Accountant

About the role

El Paso County is hiring an Accountant to play a key role in maintaining the financial integrity of County operations. You'll manage journal entries, reconcile the general ledger, track capital assets, and oversee grant and fund accounting — while supporting the annual audit and ACFR. It's detailed work with real, county-wide impact. The ideal candidate brings strong governmental accounting experience and a solid grasp of GAAP and GASB standards. You're analytically sharp, detail-driven, and comfortable working independently — but you also know how to collaborate effectively with departments, auditors, and grantors when it counts.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes, prepares, and posts all journal entries to the general ledger, including the Treasurer's Interface.
• Analyzes and reviews the general ledger to ensure that accounts are maintained in a consistent manner with GAAP, GASB, Federal, State, and Local policies and procedures.
• Analyzes and reviews the general ledger to ensure that accounts are maintained in a consistent manner, including Accounts Receivable, Due To, and Due From.
• Reconciles General Ledger to the Treasurer's report.
• Ensures the accuracy of reporting to grantors to maximize funding and reimbursement to the County.
• Prepares billing backup for invoicing other agencies; works directly with departments/divisions on accounting issues.
• Prepares permits and surcharges, prepares monthly billings, compiles deposits for various divisions, and tracks Accounts Receivables.
• Assists with the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other management reports.
• Tracks all Capital Assets using the automated County-wide system.
• Assists with the annual audit, including gathering information from the auditors, Budget administration staff, and departmental staff. Prepares year-end closing entries, statements, and schedules for the audit.
• Tracks Certificate of Participation (COP) Vendor Payments and coordinates COP approvals.
• Prepares year-end entries on fixed assets, infrastructure, COP's WIP, interest, amortization schedules, summary of debt services, COP premium, and bond costs amortizations.
• Verifies capital asset data each month. Verifies departmental capital asset inventories on a rotating basis.
• Prepares and distributes monthly expenditure reports and/or appropriate notification to all County departments.
• Reconciles 941's to the General Ledger as required.
• Tracks and distributes Subdivision Releases.
• Tracks materials used for projects through the Job Cost System. Analyzes job costs and equipment attachments, ensuring all job cost codes are used correctly.
• Compiles inventory for various divisions. Provides the accounting team with year-end reports. Compiles information for the auditors.
• Assists auditors with review of financial records in order to establish the financial condition of the County and maintain a high-ranking bond standard.
• Conducts various research projects requested by County departments or the general public, including CORA requests.
• Serves as a backup to the Lead Accountant and other accountants.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques in cost/benefit, productivity, and economic analyses.
• Working knowledge of governmental fund accounting preferred.
• Knowledge of computerized accounting systems and practices.
• Must possess strong analytical skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Must have strong communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County staff, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to reconcile and balance reports.
• Ability to successfully complete the Accountant matrix.
• Ability to use a computer and various applications, including spreadsheets and accounting software.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality; must be honest and trustworthy.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and calculators.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Two years of directly related accounting experience.
• Governmental and/or public accounting experience.

Licenses & Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Pay & Schedule

• Hiring Range: $68,000.00 – $78,000.00 Annually
• Anticipated work schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, subject to change.