Classification: Accountant I
Hours: Full-time / 40 hours per week
FLSA: Non-exempt
Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $4,850 - $5,682* mo. (steps 4-12)
CSU Salary Schedule
*CSUMB provides pay scales representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, and CSU systemwide pay for comparable jobs.
Priority Screening Date: June 14, 2026
Recruitment Status: Open Until Filled
Employment with the California State University System
ABOUT CSUMB
California State University, Monterey Bay is a mid-sized university in California’s Central Coast that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement, CSUMB is part of the nation’s largest four-year public university system, California State University, which educates nearly 460,000 students every year.
With a vibrant, diverse student body of over 7,000 students, CSU Monterey Bay is both a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our staff and faculty transform students’ lives with a focus on student success and engagement through experiential learning, service learning, and a strong emphasis on multicultural and global perspectives. CSUMB’s sustainability goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030.
The university’s Strategic Plan prioritizes inclusive excellence through recruiting and investing in developing a diverse body of faculty, staff and administrators. Many appreciate living and working close to the shores of beautiful Monterey Bay, with easy access to recreational areas from Big Sur to Santa Cruz. Nearby opportunities for collaborative research include working in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Silicon Valley, and with colleagues at local research universities, including UC Santa Cruz and Stanford University.
As one of the 22 campuses in the CSU system, CSUMB offers excellent benefits, including access to below-market-rate rental housing on East Campus, and competitive salaries for faculty and staff. With proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area and San Jose, opportunities for faculty, staff and students are as endless as the shores of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
PURPOSE
Under the general direction of the Associate University Controller, and receiving lead direction from the General Accounting Team Lead, the General Accountant applies knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of the accounting profession, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in classifying, examining and analyzing financial transactions. The incumbent performs diverse duties requiring a comprehensive knowledge of governmental financial record-keeping methods and practices, initiative, analysis and judgment to make decisions consistent with standard practice and established policies (CSU, State, Federal, etc.)
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following
Other Functions
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
General knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); office methods and procedures; statistical and mathematical presentation of data; advanced proficiency with current word processing and spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, query tolls, integrated financial systems and/or other types of records management systems.
Ability to interpret and follow instructions and policy guidelines; analyze financial and statistical data and draw conclusions; utilize problem solving techniques; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; communicate effetely with others inside and outside the unit, including conveying technical information to non-accountants.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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.
SPECIALIZED SKILLS
Ability to: quickly and independently research, learn and implement State Administrative Manual requirements (SAM) and California State University Policy requirements; learn and apply laws, rules, and procedures related to governmental accounting; interpret and follow instructions and policy guidelines. Familiarity with, have knowledge of, or possess the ability to quickly acquire a thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles. Excellent customer service skills and ability to communicate in a professional and effective manner. Demonstrated experience using financial systems including general ledger, accounts payable module, and asset management module, including querying data, accurately and efficiently using PeopleSoft/Common Financial System and Finance Data Warehouse, or equivalent. Ability to quickly and independently research and implement CSU and CSUMB policies and procedures, as well as CSU Legal and GAAP Manual guidance. Proactive approach and forward thinking. Demonstrated ability to address the essential functions associated with this position including knowledge, skills and abilities identified above.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Technical fluency with Oracle/PeopleSoft, CSU Common Management System or equivalent <student/finance> information system; Microsoft Office Professional; Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, Forms, etc.); 25Live; intranet drives; and internet browsers.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & POSITION DESIGNATIONS
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Office environment with standard equipment and tasks. The position requires working at a computer and desk for extended periods of time. May require travel between campus offices and off-campus locations.
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. While on campus, students, faculty, staff, and the community will be expected to follow all campus safety mandates.
BENEFITS/PERKS
CSUMB offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, dental and vision plans; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS); and 15 paid holidays a year. For more information, visit the Employee Benefits Summary The University Corporation at Monterey Bay also provides access to affordable housing near main campus. The allocation of housing is subject to several factors, including availability, eligibility criteria, and specific program guidelines. For more information, visit: https://csumb.edu/corporation/employee-housing
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To receive full consideration, applicants must complete and submit the required online application by the priority screening date listed on the Careers at CSUMB website. Applications received after this date may be reviewed at the University’s discretion. All submitted materials become the property of CSUMB and will not be returned.
CSUMB is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Human Resources at (831) 582-3389 or emailing humanresources@csumb.edu
All employees must be eligible for employment in the U.S.
Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
GENERAL INFORMATION
CSUMB hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States and is an E-Verify employer. In compliance with federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics, you can view the notice of availability and access the Cal State University, Monterey Bay annual security and fire safety reports at https://csumb.edu/clery/asr-and-fsr-notices-availability/
CSUMB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
CSUMB is an Equal Opportunity employer seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. We consider qualified applicants for employment for their anticipated contributions and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

The California State University is the nation's largest four-year public university system, providing transformational opportunities for upward mobility to more than 450,000 students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. More than half of CSU students are people of color, and nearly one-third of them are first-generation college students.
Because the CSU's 23 universities provide a high-quality education at an incredible value, they are rated among the best in the nation for promoting social mobility in national college rankings from U.S. News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal and Washington Monthly.
The CSU powers California and the nation, sending nearly 127,000 career-ready graduates into the workforce each year. In fact, one in every 20 Americans holding a college degree earned it at the CSU.
Learn more at https://www.calstate.edu/