts special assignments or projects of both financial and non-financial nature. Actively participate in, collaborate on and/or leads initiatives as part of the EDO Senior Staff/Administrative Branch Management Team, working closely and collaboratively with peer managers on issues and projects (e.g. Lean, customer service, employee engagement, strategic policy initiatives, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs):

There are two ways to qualify for this position: 1) Experience OR 2) A Combination of Education and Experience

Eight (8) years of professional* accounting experience working in a state government agency applying State Fiscal Rules, State Financial Reporting, and/or State Auditor requirements.

• The eight (8) years of experience must include a minimum of two (2) years of formal** supervisory experience over professional-level staff in a state government agency. 

• Six (6) years of professional accounting experience working in a state government agency applying State Fiscal Rules, State Financial Reporting, and/or State Auditor requirements. 

• The six (6) years of experience must include a minimum of two (2) years of formal** supervisory experience over professional-level staff in a state government agency. 

OR

Bachelor’s Degree and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting or auditing; the degree program must have included at least 24 semester hours in accounting or auditing coursework. Transcript required -- unofficial transcripts are acceptable; AND  

• Four (4) years of professional accounting experience working in a state government agency applying State Fiscal Rules, State Financial Reporting, and/or State Auditor requirements. 

• The four (4) years of experience must include a minimum of two (2) years of formal** supervisory experience over professional-level staff in a state government agency. 

Additional substitution: Current, valid licensure as a CPA by the Colorado Board of Accountancy will count for six (6) years of the requirement; however does not substitute for the two (2) years of formal** supervisory experience over professional-level staff in a state government agency.

• Demonstrated experience supervising professional-level accounting staff;

• Recent experience applying State Fiscal Rules, State Financial Reporting, and/or State Auditor requirements; 

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA);

• Experience working with the Colorado Operations Resource Engine (CORE);

• Demonstrated experience applying knowledge of financial management principles and procedures, including: ability to manage short and long-term financial planning; ability to identify, interpret and apply state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to the Department's operations; 

• Demonstrated experience applying knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and other guidance and standards from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB); 

• Financial experience with local, state, or federal government including knowledge and experience with federal grants in either an auditing or accounting capacity;

• Demonstrated experience creating, authorizing and implementing processes, procedures and guidelines for a state department;

• Demonstrated experience working with executive leadership teams to ensure department and division accounting requirements are appropriately met;

• Experience implementing new systems, including updated financial components of existing systems;

• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and Google Suite (Sheets, Doc’s, Forms, etc.) or other substantially similar software applications.

Required Competencies: The following knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics are required competencies and may be considered during the selection process (including comparative analysis and/or interview):

• Thorough knowledge of financial management principles and procedures, including; ability to manage short and long-term financial planning; ability to identify, interpret and apply state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to the Department's operations; 

• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and other guidance and standards from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB); 

• Excellent management, leadership, and administrative skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with other department team members; 

• Excellent attention to detail;

• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills;

• Excellent ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain, rules, policies, procedures and regulations;

• Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division;

• Superior ability to accept and apply constructive criticism, take ownership of mistakes and improve from them;

• Professional demeanor including the ability to interact diplomatically and professionally with various stakeholders and internal staff;

• Strong Interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders in order to analyze information, develop ideas and foster solutions;

• Focused and demonstrated understanding of quality customer service, including the ability to diplomatically interact with difficult customers and maintain communication with all stakeholders;

• Strong ability to effectively manage their team by providing guidance and support, delegating responsibilities, and ensuring accountability for performance; 

• Self-starter, including the ability to work independently, utilize own knowledge and integrating knowledge of peers, subordinates and management;

• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, including the ability to propose solutions to complex issues;

• Strong critical thinking and analysis skills, including having the ability to evaluate and analyze information in order to apply knowledge and ensure compliance;

• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to create communications in a clear, accurate, and concise manner;

• Strong verbal communication skills, including the ability to verbally communicate effectively to intended audiences and use of active listening skills;

• Ability to multi-task including the ability maintain different and competing areas of work;

• Organizational skills including planning, prioritization, time management in order to meet deadlines;

• Creativity and flexibility, including the ability to adapt to shifting priorities and additional work assignments in a fast-paced work environment;

• Proficiency in the use of PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, etc.) and Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.).

• The successful passing of a reference check and/or, if required, a background check.
  • A reference check may include but is not limited to: contacting previous and current supervisors to verify employment and discuss performance, a review of the personnel file, a review of the performance record, etc.
  • The type of background check depends on the job duties of the position, and can include a review of any criminal record, credit report, and/or driving record.
• Ability to travel independently, including work in-office, as required by business need and scheduled by the supervisor.

Supplemental Information

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. 

ADAAA Accommodations: DORA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, at [email protected].

Check out our excellent benefits package!

While a salary range is posted for this position, an eventual salary offer is determined by a comprehensive salary analysis, which considers multiple factors including but not limited to education and experience compared to others in the organization doing substantially similar work.

Appeal Rights: 

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand-delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Benefits

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.  Please click the following link for detailed information:  www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits 

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
 

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information