Accounting Specialist, Bridges of Colorado Job at Administrative Services for In

Salary: $75,000-$90,000 annually, to be set in accordance with the requirements of the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act

This opportunity is a unique role, embedded within the Office of Administrative Services for Independent Agencies (OASIA) and dedicated to providing accounting services to Bridges of Colorado, one of OASIA's partner agencies. Bridges of Colorado is a rapidly growing, first-of-its -kind program that is transforming lives and systems at the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice. This role will work closely with both OASIA and Bridges of Colorado teams. 

About OASIA: The Office of Administrative Services for Independent Agencies (OASIA) was established under SB23-228 to bring essential, innovative administrative support to Colorado’s independent agencies. OASIA provides high-impact services in budgeting, accounting, payroll, procurement, and IT, empowering the agencies it serves to focus on their public service missions. This role offers you a rare opportunity to help shape the future of this office, building systems from the ground up with a team committed to excellence, accountability, and independence.

Currently OASIA serves and supports the following agencies: Child Protection Ombudsman Office, Colorado Office of the Child’s Representative, Office of Respondent Parents’ Counsel, Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline, Colorado Office of Public Guardianship, Bridges of Colorado, Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel, and the Independent Ethics Commission.

About the Role: As the Bridges of Colorado Accounting Specialist, you will play a vital role in managing the financial operations that support Bridges of Colorado. You will ensure accurate and compliant financial transactions, help streamline daily accounting processes, and prepare critical financial reports. You will work with cross-functional teams, providing essential training and support, while using advanced financial systems to maintain data integrity.

This position offers the opportunity to apply your accounting expertise in a dynamic environment, contribute to effective financial management, and make a direct impact on fiscal operations. You will also play a central role in building a collaborative, high-performance culture within a new team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Financial Transactions & Reconciliations: process and approve accounting transactions (e.g., disbursements, receipts) and perform reconciliations to ensure accurate financial records. 
• Support Daily Accounting Operations: assist with Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, employee travel/expenses, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth financial processes. 
• Prepare Financial Reports & Ensure Compliance: generate routine financial reports, analyze data for accuracy, and ensure adherence to GAAP, GASB, and other fiscal regulations. 
• Provide Training & Independent Agency Support: train staff on fiscal rules and accounting systems, while offering ongoing support and resolving accounting-related inquiries. 
• Utilize Financial Systems & Maintain Compliance: navigate state financial systems (e.g., CORE), manage vendor data, and ensure compliance with applicable fiscal rules and policies. 

Ideal Candidate Profile: You are a proactive accounting professional with a passion for public service. You are ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference from day one. You’ll excel in this role if you:

• Are Detail-Oriented: You know how to thoroughly evaluate reports and submissions and proactively identify adjustments or corrections needed. You enjoy finding opportunities to maximize efficiency to promote accuracy.
• Have Strong Analytical Skills: You have the ability to analyze financial data, identify trends or issues, and propose solutions to ensure smooth operations and accurate reporting. 
• Have Excellent Communication Skills: You have the ability to clearly communicate complex financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders, providing responsive service.
• Are Organized & Time-Effective: You have the capacity to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively, meeting deadlines while maintaining a high standard of work.
• Thrive in a Collaborative Team Environment: You are motivated by teamwork and collaborative problem-solving, championing solutions and ensuring strong communication throughout. 
• Are Adaptable: You are willing to stay current with evolving financial systems, regulations, and best practices, and adapt to changing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Value Integrity & Accountability: You have a strong commitment to maintaining the confidentiality and accuracy of financial data, upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct.

Why Join OASIA? 

At OASIA, you’ll be part of a pioneering team, where each day brings the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Colorado’s public sector landscape. If you’re excited about building effective financial systems and thrive in a role with real accountability, this is the perfect position to apply your skills and make a tangible difference.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: OASIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We actively seek candidates from all identities and communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. OASIA is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects Colorado’s communities and values the inclusion of those historically underrepresented.

Click here for information on employee benefits.

 

Reports to: This position reports to the Executive Director of the Office of Administrative Services for Independent Agencies.

 

Location and work hours: This is a full-time hybrid position. OASIA’s office is located in the Ralph Carr Judicial Center in Denver, Colorado. Occasional travel within the State of Colorado may be required. Occasional work outside of standard business hours may be required.

Statement of Duties: The Accounting Specialist will play a key role in ensuring accurate and efficient financial management for Bridges of Colorado. The Accounting Specialist is responsible for reconciling, maintaining, and reporting on financial records; managing financial activities in accordance with legal, fiscal, and agency rules and regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and all other applicable rules and guidance. This position requires an individual with strong knowledge of accounting principles and governmental fiscal rules, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

Essential Functions:

• Accounting Transactions: prepare, review, and approve various accounting transactions in compliance with GAAP, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, Judicial Branch Fiscal Rules, statutory requirements, and other authoritative guidance. Includes disbursement of funds, receipt and deposit of funds, journal entries, and intra-governmental transfers. Process commercial card transactions. 
• Initiate, Review, and Process Common Operational Transactions: work with teams across independent agencies to assist with transaction processing as needed, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, employee travel and expense requests, object line definition and guidance, and other accounting functions related to daily operations. 

• Reconciliations & Ledger Maintenance: perform routine to moderately complex reconciliations, maintain accounting ledgers, and monitor accounts for accuracy and compliance. Identify discrepancies, investigate causes, and implement corrective actions to resolve issues.
• System Navigation: utilize the state financial and records management system, Colorado Resource Engine (CORE), and independent agency accounting systems, to ensure the integrity and reconciliation of all financial transactions. Add, change, and delete vendors in CORE as needed. 
• Financial Reporting: prepare routine to moderately complex financial reports, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and delivered on time. Review and analyze financial data to ensure compliance with applicable standards and policies.
• Training & Support: assist in training staff on fiscal rules, accounting systems, accounting procedures, and relevant statutes. Provide ongoing support to department personnel through hands-on customer service, answering accounting-related inquiries and offering guidance.
• Customer Service & Communication: offer exceptional customer service to agency personnel and vendors. Respond to accounting inquiries, providing timely and accurate information to ensure smooth operations.
• Meetings & Professional Development: attend required meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to stay current with updates to fiscal rules, accounting systems, and best practices.

• Additional Duties: perform other related duties as assigned to support the financial operations of OASIA and the independent agencies served.

Required Competencies: The successful candidate will have strong attention to detail, the ability to interact professionally with a wide variety of stakeholders, knowledge of accounting best practices, and exceptional time-management and organizational capabilities. The ability to handle multiple priorities and the capacity to work both independently and in a team setting is essential for success in this position.

Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with relevant state government operating systems (particularly CORE, Colorado’s statewide accounting and reporting system) strongly preferred.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field. At least two years of experience in accounting or finance, with a focus on governmental or public sector accounting preferred. Strong understanding of GAAP, GASB pronouncements, and common public fiscal rules. At least 5 years of directly relevant work experience may substitute for educational requirements.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will only be considered if submitted through OASIA's BambooHR system. Applications will not be accepted through any other state or government website or application process.

Please submit the following (PLEASE NOTE: Applications that do not include all documents requested will not be reviewed) :

• Cover letter outlining your interest in this position and how you meet the qualifications
• Resume identifying specific experience and dates of employment

Important: This position is open only to Colorado residents. Candidates must possess a valid CO driver’s license and successfully pass a criminal and personal background check.

Application Deadline: December 20, 2024