Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!
At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.
By joining our team, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado’s system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU’s campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.
We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you’re passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.
Position Summary:
The Office of University Controller (OUC) is responsible for managing the university’s system of record – the Finance System – and its interfaces with purchasing, payables, human resources, and other subsystems, including the Cognos Reporting System. The OUC works closely with the CU campus controllers, the state controller, and the state auditor’s office to ensure that fiscal practices comply with external and internal rules and regulations and generally accepted accounting principles. The OUC communicates fiscal policies and procedures to the university community through its newsletter, website, and training programs, and provides direct assistance to faculty, staff, and other individuals through the Financial Services & Solutions Help team. The office also administers a Continuing Professional Education program and the CU Innovation & Efficiency (CU I&E) Awards employee recognition program.
This position is a part of the University Controller’s office at CU System Administration. Payroll/Benefit Accounting is responsible for administering and managing the payroll/benefit accounting functions for the University of Colorado System, including maintaining compliance in operational, tax, and accounting activities. The Retirement Accountant is responsible for managing retirement plan data calculations, vendor remittances, and retirement-related accounting functions for the University of Colorado. This includes reconciling and transmitting contribution files, reconciling retirement General Ledger accounts, identifying/resolving discrepancies, tracking outstanding liabilities, handling vendor receivables, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and University reporting requirements. The Retirement Accountant processes quarterly unemployment reporting on behalf of all employees for CU.
Where You Will Work:
Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule, working some days from home and some days in office.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Reconcile retirement contributions between HCM and the general ledger; submit files to TIAA, PERA, 401(k), and 457 vendors; resolve file errors; and initiate remittances via Treasury. Payroll is triggered on a Bi-Weekly and Monthly schedule. Process monthly and biweekly journal entries related to retirement contributions.
- Prepare monthly submissions for PERA Independent Contractors, including preparing PERA files and journal entries, submitting files/summary to PERA, and notifying Treasury of ACH information.
- Manage retirement vendor-related Mistake of Fact (MOF) receivables and reconciliations, including conducting TIAA reconciliations, preparing cash receipt forms, and monitoring/taking action on aging reports.
- Reconcile all General Ledger accounts related to the Retirement Accountant role. This involves research and analysis along with being responsible for determining resolutions to issues.
- Provide assistance on retirement vendor accounts to internal and external customers, including Employee Services and Retirement Vendors.
- Prepare employee Purchasing Death Payout (PDP) review and appropriate vendor contribution reporting for Accounts Payable and HCM entries.
- Manage additional retirement vendor reconciliations, including reviewing overpayment retirement vendor adjustments and impact to vendor contribution reporting, processing Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP) annual contributions/special reporting to TIAA, reviewing TIAA forfeiture accounts/applications of funds, and handling 401(a)17 excess contributions filing and other system-related impacts on retirement contribution processing.
- Prepare and submit quarterly reports in compliance with federal, state, and University regulations, including: Workers Compensation data, Unemployment Insurance Tax Report (UITR), and Multiple-Worksite Report (MWR).
- Coordinate communications with Employee Services on Unemployment Claim information received from various taxing jurisdictions.
- Participate in PeopleSoft HCM System upgrade testing and resolution of outstanding HCM/FIN interface issues.
- Process 50-100 Journal Entries monthly
- Prepare/revise documentation on procedures on the above procedures.
- Participate/contribute in OUC meetings with Employee Services (Payroll) as required.
- Other duties as assigned.
What We Offer:
Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $58,500 - $64,000
Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.
For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.
Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education (education requirement may be substituted by professional experience on a year for year basis).
- One (1) year of professional accounting experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two (2) years of professional accounting experience
- Professional experience with PeopleSoft enterprise software (e.g., Finance, HCM)
- Professional experience in public higher education or other complex government organization.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application:
- A cover letter identifying the job specific minimum qualifications you possess
- A resume including any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.
