Accounting Manager

Accounting Manager

The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

The Finance and Accounting Department of the San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) provides financial and administrative support services to researchers. These services include purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashiering, property, general ledger, and risk management.

We are seeking an experienced candidate to facilitate the month-end and year-end maintenance of the financial information system. As a member of the Finance and Accounting team, the accounting manager will maintain records necessary for proper accounting and control of general ledger transactions. In addition, the role is responsible for accounts receivable, fixed assets, leases, and risk management. Participate in the design of accounting and finance functions of the Foundation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee core accounting operations, including accounts receivable, cash application, collections, revenue recognition (including deferred revenue), and monthly reconciliations to ensure accuracy between subsidiary records and the general ledger.
• Manage month-end close activities in coordination with the controller, including review of trial balance accounts, identification and correction of discrepancies, and support of financial accuracy and completeness.
• Oversee account reconciliation activities, including bank accounts (operating, payroll, and other designated accounts), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with financial records and systems.
• Manage fixed asset and lease accounting functions, including the administration, recording, reporting, and maintenance of related financial records in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Oversee risk management and associated compliance activities in coordination with the accounts receivable coordinator, ensuring appropriate administration and support across the organization.
• Review insurance renewals, cost allocation, and registration administration activities, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements and support of organizational operations.
• Oversee business property reporting, census reporting, and tax exemption filing activities, ensuring accurate documentation, timely submissions, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Support audit and financial reporting requirements, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, and analysis for annual and special audits.
• Other duties as assigned.

Interpersonal Contacts

• Reports to the controller and, under general direction, perform such actions as may be necessary to fulfill assigned responsibilities.
• Interacts with central office staff, government agencies, bank or investment firm representatives, independent auditors, and other vendors.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise and provide guidance to one or more accounting team members.

Qualifications Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field.
• Six years of progressive responsibility in accounting and financial recordkeeping.
• Hands-on experience with Workday preferred.
• Experience in supervising and managing support staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), with understanding of nonprofit accounting and federal grant regulations, including OMB circulars; familiarity with audit practices and federal auditing standards, including single audit requirements preferred.
• Strong analytical skills in reviewing, reconciling, and interpreting complex financial data, with the ability to draw sound conclusions and prepare accurate financial reports and supporting documentation.
• Ability to apply sound independent judgment within established guidelines, demonstrating initiative in resolving accounting issues and ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines with minimal supervision, and maintain effective working relationships across teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word and Excel) and other financial systems such as Workday, with strong mathematical and data analysis skills.

Complexity of Duties

• Works on problems of moderate scope and complexity, exercising discretion, and independent judgment within established procedures and practices to determine appropriate actions.
• Work is performed under general supervision on assigned tasks and is subject to regular review to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to operate a personal computer, including mouse and keyboard, and use standard office equipment such as a ten-key adding machine.
• Requires visual acuity for extended and concentrated computer use.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods while performing desk-based work.

Please note: This position is considered a "sensitive" position by SJSURF and CSU policy. Consequently, the successful candidate must undergo and successfully complete the Live Scan (fingerprinting) background check as a condition of their employment. This background check must be completed before the actual start of employment.

Note: This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.

Compensation Range: $115,000-$125,000 annually Exempt, Benefited

The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).
• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.
• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.
• 14 paid federal & state holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.
• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.
• Employee discounts.
• Paid training and professional-development conferences.

Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information.

To apply for this position, an applicant must submit a formal application for employment. Select "Apply" to complete the SJSURF online employment application via Workday.

The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information.

About the SJSU Research Foundation: SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San José State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization's funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities.