Accountant II

California State University, Bakersfield • Bakersfield, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees