Finance Specialist Jobs in Colorado
Finance Specialist jobs in Colorado concentrate in financial services, healthcare administration, energy, and government contracting, with active hiring at every level from entry-level analysts to senior compliance and budget specialists. Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder account for most openings, anchored by employers such as TIAA, Lockheed Martin, and UCHealth. The most in-demand specialties right now are financial analysis, accounts payable and receivable management, and government and defense contract finance. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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See related jobsFinancial Specialist V- Lead Accountant/Financial Analyst
Position Profile
Position: Financial Specialist V: Lead Accountant/SPED Grants
Department: Accounting/Fiscal SV
Reports To: Director
FTE: 1.0
Days/Year: 260
Salary Schedule: This position is based on the 2026-2027 ESP Salary Schedule, School Based Positions (Group C)
Paygrade: P06
FLSA Status: Exempt
Why You Will Love Working Here
If you love spreadsheets and purpose, you’ll fit right in. Our Finance Team is where analytical minds meet real-world impact—supporting schools, guiding smart decisions, and making sure every dollar works as hard as our educators do. Plus, we genuinely like solving problems together (and a good pivot table never hurts).
Position Summary
Performs advanced professional accounting and financial analysis work in support of District Financial Services, with specialized responsibility for the financial administration of Special Education programs and state and federal grant funding. As the highest level in the Financial Specialist series, the position performs complex accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, reconciliation, procurement, compliance, and audit support across multiple funds, programs, and operational areas.
The position exercises independent judgment in analyzing financial data, interpreting and applying governmental accounting standards and federal and state grant regulations, evaluating expenditure allowability, and resolving complex accounting and fiscal compliance issues. Responsibilities include preparing and reviewing financial reports, monitoring grant expenditures and funding streams, supporting budget development and forecasting, analyzing financial trends and Maintenance of Effort requirements, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data and records.
Serves as the District’s Special Education Grants Fiscal Point of Contact and a lead resource for accounting practices, financial reporting, grant administration, and regulatory compliance. Provides technical guidance to District staff and departments; supports internal and external audit processes; and partners with District and program leadership to promote accurate financial management, regulatory compliance, and sound fiscal decision-making.
Essential Job Functions
Professional Accounting & Financial Management
- Prepare and review complex journal entries, account adjustments, and financial transactions.
- Reconcile complex accounts, including balance sheet, revenue, and expenditure accounts.
- Maintain and monitor fund accounting activities across multiple programs or funding sources.
- Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial records and reporting.
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare detailed financial reports, statements, and summaries for leadership, departments, and external agencies.
- Analyze financial data, trends, and variances; identify discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
- Support development of financial forecasts, projections, and reporting models as assigned.
- Provide insights and recommendations to support operational and financial decision-making.
Compliance, Audit, and Controls
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, governmental accounting standards, grant requirements, and district policies.
- Support internal and external audits, including preparation of schedules, documentation, and responses.
- Maintain audit-ready documentation and support implementation of audit recommendations.
- Monitor financial practices for compliance and identify areas of risk or control weaknesses.
Systems, Processes, and Technical Support
- Serve as a technical resource for financial systems, fund accounting, and reporting tools.
- Support system implementations, upgrades, testing, and reporting functionality.
- Assist in maintaining and improving financial procedures, workflows, and documentation.
- Collaborate with departments to ensure consistent financial practices and accurate data entry.
Training and Guidance
- Provide guidance to Financial Services staff, departments, and schools on accounting practices and procedures.
- Assist in training staff on financial processes, reporting requirements, and compliance expectations.
- Support development of reference materials, documentation, and job aids.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Budget, Payroll, HR, Grants, and other departments on financial reporting, compliance, and reconciliation activities.
- Respond to complex financial inquiries and support resolution of accounting-related issues.
- Assist leadership with special projects, financial reviews, and analysis as assigned.
