Utility Area Accountant

Full job description Position Location Fort Collins, CO


Work Location Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work


Research Professional Position No


Posting Number ******** AP


Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional


Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib II


Number of Vacancies 1


Work Hours/Week 40


Proposed Annual Salary Range $55,000 to $70,000


Employee Benefits Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.


Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here . For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator . Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in ! Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 04/29/2024


Description of Work Unit The Facilities Management Finance department is a unit within campus Facilities Management and exists to maintain and improve processes which protect the financial integrity of our departmental units. The mission of Facilities Management Finance is to develop strong oversight and understanding of the departmental budget and construction related accounting activities to assist with the development of best practices which enable effective, accurate management of the financial policies, processes and activities.


Facilities Management Finance provides oversight of 150 Facilities accounts, with over $100 million in operating costs, in the areas of budgets, accounting, financial management and reporting, university billings, department receivables, department internal financial control processes and procedures, financial instruction, and the department's integrated work management system (FAMIS/AiM). We also provide services to the University community and non-University entities in the areas of billing, financial reporting, and real estate leases. Reports are developed and distributed to several campus departments including the Budget Office, Business and Finance, VPUO, and the President's Office for building costs, project costs, leases, student facilities fees, and budget book information to name a few. We pay, track, and report on university utilities. Construction accounting services are provided on over 300 projects, totaling nearly $1.3 billion in open projects in FY20, to project managers and Business and Finance in the areas of accounting, fund management, purchasing, contracts, payments, capitalization, bonded projects, and quarterly reporting for the Board of Governors.


Position Summary The Utility Accountant provides professional guidance and oversight to ensure departmental fiscal transactions and procedures are in compliance with federal, state and university laws, regulations and policies. This includes the management of the Utility Accounting for Colorado State University and its twenty-six branch and district offices.


This position exists to provide financial information, analysis, reporting, and instruction by:
Working closely with the Facilities Management Utilities group to oversee budget development and implementation. This includes charge rate development and a deep understanding of the figures incorporated into those rates. Fiscal Officer for approximately 20 accounts, including the exempt campus utility account. Oversight, guidance and direction for fiscal operations and management of all invoices and account transactions. Knowledge of compliance requirements for Federal uniform guidance, university and state fiscal rules and other rules and regulations as applicable. This position processes over twenty-five million dollars annually in payments for electricity, water, sewer, natural gas, propane and district cooling and heating plants. The position manages processes for establishing utility accounts, records meter readings, requests payments, reports costs and consumption, and bills customers. This includes overseeing the integration/feed of our EnergyCap utility management tool to our IWMS (Integrated Workplace Management System) and Kuali Financial System. Required Job Qualifications Bachelor's degree. At least three years of experience working in a fast-paced accounting environment. Experience with Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas and formatting. Demonstrated attention to detail and effective communication skills, both verbal and written, based on application materials submitted. Preferred Job Qualifications Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field. Financial working knowledge within an institution of higher education. Experience with Kuali Financial Systems. Experience querying data with tools such as WebFocus, Access or SWL Developer. Experience calculating billing rates applying Federal Cost Accounting Standards. Experience working both autonomously and in a team environment. Diversity Statement Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department's commitment to diversity and inclusion.


Essential Duties
Job Duty Category Utility Budgets and Financial Leadership


Duty/Responsibility Work directly with Utilities Services and District Energy groups in preparing and calculating their annual budgets and billing rates. Oversee and analyze operating costs to ensure adherence to Federal Cost Accounting Standards for recharge accounts and assure they maintain an allowable working capital balance. Work with the Facilities Personnel/Payroll Manager to be certain that all staff and correct salaries are included in the budget. Enter final budgets for assigned accounts in Kuali by the University deadline in July. Provide financial leadership to the Utility Groups through regular meetings with unit budget managers to review their budget numbers if there are problems with their calculations or if the numbers are not reasonable based on the previous year. Independently manage invoicing, receivables, and collections processes for Utility accounts for operating expenses. Provide training and oversight to ensure the department is adhering
to state, university and department requirements, as well as complying with appropriate internal controls. Make independent decisions regarding the implementation of these policies and procedures. Fiscal Officer for approximately 20 accounts within the Utility Services and District Energy groups. Review and approve financial transactions and balances on assigned accounts. Create various types of journal entries in Kuali. Assist in the analysis, evaluation, revision, development, documentation, and implementation of departmental accounting policies, processes, and procedures. Advise department personnel on accounting and budget issues, fiscal rules, and financial processes. Provide financial leadership to assigned groups of Utility Services and District Energy. Develop analytical reports and provide guidance to meet budget goals and adhere to accounting policies. Provide training and oversight to ensure the department is adhering to state, university and department requirements, as well as complying with appropriate internal controls. Make independent decisions regarding the implementation of these policies and procedures. Percentage Of Time 25


Job Duty Category Utilites Cost Management


Duty/Responsibility Pay approximately fifty various utility vendors for Colorado State University by recording, classifying, and verifying utility costs and consumption. Payment options include purchase orders, disbursement vouchers. Verify accuracy of bills and investigate discrepancies. Independently determine proper account, object code and sub-object code to use depending on the type of services rendered. Calculate and accrue unbilled revenues from leases and other billings at year-end and record in Kuali. Record deferred revenue for leases which overlap fiscal years. Reverse at the start of the next fiscal year. Percentage Of Time 30


Job Duty Category Utility Data & Energy Cap Management


Duty/Responsibility Enter meter data into spreadsheets for inclusion on monthly summary reports. Assemble and report all utility costs and consumptions, including branch stations and district offices, compile and breakdown by campus. This report consists of preceding month, current month, and year-to-date totals. It is used in the Utility Engineering section as a tool in budget planning. Confer with Utility Engineering Manager as necessary regarding financial reports. Develop and oversee daily imports from Energy Cap (energy management software). This includes regular account audits and reconciling data in Energy Cap to Kuali Financials. Create correcting entries as needed to ensure data accuracy. Work directly with software vendor Xebec Data to resolve import issues and other items as needed. Percentage Of Time 15


Job Duty Category Cost and Consumption Reporting


Duty/Responsibility Consolidate all bills by utility type then by company then by meter data. For each utility compile a summary report that determines the cost and consumption by specific account and department. Create service billing in Kuali by transferring charges from clearing accounts where bills were actually paid, to appropriate department accounts. Reconcile each utility clearing account. Assemble report of all utility costs and consumptions, including branch stations and district offices, compile and breakdown by campus. This report consists of previous month, current month, and year to date totals. To be emailed to each department contact monthly. Independently design, prepare, and produce accurate, timely and meaningful reports to unit managers, of both periodic or ad-hoc reports for utility accounts. Provide detailed transactional information from Kuali, Facilities IWMS (FAMIS, AssetWorks), WebFocus, EnergyCap, Commercial Accounts Receivable billings/payments, or other sources. Percentage Of Time 20


Job Duty Category Utilities Billing and Accounts Receivable


Duty/Responsibility Establish individual accounts receivable for residential and non-university customers. Bill monthly for utilities consumed, calculate costs based on metered consumption, originate and issue monthly statements, and reconcile accounts. Follow up on payments, contact customers if there are problems. Record year-end accruals and reverse in new year. Invoice federal, state and city agencies for utilities, projects, and other special needs using the commercial accounts receivable system. Work in multiple federal invoicing systems to invoice customers and review financial information for accuracy. Percentage Of Time 10


Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.


To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.


Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)


Search Contact Michelle R Tate:


EEO Statement Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.


The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO ******** , , .


The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO ******** , , .


The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University's Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. ******** , , .


Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .


Background Check Policy Statement Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.