Assistant Accounting Manager - Benefits

Full-time - Manager

Hybrid - Denver, CO

Funds, Trusts, and Other Financial Vehicles

About the position

This position assists the Benefits Accounting Manager in managing the staff, quality, and timeliness of PERA's Benefits Accounting processes, including establishing and maintaining policies and procedures. Recommends process changes and improvements to the Benefits Accounting Manager. Assists with developing and implementing new workflow approaches and methods, and system maintenance and enhancements to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership to staff, including assigning and prioritizing work and managing daily activities.
• Meets regularly with staff to review progress and provide coaching and feedback.
• Communicates performance expectations to staff, sets goals, and completes appraisal, including preparing 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.
• Leads team meetings and other business/vendor meetings.
• Assists in the oversight of the accounting systems and processes for PERA's defined benefit, health care, and life insurance plans.
• Reviews journal entries, reconciliations, and other work completed by staff.
• Assists with tax reporting, withholding related to non-resident aliens, and annual IRS tax forms and filings.
• Establishes, maintains, and reviews policies and procedures.
• Prepares monthly and year-end accrual entries.
• Reviews final year-end reconciliations and other information.
• Completes process walkthroughs and provides applicable documents for external audit under the guidance of the next-level manager.
• Assists in the design, development, testing, and implementation of new processes.
• Helps to ensure that all benefits accounting transactions are recorded in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Analyzes data and provides monthly and periodic financial reports and other related information as needed.
• Works in a group environment to contribute to the development and implementation of the overall goals of both the team and division.
• Participates in auditing and testing of current processes and systems to ensure accurate recording of benefits information and to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Helps to ensure that the proper internal controls are in place over benefits accounting transactions.
• Prepares or reviews assigned sections and disclosures of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Assists in the administration of the operating bank accounts.
• Cross-trains across department and provides backup coverage as needed.
• Manages multiple priorities and meets competing deadlines.
• Monitors current professional accounting standards and stays abreast of relevant changes.
• Actively engages in training and educational opportunities for ongoing professional development.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Maintains regular and prompt attendance in the workplace.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or other related field.
• Nine+ years progressive general ledger accounting experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two+ years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with public pension or government accounting preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership skills preferred, including coaching, team building, conflict resolution, and training.
• Knowledge of accounting reporting requirements (GASB and GFOA).
• Knowledge of payroll tax reporting requirements (Colorado and IRS).
• Intermediate to advanced understanding of accounting principles.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general ledger, treasury management, and accounts receivable software.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and organization skills.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to draw on prior experience to recommend actions to resolve issues and accomplish goals.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate process improvements.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.

Benefits

• 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.