Other Duties
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of
- GAAP and governmental accounting standards
- Fund accounting principles and financial reporting practices
- Public sector financial operations, compliance requirements, and audit processes
- Internal controls, documentation standards, and financial systems
- Applicable federal, state, and local regulations
Skills in
- Advanced financial analysis and technical accounting
- Reconciliation of complex financial data and accounts
- Report preparation and financial statement development
- Problem solving and discrepancy resolution
- Spreadsheet, ERP systems, and financial reporting tools
- Communication of technical financial information
Ability to
- Analyze complex financial data and provide actionable insights
- Interpret accounting standards, policies, and regulatory requirements
- Exercise independent judgment in resolving accounting issues
- Maintain accuracy and meet strict reporting deadlines
- Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Maintain confidentiality and professional integrity
- Work independently while supporting collaborative team efforts
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible payroll support experience or financial office experience
Preferred
- Experience in a K–12 or public-sector environment
- Experience with fund accounting, ERP systems, or financial reporting tool
- Experience supporting audits and regulatory reporting
- Professional certification (CPA or equivalent)
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Work is primarily sedentary with periods of light activity. Essential functions may include walking or standing for extended periods; traveling to district schools and facilities; lifting and carrying materials up to 20 pounds; climbing stairs; bending; reaching; handling objects; and operating a computer and standard office equipment. The role requires effective communication and the ability to receive and process information through normal or aided vision, hearing, or other assisted means.
Work is performed in a professional office setting with frequent meetings, presentations, and collaborative work sessions, as well as occasional evening or extended-hour commitments. Duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Employees in this category will also receive the following for the 2026-2027 school year:
- Non-Recurring Pay: 8% of base salary in Non-Recurring Pay (distributed as 4% on November paycheck and 4 % on May paycheck).
Base Salary Setting: Employment, assignment and salary placement, is in accordance with job description requirements. A work history is required to demonstrate job title, job duties and time worked in the position. Grade placement for ESP positions is determined by the Salary Schedule by Job Title resource.Reference the linked How Your Compensation Is Determined for more details.
Salary Setting (New Hires): Any newly-employed Education Support Professional will be placed on the twenty-five (25) step system. Each step represents two years of experience, based upon equivalent experience. The maximum number of years of experience granted is 19-20 years, which is equivalent to placement on step ten (10). Steps are determined by experience listed on the application and resume.
Salary Setting (Rehires): Returning employees who have previously resigned or separated from the District will be rehired at the same step they were on at the time of resignation/separation plus any new experience gained in the same job, provided step increases were approved by the Board during the years in question.
Employees with experience in the District who have left the District and then returned to the same position shall be hired at the same pay grade (refers to the ESP placement on salary schedule by job title) and step at time of resignation. Additional relevant experience gained after resignation may be evaluated from the employee’s application and updated resume.
See Employee Handbook (located on the D11 website) for information on salary setting for rehires (after retirement), promotions and lateral transfers.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
School District 11 is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to disability, need for special education services (whether actual or perceived), race, creed, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, genetic information, or protected activity in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Any harassment/discrimination of students and/or staff, based on the aforementioned protected areas, will not be tolerated and must be brought to the immediate attention of the school principal, D11 administrator/supervisor or D11 nondiscrimination compliance/grievance coordinator.
NONDISCRIMINATION COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR, the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Ombudservices, has been designated to coordinate compliance with: Equal Pay Act of 1963, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as Amended, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title IX – Education Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For additional information, please contact the District 11 Office of Equal Opportunity Programs & Ombudservices at 1115 North El Paso Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-2599, Phone: 719-520-2288, FAX: 719-520-2442
The following Board policies address nondiscrimination in District 11: AC, AC-R, GBA, GBAA, JBB, JBB-R
Financial Specialist V- Lead Accountant/Financial Analyst
Position Profile
Position: Financial Specialist V: Lead Accountant/SPED Grants
Department: Accounting/Fiscal SV
Reports To: Director
FTE: 1.0
Days/Year: 260
Salary Schedule: This position is based on the 2026-2027 ESP Salary Schedule, School Based Positions (Group C)
Paygrade: P06
FLSA Status: Exempt
Why You Will Love Working Here
If you love spreadsheets and purpose, you’ll fit right in. Our Finance Team is where analytical minds meet real-world impact—supporting schools, guiding smart decisions, and making sure every dollar works as hard as our educators do. Plus, we genuinely like solving problems together (and a good pivot table never hurts).
Position Summary
Performs advanced professional accounting and financial analysis work in support of District Financial Services, with specialized responsibility for the financial administration of Special Education programs and state and federal grant funding. As the highest level in the Financial Specialist series, the position performs complex accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, reconciliation, procurement, compliance, and audit support across multiple funds, programs, and operational areas.
The position exercises independent judgment in analyzing financial data, interpreting and applying governmental accounting standards and federal and state grant regulations, evaluating expenditure allowability, and resolving complex accounting and fiscal compliance issues. Responsibilities include preparing and reviewing financial reports, monitoring grant expenditures and funding streams, supporting budget development and forecasting, analyzing financial trends and Maintenance of Effort requirements, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data and records.
Serves as the District’s Special Education Grants Fiscal Point of Contact and a lead resource for accounting practices, financial reporting, grant administration, and regulatory compliance. Provides technical guidance to District staff and departments; supports internal and external audit processes; and partners with District and program leadership to promote accurate financial management, regulatory compliance, and sound fiscal decision-making.
Essential Job Functions
Professional Accounting & Financial Management
- Prepare and review complex journal entries, account adjustments, and financial transactions.
- Reconcile complex accounts, including balance sheet, revenue, and expenditure accounts.
- Maintain and monitor fund accounting activities across multiple programs or funding sources.
- Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial records and reporting.
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare detailed financial reports, statements, and summaries for leadership, departments, and external agencies.
- Analyze financial data, trends, and variances; identify discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
- Support development of financial forecasts, projections, and reporting models as assigned.
- Provide insights and recommendations to support operational and financial decision-making.
Compliance, Audit, and Controls
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, governmental accounting standards, grant requirements, and district policies.
- Support internal and external audits, including preparation of schedules, documentation, and responses.
- Maintain audit-ready documentation and support implementation of audit recommendations.
- Monitor financial practices for compliance and identify areas of risk or control weaknesses.
Systems, Processes, and Technical Support
- Serve as a technical resource for financial systems, fund accounting, and reporting tools.
- Support system implementations, upgrades, testing, and reporting functionality.
- Assist in maintaining and improving financial procedures, workflows, and documentation.
- Collaborate with departments to ensure consistent financial practices and accurate data entry.
Training and Guidance
- Provide guidance to Financial Services staff, departments, and schools on accounting practices and procedures.
- Assist in training staff on financial processes, reporting requirements, and compliance expectations.
- Support development of reference materials, documentation, and job aids.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Budget, Payroll, HR, Grants, and other departments on financial reporting, compliance, and reconciliation activities.
- Respond to complex financial inquiries and support resolution of accounting-related issues.
- Assist leadership with special projects, financial reviews, and analysis as assigned.
Other Duties
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of
- GAAP and governmental accounting standards
- Fund accounting principles and financial reporting practices
- Public sector financial operations, compliance requirements, and audit processes
- Internal controls, documentation standards, and financial systems
- Applicable federal, state, and local regulations
Skills in
- Advanced financial analysis and technical accounting
- Reconciliation of complex financial data and accounts
- Report preparation and financial statement development
- Problem solving and discrepancy resolution
- Spreadsheet, ERP systems, and financial reporting tools
- Communication of technical financial information
Ability to
- Analyze complex financial data and provide actionable insights
- Interpret accounting standards, policies, and regulatory requirements
- Exercise independent judgment in resolving accounting issues
- Maintain accuracy and meet strict reporting deadlines
- Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Maintain confidentiality and professional integrity
- Work independently while supporting collaborative team efforts
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible payroll support experience or financial office experience
Preferred
- Experience in a K–12 or public-sector environment
- Experience with fund accounting, ERP systems, or financial reporting tool
- Experience supporting audits and regulatory reporting
- Professional certification (CPA or equivalent)
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Work is primarily sedentary with periods of light activity. Essential functions may include walking or standing for extended periods; traveling to district schools and facilities; lifting and carrying materials up to 20 pounds; climbing stairs; bending; reaching; handling objects; and operating a computer and standard office equipment. The role requires effective communication and the ability to receive and process information through normal or aided vision, hearing, or other assisted means.
Work is performed in a professional office setting with frequent meetings, presentations, and collaborative work sessions, as well as occasional evening or extended-hour commitments. Duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Employees in this category will also receive the following for the 2026-2027 school year:
- Non-Recurring Pay: 8% of base salary in Non-Recurring Pay (distributed as 4% on November paycheck and 4 % on May paycheck).
