Assistant Accounting Manager - Financial Reporting (Administrative)
JOB SUMMARY
This position assists the Accounting Division Financial Reporting Manager in managing the staff, quality, and timeliness of PERA's defined contribution (DC) accounting, Budget, and Combined Operating Fund (COF) allocation and analysis processes. Assists in preparing and overseeing financial and managerial reports and establishing and maintaining policies and procedures. Analyzes complex financial data and communicates findings and recommendations to the Financial Reporting Manager and senior management, which will increase accuracy and efficiency. Assists with developing and implementing new workflow approaches and methods, and system maintenance and enhancements to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Leadership of Assigned Staff
- Provides leadership to assigned staff, including managing daily activities, and meets regularly to review progress and provide coaching and feedback
- Assigns work to direct reports and reviews the work of others
- Assists in setting and communicating standards and staff expectations that are specific and measurable under the guidance of the next-level manager
- Completes annual performance planning and performance appraisal and prepares corrective action planning, when necessary, under the guidance of the next-level manager
- Ensures that staff have the resources, tools, and training necessary to perform their jobs effectively
DC Accounting
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- Leads all aspects of PERA's defined contribution plan accounting, including establishing and maintaining accounting practices and procedures, making recommendations for changes, and maintaining policies. Oversees the accounting systems and processes for defined contribution plans, responsible for accounting for participant activity, investment activity, and financial reporting. Ensures that all defined contribution plan accounting transactions are recorded in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
- Provides leadership, trains, directs, and validates the work of staff accountants, and assists with more complex accounting issues.
- Reviews journal entries, reconciliations, and other work completed by staff accountants
- Reports the status of unresolved issues to management as necessary
- Assists with maintenance of PeopleSoft nVision layouts related to DC accounting
Budget and COF Allocation and Analysis
- Oversees budget transactions and reports delivered to management
- Oversees monthly COF allocation process and COF account analysis, reconciliations, and reporting
Other
- Assists with the preparation and distribution of periodic financial statements and reports for executive management, PERA Board, and external parties
- Prepares or reviews assigned sections of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and participates in planning meetings
- Assists or takes a lead role in the design, development, testing, and implementation of new accounting processes
- Analyzes financial data and communicates results to management, auditors, and other internal and external users
- Participates in auditing and testing of current processes and systems to ensure accurate recording of financial information and to improve effectiveness and efficiency of processes
- Cross trains on and supports other financial reporting accounting functions; provides backup coverage for the Financial Reporting Manager as needed
- Communicates and explains complex information effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Actively seeks out and participates in training and educational opportunities for ongoing professional development
- Participates in projects and initiatives for process improvements to contribute to the development and efficiency of the division
- Manages multiple priorities and meets competing deadlines
- Monitors current professional accounting standards and stays abreast of relevant changes
- Actively engages in training, conferences, and educational opportunities for ongoing professional development
- Leads team meetings and vendor meetings
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or other related field; nine+ years progressive general ledger accounting and/or auditing experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Two+ years of supervisory experience preferred
- MBA or related post-graduate degree and/or licensed CPA preferred
- Experience with public pension, finance, or government accounting preferred
- Demonstrated leadership skills preferred, including coaching, team building, conflict resolution, and training, with the ability to manage people and processes
- Demonstrated knowledge of accounting software; experience working with PeopleSoft Financials and nVision preferred
- Knowledge of accounting and financial reporting requirements (GASB and GFOA)
- Intermediate to advanced understanding of accounting principles
- Interpersonal skills, including leadership, training, and conflict resolution
- Strong technical writing abilities and organizational skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports and systems
- Ability to draw on prior experience to recommend actions to resolve accounting issues
- Demonstrated ability to initiate process improvements
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment
- Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Standard office environment with regular telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine.
- Occasional moving and positioning supplies over 20 pounds
HYBRID WORK OPTION
Opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.
JOB DESCRIPTION DISCLAIMER:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned with or without notice.
Unfortunately, at this time, we cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future), or are located outside of the US.
All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERA's Ethics Policy and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading. You may request copies of these policies from PERA's talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERA's Investment Administration team.
INTERESTED CANDIDATES
Complete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume and cover letter available to upload. Please review the following questions. You will be asked for a response to these as part of your application:
- What do you believe are the most important characteristics necessary to be a successful leader? Provide a situational example from your leadership background when you demonstrated one or more of these characteristics to obtain a positive outcome.
- Describe your career progression and how you believe this position would contribute to your career goals.
- Describe your knowledge of governmental accounting and public pension accounting.
- Describe your financial reporting experience.
ABOUT COLORADO PERA
Looking for a career where you can make a difference? Colorado PERA offers benefit services to public employees across Colorado, including teachers, state troopers, snowplow drivers, correctional officers and many others who provide valuable services. As Colorado's largest pension plan, we serve and educate over 600,000 members who are former and current public employees.
At PERA you will earn more than a paycheck. PERA is a culture where you can grow your potential and work in an inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are valued. We hire exceptional employees and recognize that our people are our best asset. Not only do we make sound investments for our members, PERA invests in our employees' growth through training and leadership opportunities.
To promote wellbeing, we offer hybrid or flexible working options for most roles and a total rewards and benefit program including health, dental and vision coverage - eligibility starts the first day of the month following the date of hire for most plans; generous paid time off and volunteer hours; pension and retirement plans, including PERA's defined benefit plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and 401(k) employer match, as applicable; tuition assistance; free, convenient on-site parking or RTD subsidy; free on-site fitness center to stay active; employee assistance program; training, leadership and mentoring programs and more. PERA is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer.
To learn more about life at PERA, watch this video or visit www.copera.org/careers.
Position Title: Assistant Accounting Manager - Financial Reporting
Division: Accounting
Reports to: Financial Reporting Manager
Job Status: Full Time / Non-Exempt
Salary: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00 per hour, Commensurate with experience
Posting Dates: 12/03/2024 - Until position is filled
