Accountant III (Repost) (530134)

Description:

Working Title: Accountant III

Classification Title: Accountant III

Department Name: Financial Services

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12 month

Bargaining Unit: 9, CSUEU

Employment Type: Probationary/Permanent

Salary Range:

• Hiring salary is anticipated at $6,250 - $7,083 per month commensurate with education and experience.
• CSU Salary Range: $5,242 - $10,116 per month.

Benefits: Premium benefit package includes outstanding health, dental and vision plans; life and disability insurances; pension (CalPERS); tuition fee waiver; and 14 paid holidays per year. See our benefits website for additional information.

Application Deadline: Open until filled. A review of applications will begin Friday, August 4, 2023. and the review period may end at any time thereafter.

Position Summary: The Financial Services Department provides accounting services to the University's students, staff, faculty, and Auxiliary Organizations. These services include but are not limited to cashiering, student accounts, accounts receivable, accounts payable, general accounting, financial aid, post award grants and contracts, financial reporting, and asset management/property accounting. Financial Services is responsible for ensuring that all accounting, reporting, and reconciliation functions are performed in accordance with applicable law and policy while providing the highest level of service to the campus community.

Under the direction of the Accounting Manager, the Accountant III uses advanced accounting concepts and campus objectives to resolve highly complex issues. Regularly works on highly complex accounting assignments that are of diverse scope requiring analysis of identifiable factors using multiple accounting and financial sources. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, completing analysis and developing recommendations. Normally receives little instruction on day-to-day work, with general instructions provided on new or unique accounting assignments. Interacts with senior internal and external personnel on matters of some significance to the accounting organization. Recommends changes to department policies and practices. Identifies risks and responds accordingly. Provides priority setting and work flow analysis.

The Accountant III participates in all aspects of supporting the mission and goals of California State University Maritime Academy and its Auxiliary Organizations and plays an active role in working and collaborating within the Administration and Finance Division. The incumbent performs the full range of accounting services related to the daily business operations across all campus business units.

About California State University Maritime Academy:

Established in 1929, California State University Maritime Academy, a campus of the California State University, is the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast. Located on the scenic Vallejo waterfront, the campus serves a student population of approximately 1000 undergraduates and 50 graduate students.

Cal Maritime offers seven baccalaureate degrees in Business Administration, Global Studies and Maritime Affairs, Facilities Engineering Technology, Marine Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Transportation and Oceanography. The undergraduate curriculum includes licensing programs for future merchant marine, coast guard and naval reserve officers. Cal Maritime also offers a Master of Science in Transportation and Engineering Management degree, as well as a number of extended learning programs and courses.

Major Responsibilities:

Interpret and evaluate the University's accounting policies to assure compliance with the policies of the State Controller's Office, the CSU Chancellor's Office and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Ensure that all accounting activities are carried out in accordance with established policies and procedures. Prepare complex accounting and financial reports including applicable reporting models and supporting schedules and lead sheets. Extract, analyze and integrate financial information to accurately meet reporting requirements. Compile, prepare, and interpret complex financial statements in response to internal and external requirements. Reconcile, analyze and prepare journal entries for various accounts, including, but not limited to: faculty accruals, compensated leave time, prepaid expenses, library collections, capitalized leases, accounts receivable, allowance for bad debts, inventories, reclassification of Fund Balance Clearing accounts, self insurance claims liability, expenditure accrual, and deferred revenues. Assist in preparation and coordination of annual audit functions in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, including preparation of all supporting schedules and reports. Assist in the preparation of the audited financial reports of the University including reports to the State of California, Chancellor's Office, and university management. Interface with all the departments of the University to gather and analyze financial information for the financial statement preparation. Prepare working papers to convert legal basis data into financial statements using the accrual basis of accounting. Interface with the Chancellor's Office for the year-end pass down journal entries. Coordinate with campus departments, auxiliary organizations and operations in recording of financial information. Assist in the Peoplesoft year-end closing process. Develop and implement methods and work procedures to ensure proper accounting classification and reporting of financial data for systemwide and accounting standards.

Participates in the development, implementation, and monitoring of accounting systems, policies and procedures. Defines and maintains chart of account values and PeopleSoft related trees. Uses automated systems to perform account and financial analyses, improve and enhance system usage. Create formal and ad hoc reports in response to requests. Analyze systems and processes to develop improved functionality and process flows and to recommend future system enhancements to improve reporting capabilities. Provide audit compliance and safeguarding of assets to ensure adequate and effective internal controls. Facilitate finance system implementations and upgrades. Create and update documentation related to areas of responsibility. Develop Peoplesoft financial reporting writing techniques for GAAP statements, financial reports, audit reporting schedules and other internal reporting needs.

Interpret, organize and present information and make recommendations for improved reporting and business processes. Provide input to strategic objectives as they relate to financial matters and lead efforts in response to systemwide initiatives. Work/coordinate with individuals at all levels of the organization and represent the department on key projects. Applies advanced accounting concepts to perform highly complex technical analysis to understand past performance and determine present and future performance and/or resource allocations.

Facilitate Accounting Department operations in the absence of the Accounting Manager and University Controller.

Required Qualifications:

Education - Equivalent to a bachelor's degree with a major in accounting, business administration, finance or a closely related field OR a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Experience - Equivalent to five years of professional level accounting experience. Extensive experience in financial statement preparation using applicable reporting models and preparing supporting schedules and lead sheets preferred.

Knowledge - Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); office methods and procedures; statistical and mathematical presentation of data; advanced proficiency with current word processing and spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, query tools, integrated financial systems and/or other types of records management systems. General knowledge of governmental accounting and internal control methods and related laws, rules, and regulations. Working knowledge of federal student financial aid annual reporting requirements, and quarterly grant reporting requirements.

Abilities - In addition to those at the Accountant I and II levels, ability to prepare complex financial statements and reports; understand and interpret laws and rules; communicate effectively with others inside and outside the unit, including conveying complex and technical professional accounting information to non-Accountants.

Preferred Qualifications:

Licenses - CPA License preferred.

Peoplesoft experience and advanced Excel skills are highly desirable. Comprehensive understanding of CSU policies and procedures and compliance issues and all pertinent laws and regulations impacting CSU's accounting and financial operations. Some experience in a public entity, preferably higher education, with multiple internal and external reporting requirements is preferred.

Special Conditions:

Physical, Mental and Environmental Conditions: Involves mainly sitting; walking and standing is minimal; involves lifting lightweight objects limited to 15 pounds.

Hours of work/ Travel: Some travel may occur outside of normal business hours for training.

Background Check: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check and fingerprinting) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Eligibility to Work: Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States within three days of the date of hire.

Title IX: Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix

EEO Statement: Cal Maritime is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. The university subscribes to all state and federal regulations and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity/gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, medical condition, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable Accommodations will be provided to applicants with qualifying disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Benefits Coordinator at (707) 654-1146.

Application Procedure: Click "APPLY NOW" to complete the Cal Maritime Online Employment Application and attach the following documents: cover letter and resume.

Disclaimer: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained may be modified or changed.
Closing Date/Time: Open until filled