Accountant I

Classification Title: Accountant I Union Code: R09 Employment Status: Full-time Pay Plan: 12-month Workplace Type: On-site (work in-person at business location) Anticipated Hiring Range: Step 1 $4,570 – Step 4 $4,850 CSU Classification Salary Range: Step 1 $4,570 – Step 20 $6,658 Pay Basis: Monthly Benefits: CSUB offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes medical plans, 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 direct supervision of the Directors of Budgeting, Accounting & Reporting Services, Athletics, Student Affairs & SEM and the Director of Budgeting & Accounting, University Advancement, the Accountant I assists with 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 application of accounting principles and practices to resolve accounting functions and problems. The accountant completes account reconciliations, preparation of journal entries, inter‑fund accounting, solves moderate accounting issues, and performs financial analysis related to Student Affairs operations. The position assists in maintaining accuracy and reporting integrity, preparing analysis, preparing Board reports, and other reporting activities needed for compliance. Additionally, the Accountant I assists with other Financial Services projects assigned under Campus Accounting, Student Financial Services and Sponsored Programs Administration. Duties & Responsibilities General 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 established policies, timely record‑keeping, and appropriate accounting treatment. Assist with other financial services projects as assigned under Campus Accounting, Student Financial Services, and Sponsored Programs Administration. Provide service to customers by answering questions and providing timely, accurate information, and ensuring appropriate follow‑through and resolution. 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, vs budget, or vs projections). Provide initial troubleshooting of financial systems problems and participate in the design, installation, and testing of financial system upgrades. May provide training, guidance, and assistance to other professional or technical staff on occasion. Maintain accurate financial records. Reporting Duties Assist in the coordination, development, and production of various reports to meet customer (Trustee, Board of Directors, Chancellor's Office, Cabinet, management/deans, donors, internal and external auditors) needs and legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and compliance with GAAP. Adhere to legal, regulatory, and 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 & 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 of data for the annual UBIT return, quarterly sales, and use tax returns. Perform other tax-related duties such as research and policy revision as assigned. Required Qualifications Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field or year-for-year substituted education and experience. General knowledge of GAAP, office methods, procedures, and statistical and mathematical presentation of data. Ability to apply appropriate accounting treatment to financial transactions. Advanced proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, web browsers, query tools, integrated financial systems, and other records management systems. Ability to interpret policy guidelines, follow instructions, analyze financial and statistical data, and draw conclusions. Problem‑solving skills and ability to convey technical information to non‑accountants. Internal control understanding, financial statement process, and Board reporting processes. Customer service experience with a high level of diplomacy and professionalism. Tact and diplomacy to handle sensitive interpersonal situations and conflicts. Effective communication and writing skills, including English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage multiple assignments with fluctuating deadlines. Excellent computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, online systems, Internet, and email. Working knowledge or ability to learn University infrastructure. Willingness to travel, attend training programs off‑site, and work overtime or holidays as needed. Preferred Qualifications One or two years of accounting experience in a higher education setting. Demonstrated customer‑oriented skills in an institutional or educational environment. Physical Demands SEDENTARY WORK – mainly sitting; minimal walking and standing; lifting light weights limited to 15 pounds. Screening Only applicants possessing experience most directly related to the office’s immediate needs will be invited to appear before a Qualifications Appraisal Board. Background Check Satisfactory completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, is required for employment. The conditional offer may be rescinded if disqualifying information is revealed or if the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check may affect continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. Education Code 89521 Requirements Applicants must disclose whether they have received a final administrative or judicial decision determining sexual harassment within the last seven years after meeting minimum qualifications and prior to extending an offer. Applicants will sign a release form authorizing release of information from current or former employers regarding substantiated allegations. Sensitive Position Position is designated as sensitive due to potential harm to children, workplace safety, or increased financial risk to CSU. General Information California State University, Bakersfield hires only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Required documentation to verify employment rights will be requested. CSU employees must sign the Oath of Allegiance or Declaration of Permission to Work as applicable. EEO/Non‑Discrimination Statement California State University, 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, or retaliation. The CSU Nondiscrimination Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any protected status. Campus contact for the Nondiscrimination policy is Allan Williams, Associate Vice President of Civil Rights & Compliance, View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr