Accountant II

Accountant II Position Overview Under the general supervision of the Director of Payment Services, the Accountant II performs day‑to‑day financial and managerial accounting and financial reporting activities related to expenses and accounts payable. The role requires thorough knowledge of GAAP, FASB, and GASB, and includes responsibilities such as account reconciliations, journal entries, financial analysis, variance analysis, development of financial statements, compliance reporting, and support for new system implementations. Duties & Responsibilities Perform, review, and analyze accounting and financial activities to ensure compliance with policies and accurate reporting. Analyze financial transactions and reports for correct coding, completeness, and appropriateness. Recommend and prepare adjustments, journal entries, reports, and transfers of expenditures. Review system accounts for accuracy and reasonableness. Complete schedules for business units, funds, and accounts for monthly reporting and annual audit. Prepare fluctuation analyses (actual vs prior year, budget, and projections). Provide timely information in response to inquiries, demonstrating a thorough understanding of GAAP, compliance, and policy. Maintain, reconcile, and update monthly schedules for financial reporting. Assist with audits, public record act requests, legal year‑end close, and other audit schedules. Help compile and review monthly use‑tax and 1099 reporting. Provide technical advice and customer service to campus constituents. Assist in coordinating and producing reports for CSU stakeholders and external auditors. Adhere to legal, regulatory, and policy requirements for accurate reporting. Maintain databases and software related to reporting needs. Prepare financial statements, supporting schedules, and footnotes for annual audit. Prepare budget variance statements and supporting schedules for management reporting. Recommend improvements to accounting processes to enhance efficiency and compliance. Assist with documentation and maintenance of accounting procedures. Help train campus users in Payment Services processes. Provide leadership and guidance on accounting policies and procedures. Required Qualifications Education and Experience: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field plus two (2) years of relevant experience. Substitution of education for experience and vice versa is allowed on a year‑for‑year basis. An advanced degree may substitute for required experience. Skills, Knowledge & Abilities Attendance and reliability. Thorough knowledge of GAAP, FASB, GASB, internal controls, and statistical presentation of data. Ability to apply accounting principles to complex problems. Financial analysis and reporting skills. Problem‑solving in complex accounting issues. Understanding and application of rules, regulations, and policies. Decision‑making and recommendation skills. Effective communication with staff and external stakeholders. Proficiency with query tools, financial systems, and record‑management systems. Knowledge of financial statement and Board reporting processes. Customer service experience with diplomacy and professionalism. Confidentiality handling and high level of discretion. Strong organizational and time‑management skills. Computer competency (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, online systems). Willingness to travel and attend off‑site training. Capacity for occasional holiday work and flexible hours. Preferred Qualifications Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Master’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field. Experience with PeopleSoft, Oracle, Concur Travel & Expense, or Jaggaer systems. Change management skills. Knowledge of integrated ERP systems and higher‑education context. Physical Demands Mostly sedentary work; minimal walking and standing; lifting light weight objects up to 15 pounds. Pay and Benefits Pay: $5,178 – $7,543 monthly. Benefits include health, dental, vision plans; retirement participation in CalPERS; CSU tuition waiver; up to 24 vacation days per year; sick leave with unlimited accrual; 15 paid holidays per year. EEO Statement The California State University, Bakersfield is committed to an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect. All employees are entitled to work free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. #J-18808-Ljbffr