Assistant Accounting Manager - Benefits

JOB SUMMARY

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leadership of Assigned Staff

• 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

Benefits Accounting

• Assists in the oversight of the accounting systems and processes for PERA’s defined benefit, health care, and life insurance plans, including accounting for contributions, benefits, healthcare premiums and claims, purchased service credit, unpaid contributions, accounts receivable, refunds, check deposits, unclaimed property, daily cash movement for administrative bank accounts, and internal payroll general ledger activity

• 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

Other

• 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)

• Other responsibilities related to annual employer reporting

• 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

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Standard office environment with regular telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine.

• Occasional moving and positioning supplies over 20 pounds

• All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry

HYBRID WORK OPTION

Opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.

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 new ones may be assigned with or without notice.

Unfortunately, at this time, we 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.

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:

1. Why are you interested in this position? Why do you think your skills and/or experiences would make you successful in this position?

2. Describe your knowledge of public pension accounting.

3. What do you believe are the most important characteristics necessary to be a successful leader? Provide an example when you demonstrated one or more of these characteristics to obtain a positive outcome.

4. Describe a situation in which you were under a great deal of pressure because of numerous demands competing for your time and attention. How did you handle the situation?

5. Describe your career progression and how you believe this position would contribute to your career goals.

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 600,000 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: Assistant Accounting Manager - Benefits
Division: Accounting
Reports to: Accounting Manager - Benefits
Job Status: Full Time / Non-Exempt
Salary: $105,000 - $125,000, Commensurate with experience
Posting Dates: 2/14/2025 - Until Filled