Job Description

CLASSIFICATION TITLE Accountant II

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT: This position will remain open until filled.

UNION CODE: R09

TEMPORARY END DATE: This position is temporary and ends on or before December 31, 2026. Any continuation beyond December 31, 2026 is contingent upon satisfactory performance and available funding.

FT/PT: Full-time

PAY PLAN: 12-month

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

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: Step 1 $5,178 - Step 4 $5,495

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

CSU CLASSIFICATION SALARY RANGE: $5,178 - $7,543

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, 15 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 the Director of Payment Services, the Accountant II performs the day-to-day financial and managerial accounting and financial reporting activities related to expenses and accounts payable. The position independently performs professional accounting work requiring a thorough knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards. Responsibilities include completing account reconciliations, preparing journal entries, identifying and solving moderately complex accounting issues, financial analysis, variance analysis, developing financial statements and reports, interpreting new and existing federal and state regulations, and recommending changes to and assisting with the documentation and maintenance of business processes and procedures.

The Accountant II is responsible for maintaining accuracy and reporting integrity, preparing analysis and forecasts to support management decision making and follow-up, preparing 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 Program.

Additionally, the Accountant II will be responsible for providing 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

• Perform, review, and analyze the full range of accounting and financial activities in accordance with established policies and procedures to ensure compliance with various policies, timely recordkeeping, proper accounting treatment, and accurate reporting.
• Analyze financial transactions and reports for correct coding, appropriateness, and completeness.
• Recommend and prepare adjustments, journal entries, reports, and transfers of expenditures.
• Review SAM18, accounts payable accounts, and clearing accounts for accuracy and reasonableness.
• Complete schedules for various business units, funds, and accounts for monthly reporting and the annual audit.
• Prepare fluctuation analysis (actuals vs prior year, actuals vs budget, actual vs projections).
• Frequently provide timely and accurate information in response to customer inquiries and reporting that evidences a thorough understanding of GAAP, compliance, and policy.
• Maintain, reconcile, and update monthly schedules for financial reporting.
• Assist with developing, maintaining, completing, and reviewing detailed schedules.
• Assist with developing, maintaining, and completing accurate financial records.
• 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.
• Assist in the compilation, review and/or preparation of monthly use tax and 1099 reporting.
• 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

• 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.
• Adhere to legal, regulatory, and/or policy requirements, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Maintain all databases and software related to reporting needs.
• Prepare financial statements, supporting schedules, and footnotes in support of the annual audit.
• Prepare budget variance statements, supporting schedules, and notes in support of management reporting.

Other Accounting Duties

• Review existing accounting processes and procedures and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and ensure compliance with established standards.
• Assist with the documentation and maintenance of accounting procedures and business processes.
• Help train campus users with Payment Services processes and procedures.
• Provide lead

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two (2) years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA’s) –

• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• 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.
• General understanding of internal control methods.
• Ability to apply accounting principles to the analysis of complex accounting problems.
• Ability to analyze and interpret accounting data and prepare clear, accurate financial statements and reports.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques in finding solutions to complex accounting problems.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and principles.
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations regarding accounting activities.
• Strong skills in communicating effectively with others inside and outside the unit, including conveying technical information to non-Accountants.
• Proficiency with query tools, integrated financial systems and/or other types of records management systems.
• Working knowledge of financial statement process and Board reporting processes.
• Ability to prepare financial statements and reports.
• 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.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
• 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, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure.
• 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.

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.
• Change management skills and experience.
• Knowledge of integrated ERP systems.
• Demonstrated skills in a higher education institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

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

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.

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 seven 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 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.

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.

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.

The California State University (“CSU”), including California State University, Bakersfield is committed to an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect. All students and employees have the right to participate fully in CSU programs, activities, admission, and employment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and retaliation. The CSU Nondiscrimination Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any protected status, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, prohibited consensual relationships, and retaliation.

Campus contact for our Nondiscrimination policy is Allan Williams, Associate Vice President of Civil Rights & Compliance, (661) 654-2713.