Base Salary Setting: Employment, assignment and salary placement, is in accordance with job description requirements. A work history is required to demonstrate job title, job duties and time worked in the position. Grade placement for ESP positions is determined by the Salary Schedule by Job Title resource.Reference the linked How Your Compensation Is Determined for more details.
Salary Setting (New Hires): Any newly-employed Education Support Professional will be placed on the twenty-five (25) step system. Each step represents two years of experience, based upon equivalent experience. The maximum number of years of experience granted is 19-20 years, which is equivalent to placement on step ten (10). Steps are determined by experience listed on the application and resume.
Salary Setting (Rehires): Returning employees who have previously resigned or separated from the District will be rehired at the same step they were on at the time of resignation/separation plus any new experience gained in the same job, provided step increases were approved by the Board during the years in question.
Employees with experience in the District who have left the District and then returned to the same position shall be hired at the same pay grade (refers to the ESP placement on salary schedule by job title) and step at time of resignation. Additional relevant experience gained after resignation may be evaluated from the employee’s application and updated resume.
See Employee Handbook (located on the D11 website) for information on salary setting for rehires (after retirement), promotions and lateral transfers.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
School District 11 is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to disability, need for special education services (whether actual or perceived), race, creed, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, genetic information, or protected activity in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Any harassment/discrimination of students and/or staff, based on the aforementioned protected areas, will not be tolerated and must be brought to the immediate attention of the school principal, D11 administrator/supervisor or D11 nondiscrimination compliance/grievance coordinator.
NONDISCRIMINATION COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR, the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Ombudservices, has been designated to coordinate compliance with: Equal Pay Act of 1963, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as Amended, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title IX – Education Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For additional information, please contact the District 11 Office of Equal Opportunity Programs & Ombudservices at 1115 North El Paso Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-2599, Phone: 719-520-2288, FAX: 719-520-2442
The following Board policies address nondiscrimination in District 11: AC, AC-R, GBA, GBAA, JBB, JBB-R
See All 5 Finance Specialist Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Finance Specialist JobsFinance Specialist Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Finance Specialist Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in finance specialist jobs across Colorado.
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in financial modeling, forecasting, and variance analysis
- Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Workday
- Strong knowledge of GAAP principles and financial reporting standards
- Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial formulas
- Ability to obtain or hold relevant credentials such as CPA or CFA preferred by many Colorado employers
Finance Specialist Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a finance specialist in Colorado?
Colorado does not require a state-issued license specifically for finance specialists, so the path centers on education and credentials recognized by employers statewide. Most roles require at least a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics. Earning a CPA through the Colorado State Board of Accountancy or pursuing a CFA designation significantly strengthens your candidacy. Government and defense employers in Colorado Springs and Denver often require additional background clearance eligibility.
How much do finance specialists make in Colorado?
Finance specialists in Colorado earn a median of about $87,430 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $60,300 for the lowest 10% to over $140,610 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire finance specialists in Colorado?
Colorado finance specialist roles are posted by Prescott's, Great Auto Repair, and University of Colorado and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Colorado's mix of defense contractors, healthcare systems, and financial services firms means steady demand for finance specialists across a wide range of industries and organization sizes.
Which Colorado cities have the most finance specialist jobs?
Aurora, Denver, and Monument have the most finance specialist openings in Colorado. Denver dominates because of its concentration of corporate headquarters, financial services firms, and large healthcare systems, while Colorado Springs draws openings through its significant defense and government contracting sector and Boulder adds roles through its technology and research institutions.
Are there remote finance specialist jobs in Colorado?
Yes, and more than most fields. Finance specialist work is largely desk-based and analytical, making it well suited to remote arrangements. About 50% of finance specialist openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how broadly employers have adopted flexible work for this role. Financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting functions are the sub-areas most frequently offered as fully remote positions.
How can I get hired as a finance specialist in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for financial analyst, accounts payable, or junior budget analyst roles, which many Colorado employers use as a feeder track into finance specialist positions. Large Colorado institutions such as UCHealth, the State of Colorado's Office of State Controller, and major defense contractors run structured new-graduate and rotational finance programs. Pursuing CPA exam eligibility through an accredited Colorado university and building Excel and ERP proficiency through coursework or certifications gives candidates a clear edge over other applicants without direct experience.
Where can I find and apply to finance specialist jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to finance specialist jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current Colorado openings updated in real time. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit your background.
See All 5 Finance Specialist Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Finance Specialist Jobs