Senior Accountant — CO at City of Thornton, Colorado

About the Position

Are you an accounting professional who is curious, analytical, and motivated to understand how a municipality operates at a comprehensive level? The City of Thornton is a growing and dynamic organization offering the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of accounting and financial reporting functions. We are seeking a professional who brings strong technical aptitude, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to supporting operations across the organization.

This role provides exposure to key areas of governmental accounting, including capital assets, financial statement preparation, debt-related activities, and grant reporting and compliance, with responsibility for applying and supporting adherence to applicable GASB standards and other regulatory requirements. The position contributes to the City's financial reporting processes, supporting the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other required disclosures.

Depending on experience, the role offers the opportunity to take ownership of complex accounting areas, interpret and apply technical guidance, and identify enhancements to processes and internal controls. For candidates earlier in their progression, the position provides a strong foundation to build advanced technical expertise within a structured and supportive environment. Thornton's continued growth and operational complexity create a meaningful opportunity for professionals at varying stages of their careers to expand their impact, deepen their knowledge of governmental accounting, and contribute to high-quality financial stewardship.

The level at which the successful candidate will be hired depends on their experience, education, and qualifications. The City of Thornton offers an excellent benefits package, generous time off accruals, and a comprehensive wellness program.

Work location

Work model: On-site

1539, East 84th Place, Adams County, Colorado, 80229, United States

Colorado

Key Responsibilities

check_circleApprove encumbrances and payments of capital funds ensuring compliance with contracts
check_circleAssist with annual audits of capital assets, materials inventory, and cash audits
check_circlePrepare journal entries for land sales, asset dispositions, bond refunding, and non-routine transactions
check_circlePrepare property tax entries, accruals, and the annual mill levy certification
check_circleManage city debt service payments, schedules, and continuing disclosure statements
check_circleAssist with the annual budget process and year-end accounting close procedures
check_circleSupport the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
check_circlePerform account research and financial analysis for other departments
check_circleMaintain detailed financial records for enterprise, capital projects, and other funds
check_circlePrepare grant billings and reports to external agencies
check_circlePost, balance, and reconcile general ledger transactions and prepare monthly financial statements

Requirements

verifiedBachelor's degree in Accounting or related field
verified1 year of related experience (Accountant I)
verified2 years of professional accounting experience (Accountant II)
verified5 years of professional accounting experience (Senior Accountant)
verifiedCPA designation preferred
verifiedAbility to travel to various locations
verifiedBackground investigation
verifiedDrug screen
verifiedPhysical examination
verifiedPsychological examination

Nice to Have

Experience in municipal government (Accountant II); experience in public accounting and/or governmental accounting/finance (Senior Accountant); Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or designation.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleGenerous time off accrualscheck_circleComprehensive wellness program

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Accounting, Financial Reporting, Governmental Accounting, Gasb Standards, Acfr, Fund Accounting, Automated Accounting, General Ledger, Financial Statements, Journal Entries.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field (equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered).

Frequently asked questions about Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant at City of Thornton, Colorado

What does a Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant at City of Thornton, Colorado do?expand_more

A Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant at City of Thornton, Colorado is responsible for the following: Approve encumbrances and payments of capital funds ensuring compliance with contracts; Assist with annual audits of capital assets, materials inventory, and cash audits; Prepare journal entries for land sales, asset dispositions, bond refunding, and non-routine transactions; and Prepare property tax entries, accruals, and the annual mill levy certification.

What are the requirements for this Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant role?expand_more

City of Thornton, Colorado is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; 1 year of related experience (Accountant I); 2 years of professional accounting experience (Accountant II); 5 years of professional accounting experience (Senior Accountant); CPA designation preferred; and Ability to travel to various locations.

Where is the Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant role at City of Thornton, Colorado located?expand_more

Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant at City of Thornton, Colorado is based in 1539, East 84th Place, Adams County, Colorado, 80229, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

City of Thornton, Colorado has listed this Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant role?expand_more

Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant at City of Thornton, Colorado typically requires 1–5 years of relevant experience at the mid level level.

What skills do you need for the Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant role at City of Thornton, Colorado?expand_more

Key skills for Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant at City of Thornton, Colorado include Accounting; Financial Reporting; Governmental Accounting; Gasb Standards; Acfr; Fund Accounting; Automated Accounting; and General Ledger.

What education is required for Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant at City of Thornton, Colorado?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field (equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered).

What category does the Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant role belong to?expand_more

Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant at City of Thornton, Colorado is part of the accounting & finance job category on Recrutus.

Accountant I, II, or Senior Accountant