Accountant II

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

San Diego State University is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Accountant II to support financial aid operations, reporting, and compliance across campus programs. This role ensures accurate accounting practices, supports complex reconciliations, and provides guidance to departments while maintaining alignment with federal, state, and CSU regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Compliance
Perform financial analyses and calculations, reconciliations, journal entries, and reporting for areas such as grants, student financial aid, revenue, reimbursements, and collections. Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulations per Department of Education, and California Student Aid Commision; interpret campus and system wide policies and recommend updates to processes and procedures. Troubleshoot complex accounting issues, resolve discrepancies, and prepare accurate financial statements and reports. Provide consultative support to campus departments and collaborate with external agencies (e.g., State Controller’s Office, CSU Chancellor’s Office).

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two 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.
• Ability to manage a significant workload with overlapping deadlines and multiple deliverables.
• Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate, and perform significant workload in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved.
• Four years of progressively responsible governmental accounting experience, preferably in the higher education industry.
• Proficient with office products including spreadsheets and word processing software.
• Strong research and problem solving skills.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Student Financial Aid experience is highly preferred.
• Experience with an integrated financial system such as Oracle eBusiness Suite and PeopleSoft Campus Solutions preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform financial analyses and calculations, reconciliations, journal entries, and reporting for areas such as grants, student financial aid, revenue, reimbursements, and collections.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulations per Department of Education, and California Student Aid Commision
• Interpret campus and system wide policies and recommend updates to processes and procedures.
• Troubleshoot complex accounting issues, resolve discrepancies, and prepare accurate financial statements and reports.
• Provide consultative support to campus departments and collaborate with external agencies (e.g., State Controller’s Office, CSU Chancellor’s Office).

Benefits

• Generous Time Off : 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement : CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage : Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support : CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings : FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community : Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees