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Posted: April 6, 2026 (1 day ago)

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(Auraria) Controller

State of Colorado

Auraria Higher Education Center

Fresh

Location

Salary

$125,000 - $140,000

per year

Type

Closes

Open until filled

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

The Controller role at the Auraria Higher Education Center involves leading a team to manage all financial operations, such as budgeting, accounting, audits, and reporting for a campus shared by three universities in Denver.

This position requires overseeing daily money matters, ensuring rules are followed, and advising on financial strategies.

It's ideal for an experienced finance leader who enjoys team management and working in a higher education setting with strong benefits.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
  • Extensive experience in financial management, accounting operations, and internal controls
  • Proven leadership skills to direct a team of accounting professionals
  • Knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and governmental fiscal rules
  • Experience managing audits, financial reporting, and grant compliance
  • Strong advisory skills for financial strategy and policy
  • Ability to analyze funding sources, revenues, expenses, and prepare reports for stakeholders

Full Job Description

20250826110324_AURARIA CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT HEADER.png

This is a Non-Classified position, performing the outlined duties with the Auraria Higher Education Center.
This position is eligible for hybrid work after an initial training period and based on business needs/operations. Hybrid work schedule may include up to 2 days remote and will include at least 3 days in office.
Who we are:

Welcome to the Auraria Campus located in the Platte River Valley in downtown Denver.

The Auraria Campus is the service provider for 38,000 students and approximately 5000 faculty and staff working at and attending the Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver.

Learn more about us through this link: The Auraria Campus Auraria employees enjoy an excellent benefits package which includes paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave, multiple medical, dental and vision options, discounted RTD Eco-Pass, BenefitHub and outstanding retirement plan.

Learn more through this link: Non-Classified Benefits Package. So, if you're interested in a great job working alongside great people, this may be the opportunity for which you've been waiting for.



Requirements

Job Summary:

Auraria Campus (Auraria Higher Education Center) is seeking a Controller that is responsible for overseeing the financial and accounting operations, including the development and management of the financial processes, policies, and internal controls.

The Controller position reports to the Director of Finance and Business Services in the Division of Finance.

  • The Controller develops and directs an internal team of two Accounting Managers, and seven accounting professionals, and is responsible for administering financial operations including revenue and expenses, assets and liabilities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank and treasury accounts, bonds/debt service, leases, and other related financial activities.
  • The Controller manages the annual audit process conducted by the State Auditor and AHEC’s independent external contract auditing firm and prepares the annual financial statements and related audit reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
  • AHEC has opted out of the State Fiscal Rules and adopted their own fiscal rules. The Controller is responsible for updating AHEC's fiscal rules that conform to law, tax code, and generally accepted accounting principles, and correspond with State Fiscal Rules as applicable.
  • The Controller manages the analysis and review of funding sources, program requirements and expenditures, and grant requirements.

    The Controller also prepares and completes the timely financial reports for leadership, departments, the State Controller's Office, the State Auditor's Office, bond holders, and other ad-hoc requests.

  • The Controller serves as a key advisor to the Director of Finance and Business Services on financial strategy, fiscal policy, and business matters.
Essential Job Functions:

Team Leadership: (30%)

  • Manage the daily operations of the Controller's Office to ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and timely.
  • Strategically structure the management and accounting staff work to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Manage talent of managerial and accounting staff to develop individuals and the team.
  • Inspire performance through goal setting, mentoring, monitoring achievement and recognition of outcomes.
  • Build the team through a positive work environment, effective peer collaboration, and advocacy with leadership.

Professional Financial Management: (25%)

  • Provide professional accounting expertise in the operation and management of accounting systems and financial reporting requirements required by state statute, AHEC fiscal rules and standards, state controller directives and state auditor financial reporting requirements.
  • Maintain the general ledger structure, reconciliations, journal entries, and account integrity. Monitor trial balance reports for accuracy and necessary adjustments.
  • Manage the financial structure, system controls, and access management for all finance-related software including State systems, banking platforms, and card processing, etc., and supports the development of financial frameworks and procedures for departmental revenue, tax, and related systems.
  • Serve as the administrator for the Bank and manages and monitors bank and treasury accounts.
  • Manage the accounting procedures manual that provides guidance to Accounting Managers and Accountants to ensure compliance with law, fiscal rules, and organizational policy.
  • Maintain sufficient segregation of duties, by ensuring at least two people are involved in all financial transactions. This position will serve as an independent review on many transactions to ensure duties are segregated.
  • Ensure appropriate internal control structures exist and are maintained.
  • Prepare and submit the annual Financial Responsibility and Accountability Act reporting.
  • Coordinate accounting processes with the Director of Procurement to ensure compliance with AHEC Fiscal and Procurement Rules.
  • Provide the Director of Finance and Business Services with recommendations for improving, updating and automating AHEC's accounting processes and systems.

Financial Reporting: (25%)

  • Preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and deadlines.
  • Preparation of monthly and quarterly financial statements for presentation to the Board and Senior Management.
  • Conduct periodic audits of financial systems to ensure the accuracy of reports and that all transactions are reported in a manner that provides required asset, liability, revenue, expenditure, and net assets (fund balance) information to managers.
  • Provide quarterly and annual financial disclosure information of all bonded indebtedness to nationally recognized municipal securities information repository (EMMA) as recognized by the Securities and Exchange Commission and required by bond resolutions.
  • Monitor revenue and expenses to ensure sufficient cash flow for operational requirements. Prepare and present cash flow statements and forecasts.
  • Participate in budget planning and monitoring results for departments.
  • Work with departments to ensure accurate internal financial reporting.

Manage and Complete Annual Audit: (20%)

  • Manage the annual audit process conducted by the State Auditor and prepare the annual financial statements and related audit reporting in accordance with GAAP and GASB.
  • Provide timely and accurate financial reports to the State Controller, State Auditor, and the external contract auditors working on behalf of the State Auditor.
  • Supervise the development and conduct periodic audits of systems for internal controls that reasonably ensure the accuracy of the recording of transactions and the safeguarding of State assets.




Qualifications

Application Requirements:
  • A completed online application, resume, and cover letter are required for consideration.
  • The determination of whether an applicant meets the minimum qualifications will be based solely on the information provided in the work experience and job duties sections of the online application.
  • Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of completed online application, but must be submitted as attachments.
  • Applicants are required to provide a complete and detailed account of their relevant work experience and qualifications within the online application.
  • Statements such as "see resume" or "see attached" are not acceptable and may results in disqualification.
  • Resumes will not be reviewed or considered for the purpose of determining minimum qualification eligibility.
  • Failure to fully complete the application or provide sufficient detail may result in the applicant being deemed not qualified and removed from further consideration.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited College or University.
  • Minimum of ten years of leadership experience in finance and administration, which includes progressively responsible management experience in accounting and audits.
  • Experience supervising and leading accounting, finance or audit teams.
  • Experience with financial statement preparation including year-end audits, adjustments, and closing entries.
  • Demonstrated experience and professional working knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and fund accounting principles.
  • Experience in a high-level role requiring work on multiple projects and the ability to prioritize work to meet required deadlines.
  • High degree of experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office software including Excel and Word.
  • Five years working within a complex financial software system.
Conditions of Employment:
  • Must be able to successfully pass a criminal and financial background check.
  • Must be able to work on-site 3-5 days/week, between the hours of 8am-5pm.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • CPA license.
  • Master's or Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
  • Ten or more years of experience leading a financial or accounting team.
  • Ten or more years of professional accounting experience.
  • University or College leadership experience with finances or accounting.
  • State of Colorado department leadership experience with finance or accounting.
  • Experience with State of Colorado statues, fiscal rules and procedures, GAAP, GASB, and fund accounting.
  • Experience working with revenue generating business financials and managing debt service.
  • Experience working with the Colorado Financial Reporting System (CORE).
  • Five years managing financial activity in a complex financial software system.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Proven experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse population at all levels throughout our organization and into the community.
  • Ability to communicate in a positive and effective manner, across various modalities.
  • Ability to balance multiple projects and tasks in parallel to maintain attention to detail.
  • Outwardly contributes to a respectful, positive, and professional workspace.
  • Ability to establish work priorities, follow through, and meet established deadlines.
  • Strong judgment and critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to deliberately listen effectively and then communicate relevant information. Ability to anticipate problems, and offer suggestions for resolution.
  • Strong financial management and analytical skills.
  • High level of integrity and professional accountability.
  • Collaborative and service oriented.
  • Ability to manage confidential information.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects and prioritize work to meet required deadlines.


Applications received by April 20, 2026, at 11:59pm MST, will receive full consideration if qualifications are met. This position will remain open until filled. We welcome and encourage applications from interested candidates.

Additional Information

Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act information:
After careful review of this position and the duties that it performs, it has been designated in accordance with the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act as a "Not Covered" position, it does not fall in the category of employees that are eligible for representation by COWINS, also known as the union. To learn more about this designation please visit this link: http://coloradowins.org/

Applicant Checklist & Minimum Qualifications:

E-mail Address:
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted by email.
Applicant Checklist:
We request that you include the following in your application:
  • Cover Letter detailing how your experience & education meet minimum and preferred qualifications
  • Resume detailing a summary of work history
Applications submitted will be reviewed and given consideration.

Minimum Qualifications
Your application as submitted is used to determine if you meet Minimum Qualifications. Please read the Minimum Qualifications and ensure that information in your application "draw correlations" to the Minimum Qualifications. Human Resources Analysts will not infer that you meet the Minimum Qualifications if information isn't detailed in your application.

*Years of experience will be expressed in terms of full-time equivalent service with full-time workload equal to one (1) Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) year. No more than 1.00 FTE year may be credited in any twelve (12) month period. Positions working 40 hours or less per week will be pro-rated (30 hrs/wk=0.75 FTE=9 mos credit; 20 hrs/wk=0.5 FTE=6 mos credit; 10 hrs/wk=0.25 FTE=3 mos credit.) *

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: 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.

The Auraria Campus 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 Nicole Yanez at nicole.yanez@ahec.edu

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Posted on NEOGOV: 4/6/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/7/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-colorado-5294894