Program Accountant
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Program Accountant
Salary
$64,908.00 - $74,640.00 Annually
Location
Denver Metro, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
QAA 00121 3.4.2026
Department
Department of Early Childhood
Opening Date
03/05/2026
Closing Date
3/19/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
710 S. Ash Street, Denver, CO 80246
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
ely.behrhorst@state.co.us
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENCY REQUIRED
NOTE: This announcement may be used to fill multiple openings.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis is committed to building a Colorado For All, a place where everyone has an opportunity to succeed and live the Colorado way of life. Governor Polis is focused on lowering health care costs for hardworking Coloradans, transitioning the state to renewable energy sources, ensuring every Colorado child gets a quality education, and building an economy that works for everyone. The Governor's staff includes offices for budgeting, communications and outreach, legal counsel, legislative liaison, operations, policy and research, and scheduling.
Committed to Diversity - We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. If you're looking for a place where you can be your authentic self at work and celebrate the uniqueness of those around you, then we want to talk to you! State of Colorado employees were asked to reflect on their experience with equity, diversity, and inclusion. Click here to learn more about their experiences Colorado For All - Colorado Employees Reflect on Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAPo-IRsOZU&t=3s)
We offer a generous benefits package including:
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
Medical, dental, and vision plans
State paid life insurance policy
Choice of 2 retirement plans (defined benefit or defined contribution)
Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
State paid short-term disability coverage
Additional optional life and disability plans
Credit Union membership
Training and professional development
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program . For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.
This position will have the opportunity for a hybrid schedule (combination of in-office and remote workplace). Please note - equipment provisioning and certain onboarding tasks will take place in person, in our Denver office, on the first day of employment.
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) ensures the delivery of a comprehensive, community-informed, data-driven, high-quality, and equitable early childhood system that supports the care, education and well-being of all Colorado's young children, their families and early childhood professionals in all settings. CDEC provides access to collaborative, coordinated, quality early childhood programs and support to children, families, and early care professionals in an effort to best prepare Coloradans for future success. CDEC works with many partners, including parents, schools, child care providers, Early Childhood Councils, counties, Community Centered Boards, early intervention service providers, family resources centers, county human services, county public health, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to provide high-quality early childhood and family support programs.
The Division of Finance, Budget and Procurement has four units: Accounting and Finance, Contracts and Procurement, Budget and Audit/Compliance. The Finance unit is responsible for the general fiscal oversight and fiscal monitoring for the management for the Department. The unit is charged with providing management with timely, accurate and relevant fiscal data required to effectively manage the Program operating within the Department.
Accounting & Finance Unit: The work unit exists to perform general accounting and financial reporting functions for the Department of Early Childhood and to be of assistance to the management of all programs within CDEC, the State Controller's Office, the Federal government, county departments, Office of the State Auditor, Federal auditors, and others in need. Generally, this unit is responsible for providing accounts payable, account receivable, cash management, cost accounting, grants accounting, payroll and timekeeping, and financial reporting functions as required to meet the department's needs.
Description of Job
Class Code & Class Description:
H8A2XX Accountant II
This is a professional accounting position that generates, compiles, analyzes, and interprets all the accounting and reporting functions for CDEC. The position will be responsible for understanding and maintaining the accounts and records in CORE. This position exists to serve as a subject matter expert and perform accounting functions related to the Divisions within CDEC.
What you'll be doing:
This position is responsible for assisting in accounting activities for the Divisions and Department.
Review and enter financial transactions for various Divisions within CDEC ensuring that the transactions are recorded in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), state fiscal rules, federal regulations and Department policies and procedures.
Access fiscal systems to produce, correct, audit, approve and input financial transactions for CDEC programs.
Analyze information including data from CORE and create ad hoc reports to ensure completeness and accuracy of financial reports.
Enter transactions in CORE and ensure all financial transactions are in accordance with state and federal rules.
Ensure journal entries are thoroughly documented and the proper files are maintained in accordance with the record retention policies.
Analyze and investigate various @types of errors.
Complete cost allocation processes.
Assist program staff on expenditure and or revenue related to the Divisions.
Ensures adequate backup data for CORE transactions and accounting practices.
Prepare and present financial reports on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual basis.
Analyze financial reports according to reporting requirements.
Utilize spreadsheets to manipulate, enhance, and combine the elements and different levels of detail present in CORE to assist with budgeting, forecasting and expenditure analysis
Determine if costs are allowable based on each programs funding requirements.
