CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Accountant III

UNION CODE: R09

FT/PT: Full-time  

PAY PLAN: 12-month  

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

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $7,750 - $8,750

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

CSU CLASSIFICATION SALARY RANGE: $5,779 - $11,153

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.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION, applications must be received by October 17, 2024; however, the position will remain open until filled.

POSITION PURPOSE: Under the general direction of the Director of Payment Services, the Accountant III performs the day-to-day financial and managerial accounting and financial reporting activities related to expenses and accounts payable. The position independently performs advanced professional accounting work requiring a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards. This includes, for example, completing account reconciliations, preparation of journal entries, identifying and solving moderate to complex accounting issues, financial analysis, variance analysis, developing financial statements and reports; interpreting new and existing federal and state regulations; recommending changes to and assist with the documentation and maintenance of business processes and procedures. The Accountant III is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and reporting integrity, preparing analysis, and forecasting to support management decision making and follow-up, preparation of Board reports, financial reporting, and other compliance reporting required by federal, state, and local government, CSU systemwide and CSUB. Further, this position will assist with the implementation of any new Campus-wide payment services systems including the Concur Travel Program. This position will be responsible to provide lead direction, training, and guidance on accounting policies and processes to payment services staff as well as to campus customers.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Accounting Duties

1. Perform, review, and analyze a wide range of complex accounting, and financial activities using substantial judgement and discretion, to ensure compliance with various policies, timely recordkeeping, proper accounting treatment, and accurate reporting.
2. Analyze transactions and reports for correct coding, appropriateness, and completeness.
3. Recommend and prepare adjustments, journal entries, reports, and transfers of expenditures.
4. Review SAM18, US Bank Chargebacks, and Concur chargebacks as prepared by the Account Techs.
5. Complete schedules for various business units, funds, and accounts for monthly reporting and the annual audit.
6. Prepare fluctuation analysis (actuals vs prior year, actuals vs budget, actual vs projections).
7. Frequently provide timely and accurate information in response to customer inquiries and reporting that evidences a strong understanding of GAAP, compliance, and policy.
8. Maintain, reconcile, and update monthly schedules for financial reporting.
9. Develop, maintain, complete, and review detailed schedules.
10. Develop, maintain, and complete accurate financial records.
11. Assist with various audits, Public Record Act Request (PRA), legal year-end close, and GAAP year-end close as well as prepare and review any applicable tax or audit schedules.
12. Assist in the compilation, review and/or preparation of monthly use tax and 1099 reporting.
13. Using best-in-class customer service, provide technical advice and consultation to campus constituents by answering questions, providing information, making referrals, and assuring appropriate follow- through and/or resolution.

Reporting Duties

1. Assist in the coordination, development, and/or production of various reports to meet customer expectations including CSU Chancellor’s Office, Auxiliary Organizations Board of Directors, CSUB management, internal and external auditors, and/or other internal and external constituents.
2. Adhere to legal, regulatory, and/or policy requirements, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
3. Maintain all databases and software related to reporting needs.
4. Prepare financial statements, supporting schedules, and footnotes in support of the annual audit.
5. Prepare budget variance statements, supporting schedules, and notes in support of management reporting.

Other Accounting Duties

1. Study, develop, and standardize procedures and policies to improve efficiency and ensure sound financial practices.
2. Help train campus users with Payment Services processes and procedures.
3. Provide lead direction to payment services staff through training and guiding on accounting policies and processes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Equivalent to five (5) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience and a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, business administration, finance or 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.
• Extensive and thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards; 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.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to prepare complex financial statements and reports; understand an interpret laws and rules; communicate effectively with others inside and outside the unit, including conveying complex and technical professional accounting information to non-Accountants.
• 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.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure, policies, and procedures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Master’s Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Experience in PeopleSoft, or Oracle, Concur Travel and Expense Program, and/or Jaggaer Systems.
• At least two years' experience in an Accounts Payable setting.
• Experience evaluating department operations and recommending improvements.
• Change management skills and experience.
• Experience interpreting, communicating, and assisting to develop policies and procedures.
• Experience developing and leading training sessions.
• Knowledge of integrated ERP systems.
• Demonstrated skills in a higher education institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service- centered attitude.
• Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
• Must be able to work occasional holidays and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: SEDENTARY WORK – involves mainly sitting; minimal walking and standing; lifting light weight 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.