Cost Accountant
Colorado School Of M
Golden, CO
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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$76,000–$90,000 Per Year
LOCATION
Golden, CO
POSTED
30+ days ago
Posting Number: JR106828
Location: Colorado
Engineering a world of possibilities
Colorado School of Mines is pleased to announce an opening for a Cost Accountant in the Controller's Office.
The Colorado School of Mines is a public research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and solutions to service industry and benefit society. Mines has a strong reputation and celebrates high rankings due to its STEM-focused education and research results.
The Office of Finance, Administration and Operations (FA&O) provides critical support to the mission and forward-thinking strategic initiatives while managing $325 million in operating activity, stewarding $1 billion in assets, and supporting 1400 faculty and staff. The Controller's Office is within FA&O and provides oversight for financial reporting, cost accounting, compliance, student billing and receivables, campus shared services, and payroll.
The Cost Accountant reports to the Associate Controller, Operations and plays a critical role in ensuring accurate financial analysis, compliance, and cost allocation across the university. This position is responsible for managing the Sponsored Research Facilities & Administrative (F&A) rate negotiation and cost recovery, Auxiliary Administrative Overhead (AOH) calculations, payroll fringe rate development, auxiliary rate analysis, Internal Service Center (ISC) rate approvals, and general rate analysis. The Cost Accountant provides financial insights that support data-driven decision-making and ensures adherence to university policies, federal regulations, and best financial practices.
Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Cost Recovery
This role ensures accurate rate development, compliance, and financial monitoring to optimize recovery efforts.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze F&A rate calculations in compliance with federal regulations.
• Prepare and support F&A rate proposals and submissions.
• Monitor and report on F&A cost recovery performance, providing financial insights to leadership.
• Ensure alignment of F&A rates with institutional goals and compliance requirements.
Fringe Rate Development & Analysis
This role ensures compliance with federal guidelines while analyzing cost trends to inform decision-making.
• Identify and implement improvements to cost accounting processes, increasing accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of financial reporting tools and ERP system enhancements.
• Collaborate with university departments to refine financial reporting and analysis capabilities.
Internal Service Center (ISC) Rate Analysis
This role provides financial oversight to ensure appropriate cost recovery and transparency.
• Analyze and review ISC rate proposals to ensure compliance with university policies and federal regulations.
• Provide guidance to department managers and service center administrators on rate development, cost allocation, and financial sustainability.
• Develop tools and resources to support accurate ISC rate calculations and financial reporting.
• Monitor ISC rate methodologies to align with best practices in cost recovery and internal financial controls.
Auxiliary Rate Analysis
This role ensures rates are cost-effective and aligned with budgetary needs.
• Perform financial analysis on auxiliary services to establish appropriate rates that support long-term financial sustainability.
• Evaluate cost structures and recommend adjustments for optimizing auxiliary service operations.
• Support budget planning for auxiliary services based on rate analysis and financial trends.
• Provide financial insights to auxiliary unit leadership to improve cost efficiency.
Administrative Overhead (AOH) Calculation & Allocation
This role supports financial transparency and efficient resource management.
• Conduct AOH calculations to ensure accurate cost allocation across university departments.
• Assess and improve overhead allocation methodologies to enhance cost distribution accuracy.
• Assist in the implementation of automated allocation processes to drive efficiency.
• Provide recommendations to enhance cost transparency and accountability.
General Rate Analysis
General rate analysis supports university-wide financial decision-making. This role provides insights and recommendations for cost optimization and sustainability.
• Conduct ad hoc cost and rate analyses to support executive decision-making.
• Develop financial models to assess the impact of rate adjustments across university operations.
• Provide recommendations for enhancing cost efficiency and financial sustainability.
• Identify opportunities for streamlining financial reporting and cost analysis processes.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in cost accounting, financial analysis, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and financial analysis.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and data analysis.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience presenting detailed financial information in a consumable format to broad audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Five (5) years of experience in cost accounting or financial analysis.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred.
• Knowledge of federal cost regulations (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance)
• Experience in higher education financial management.
• Familiarity with Workday and financial reporting tools.
• Knowledge of grant and research administration financial practices.
• Ability to develop process improvements and automate financial calculations.
Salary and Benefits
$76,000 - $90,000
Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.
Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:
• Flexible health and dental care options
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year - including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• Free RTD Ecopass
All Mines employees also have access to https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/home through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines https://minesathletics.com/ home games, as well as access to the state of the art https://minesathletics.com/facilities/student-recreation-center/13 (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the https://minesathletics.com/sports/2016/7/10/outdoor-recreation-home.aspx. We are proud to have recently opened an on https://www.mines.edu/human-resources/employee-total-rewards/benefits/faculty-staff-benefits/more-for-you-aa/mines-early-childhood-center/. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit https://www.mines.edu/human-resources/benefits/.
How to Apply
Complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status)
• Upload a resume or CV
• Upload a cover letter
Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
About the Company
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