Assist fiscal and program staff in review of reports and proper spending activities
Prepare ad hoc reports.
Serve as the liaison for processing and timing for recording financial accounting transactions and revenue for assigned programs.
Monitor spending authority, expenditures and revenues for assigned Division's to ensure limits on expenditures based on revenues received.
At least monthly, reconcile all general and grant ledger accounts relative to all expenditures, revenue and obligations.
Interpret the account expenditures and balance of funds available.
Use data from all financial systems to produce accurate and complete information for federal and management reporting.
Review data from the CORE system, general ledger, cash funds, and correct errors as necessary.
Execute year end closing of all CDEC accounts by utilizing and analyzing CORE reports and other financial information.
Make adjusting entries to correct general ledger balances.
Produce required financial statement exhibits.
Interpret the account expenditures and balance of funds available.
Assist in the preparation fiscal year-end entries and external audit workpapers including both interim and at year-end, exhibits, and footnotes.
Annually update all program desk manuals and work process documentation related to the position.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience Only:
Six (6) years of relevant experience in accounting to include payroll processing.
OR
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in AccountingANDtwo years of professional experience in accounting to include payroll processing.
Please note:The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application and in the supplemental questions. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section and supplemental questions of your application will be reviewed to determine this. "See Resume" statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition,part-time work will be prorated.
Substitutions:
Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred qualifications:
Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of Accounting
Grant reconciliation and billing experience
Grant processing and reporting experience
Knowledge of generally accepted auditing standards and procedures
Knowledge of state & federal fiscal rules and regulations
Experience with the State's financial+ systems such as CORE
Ability to do pivot tables and data analysis within Microsoft Excel
Highly Desired:
State of Colorado financial experience
DEFINITION OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Work that involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment, and personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment.
Employees who have been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of disciplinary termination, or negotiated their termination from the State of Colorado must disclose this information on the application.
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 ( dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us ), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement 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 ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; 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.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply (https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply) (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
Please note that ONLY your State of Colorado job application will be reviewed during the initial screening; if you submit a resume and cover letter, they will be reviewed in later stages of the selection process. Therefore, it is paramount that you clearly describe all your relevant experience on the application itself. Applications left blank or marked "SEE RESUME" will not be considered.
Complete Applications must include the following documents:
A complete CDEC Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green 'APPLY' button at the top of this announcement)
A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)
If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing that your degree has been conferred and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
Your application will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications for the position. If your application demonstrates that you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be invited to the comparative analysis process, which is described below.
Comparative Analysis Process
The comparative analysis process will consist primarily of a review of applications against the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Applications will be reviewed in comparison to all others in the applicant pool in order to identify a top group of candidates who may be invited for a final interview. Depending on the size of the applicant pool, additional selection processes may be utilized to identify a top group of candidates. Applicants will be notified of their status via email.
Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date will result in your application being rejected.
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
ADAAA Accommodations : The Colorado Department of Early Childhood 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 the Human Resources Specialist: ely.behrhorst@state.co.us
The Department does not offer sponsored visas for employment purposes.
Technical Assistance
If you experience difficulty in uploading or attaching documents to your online application, or for any other technical difficulties, call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 anytime between 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).
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.
01
All positions at the Department require that potential employees undergo a thorough background check. As a condition of employment, you are required to submit to pre-employment screening if offered the position. Are you willing to meet this requirement?
Yes
No
02
Are you willing to accept an offer within the posted salary range?
Yes
No
03
Former state employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position. Otherwise, please list N/A.
04
If you are a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please provide your EID (employee identification number will start with 99....), and please list your dates of employment and classifications for all State of Colorado Departments or institutes of Higher Education for which you have worked.
05
This position has been designated as hybrid. The Hiring Manager will discuss the expectations and details of the schedule with you during the interview process. A hybrid position can work a portion of the time from home and a portion of the time in the state workplace location. A workspace is provided for the employee when they come into the office, which could include a cubicle, office, or hoteling station. When required to come into the assigned state workplace, the employee is required to bear the expense of commuting. Do you understand this expectation and are you willing to meet this requirement? [Please write "YES" in the space below in order to continue in the selection process.]
06
List any additional relevant experience you would like us to consider in determining if you meet the qualifications of this position. Please, include the months and years relevant to the experience you describe.
07
Describe your experience working with or applying governmental generally accepted accounting principles.
08
Describe your experience with month end processing.
09
Describe your knowledge of or experience with Federal grants financial management.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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