Job Details

Cost Accountant

Position Number: 6300686
Location: Golden, CO
Position Type: Business - Accounting

Cost Accountant

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 - $80,000

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 discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit 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. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.

Application review will begin June 30, 2025. This posting will remain open until filled and may close without notice. For best consideration, apply by June 29, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. as applications received after that date may not be reviewed.

It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful Completion of a Background Investigation is Required for this Position.

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines' scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that's manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 "Very High Activity" research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

That size - roughly 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students - also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact.

Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus - nationally-renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few.

And don't get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails - and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high-altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world's problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a community where our individual perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines' commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting

Apply online at https://mines.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Mines_Careers/job/Colorado/Cost-Accountant_JR106828