Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association
Accountant II-Financial Reporting (Finance)
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for accounting and reporting for Colorado PERA's defined contribution and deferred compensation trust funds, budget accounting, and assisting with cost allocation and reporting processes. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: review and analysis of investment manager, record-keeper and custodial bank reporting, research discrepancies, communicate with internal and external parties, document and prepare general ledger journal entries and financial reports, reconcile accounts, prepare budget entries, and assist with cost allocation and reporting processes. The individual works under the guidance and direction of senior level accounting staff, the financial reporting assistant manager, and the financial reporting manager.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
Our ideal candidate is a professional team player with governmental accounting and public pension experience and/or strong knowledge of overall accounting reporting requirements. One who is a reliable team player, has effective communication skills, is detail-oriented, motivated, adaptable, and open-minded. The ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment is a must.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performs account analysis and reconciles account balances
Verifies data and prepares general ledger journal entries
Analyzes, compiles, and produces financial statements and managerial reports
Prepares requested information for internal and external auditors
Validates the accuracy of work product prior to submission for review
Reads and interprets written policies and procedures and utilizes professional judgment
Maintains/updates procedures and recommends process improvements
Verifies data and prepares journal entries for budget requests and revisions
Assists budget managers with budget reports and other inquiries
Audits transactions, identifies errors, researches and reconciles discrepancies
Corresponds with custodial bank, recordkeeper, investment managers and internal parties to resolve discrepancies
Assists with the preparation and cosmetic review of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Reports on the status of unresolved issues to management as necessary
Creates and maintains Excel spreadsheet files
Communicates and effectively explains complex information both verbally and in writing
Engages in projects to contribute to the development and efficiency of the division
Cross trains on and supports other accounting functions
Participates in training and educational opportunities for ongoing professional development
Maintains regular and prompt attendance in the workplace
Manages multiple priorities and meets competing deadlines
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or other related field; three years general ledger accounting and/or auditing experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience with public pension, finance, government accounting, investment accounting, and defined contribution retirement funds preferred
Intermediate understanding of financial accounting standards and principles
Ability to organize, prioritize and work with minimum supervision in a team environment
Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to validate the accuracy of work prior to review
Demonstrated knowledge of accounting software; experience working with PeopleSoft Financials and nVision preferred
Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel preferred
Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment
WORKING CONDITIONS
Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine.
Occasional moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 pounds
All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry
Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
Ability to operate standard PC equipment
Ability to handle stress associated with frequent deadline and tight schedules
HYBRID WORK OPTION
Opportunity to work from home up to three days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.
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:
Describe your knowledge of governmental accounting and public pension accounting.
Describe your career progression and how you believe this position would contribute to your career goals.
Describe your experience working with Excel spreadsheets and accounting software.
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 be assigned with or without notice.
Unfortunately, at this time, PERA 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.
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 700,000 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: Accountant II – Financial Reporting
Division: Accounting
Reports to: Assistant Accounting Manager – Financial Reporting
Job Status: Exempt
Salary: $72,000.00 to $90,000.00, Commensurate with experience
Posting Dates: 06/13/2025 to 06/29/2025