Accountant II - Benefits

Summary of Job Responsibilities

This accounting position is responsible for preparing journal entries and completing reconciliations relating to member and employer contributions, benefit payments, internal payroll, and healthcare items. This position works under the supervision of the Assistant Accounting Manager - Benefits.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Our ideal candidate is a reliable professional with accounting experience.  We are looking for a detail-oriented professional who demonstrates strong analytical skills, validates the accuracy of their own work, communicates effectively, and takes ownership in their assigned responsibilities.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Verifies data and prepares journal entries to recognize member and employer contributions, benefit payments, and health insurance premiums

• Creates 401(k)/457 contribution deposits in the pension system and posts entries to the general ledger

• Prepares reconciliations between bank accounts and the general ledger

• Processes voids, positive pay exceptions, and ARUs

• Reconciles account balances to the general ledger and financial reports

• Performs account analysis on member and benefit accounts

• Audits transactions, identifies errors, researches, and reconciles discrepancies

• Prepares year-end entries

• Effectively communicates with appropriate staff to ensure that transactions are accurately set up and recorded

• Maintains and creates procedures

• Assists with tax reporting related to retirees, benefit recipients, and refunded accounts

• Prepares requested information for internal and external auditors

• Reports on the status of unresolved issues to management

• Cross-trains within the department to provide backup 

• Participates in training and educational opportunities for ongoing professional development

• Maintains regular and prompt attendance in the workplace

• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is required and 1-3 years of progressive accounting experience preferred

• Knowledge and prior experience working with an accounting software package; experience with Workday preferred

• Ability to process timely, accurate transactions and organize work assignments

• Demonstrated attention to detail

• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently research and resolve accounting discrepancies

• Ability to validate the accuracy of work prior to review

• Ability to recommend actions in resolving accounting issues

• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft applications, Including Teams Ability to accurately and efficiently process financial transactions and reconciliations involving large volumes of numerical data  

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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

• Occasional moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 pounds

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

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time

• Ability to operate standard PC equipment

• Ability to manage frequent deadlines and tight schedules

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.

Interested Candidates:
Complete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume, cover letter, and any college transcripts 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. When faced with a new task, how do you learn best?

3. How do you minimize the risk for errors in your work?

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? 

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 be assigned with or without notice.

Unfortunately, at this time, PERA 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.

Why Work at PERA

Colorado PERA offers more than a traditional pension career. We are a mission-driven organization with a growing focus on technology and modernization. Employees have the opportunity to do meaningful work with a real impact on over 700,000 members. From enhancing digital tools and member experiences to supporting major enterprise initiatives, employees are part of meaningful, future-focused work that blends public service with innovation. We take pride in our inclusive culture, career development opportunities, and our consistent recognition as a Top Workplace based on employee feedback. PERA is a place to connect, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

A Culture That Cares

At PERA, leveraging employee strengths and supporting strong engagement are the foundations of our culture. Employees are encouraged to grow through development opportunities and internal career movement, while also being part of an organization where people feel respected, informed, and included. Collaboration is encouraged across teams, allowing employees to learn from one another and contribute in ways that maximize their unique skills. We strive to foster an environment where employees can do their best work and feel supported by the people around them

An Employer that Invests in You

PERA invests in our employees in ways that matter; from comprehensive benefits and generous paid time-off to thoughtful everyday amenities that enhance the office experience. Employees are encouraged to continue learning through training, mentoring, and development at every stage of their careers. We champion a workplace where people feel valued, inspired, and equipped to grow.

Join Us
If you’re energized by meaningful work, motivated by an organization that evolves with a changing world and looking for an employer that invests in you, then consider joining PERA’s team. Learn more about careers at PERA at copera.org/careers.

Position Title: Accountant II - Benefits
Division: Accounting
Reports to: Assistant Accounting Manager - Benefits
Job Status: Full-time, Exempt
Salary: $75,000.00 to $90,000.00 Annual, Commensurate with experience
Posting Dates: 07/17/2026 to 08/02/2026