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CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Accountant I

UNION CODE: R09

FT/PT: Full-time     

PAY PLAN: 12-month    

WORKPLACE TYPE: On-site (work in-person at business location)

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $4,300 - $5,200

• However, offer amount will be commensurate with candidate’s experience, education, skills, and training.

CSU CLASSIFICATION SALARY RANGE: $4,241 - $7,946

PAY BASIS: Monthly    

BENEFITS: CSUB offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes an array of medical plans, choice of dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, 14 paid holidays per year and more!  See our benefits website for additional information.

CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY: Open to all qualified applicants.

POSITION PURPOSE: Under the general supervision of both the Director of Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting for Student Affairs and the Director of Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting for University Advancement, the Accountant I assists with the day-to-day accounting, budget analysis, and financial reporting activities of Student Affairs and University Advancement. The incumbent performs entry to intermediate-level professional accounting work involving the application of accounting principles and practices to the resolution of a variety of accounting functions or problems. Work assignments require a general knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards. The Accountant I completes account reconciliations, preparation of journal entries, inter-fund accounting, solving moderate accounting issues, and financial analysis related to Student Affairs operations. The position assists Student Affairs and University Advancement accounting staff in maintaining the accuracy and reporting integrity, preparing analysis, preparation of Board reports, and other reporting activities necessary for compliance. Additionally, the Accountant I assists with other Financial Services projects including those assigned under Campus Accounting, Student Financial Services and Sponsored Programs Administration.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accounting Duties

• Perform, review, and analyze a broad range of entry to intermediate-level accounting and financial activities for the Divisions of Student Affairs and University Advancement to ensure compliance with various established policies, timely recordkeeping, and appropriate accounting treatment.
• Assist with other financial services projects as assigned including those assigned under Campus Accounting, Student Financial Services, and Sponsored Programs Administration as needed.
• Provide service to customers by answering questions, providing information, making referrals, and assuring appropriate follow-through and/or resolution.
• Frequently provide timely and accurate information in response to customer inquiries and reporting that evidences a general understanding of GAAP, compliance, and policy. Refer more complex questions or issues to experienced accountants or one of the Directors.
• Analyze and reconcile routine bank statements, sub-ledgers, reports, and financial records in a timely manner.
• Recommend and prepare adjustments, journal entries, reports, and expenditure transfers.
• Post journal entries.
• Analyze transactions for correct coding and assignment of revenues and expenditures.
• Complete schedules for various funds and accounts for the annual audit.
• Prepare fluctuation analysis (actuals vs prior year, actuals vs budget, actual vs projections).
• Provide initial troubleshooting of financial systems problems and participate in the design and installation of financial system upgrades and required testing and verification of results.
• May provide training, guidance, and assistance to other professional and/or technical staff on occasion.
• Maintain accurate financial records.

Reporting Duties

• Assist in the coordination, development and/or production of various reports to meet customer (i.e. Trustee, Board of Directors, Chancellor's Office, Cabinet, management/dean, donor, internal and external auditors, and other internal/external constituent) needs and legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Adhere to legal, regulatory, and/or policy requirements, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Maintain all databases and software related to reporting needs of the Financial Services departments.
• Under the direction of an experienced Accountant, prepare GAAP financial statements, supporting schedules, and footnotes.

Audit and Tax Related Duties

• Assist with the annual independent audit and tax (Form 990) preparation including scheduling, preparing, and reviewing audit schedules.
• Gather information to assist in the compilation and review data for the annual UBIT return, quarterly sales, and use tax returns.
• Other tax related duties (i.e. research, policy revision, etc.) as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, business administration, finance or a closely related field OR a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA’s) –

• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); office methods and procedures; statistical and mathematical presentation of data; advanced proficiency with current word processing, spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, query tools, integrated financial systems and/or other types of records management systems.
• General understanding of internal control methods.
• Working knowledge of financial statement process and Board reporting processes.
• Ability to interpret and follow instructions and policy guidelines.
• Ability to analyze financial and statistical data and draw conclusions.
• Ability to utilize problem solving techniques and convey technical information to non-Accountants.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to interpret, communicate and apply financial policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing (i.e. Word), spreadsheets (i.e. Excel), databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email (i.e. Outlook).
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure, policies, and procedures.
• Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
• Must be able to work overtime, occasional holidays and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:               

• One (1) to two (2) years of accounting related experience in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: SEDENTARY WORK – involves mainly sitting; minimal walking and standing; lifting lightweight objects limited to 15 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: N/A

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

SCREENING: Only those applicants possessing experience most directly related to the immediate needs of the office will be invited to appear before a Qualifications Appraisal Board for the purpose of appraising training, experience, and interest in the position.

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES UNION: It shall be the policy of the CSU in filling vacant CSUEU bargaining Units 2, 5, 7 & 9 positions to fill such vacancies from among qualified individuals currently employed on-campus except when it is determined that it is necessary to appoint outside applicants to meet campus workforce diversity goals or to provide specialized skills and abilities that are not available from current employees.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment.  CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SENSITIVE POSITION: Sensitive positions are designated by the CSU as requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position, based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of the people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to the CSU or individuals in the university community.

MANDATED REPORTER: Not Mandated

GENERAL INFORMATION: It is the policy of California State University, Bakersfield to hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to present documentation verifying their right to accept employment.  You will also be requested to present a social security card at the time of initial appointment in compliance with state payroll regulations. State regulations require that every state employee sign the Oath of Allegiance prior to commencing the duties of his/her State employment, except legally employed non-citizens. These individuals are required to sign the Declaration of Permission to Work.

EEO STATEMENT: California State University, Bakersfield is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity.  Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status.