Job Title

Accountant III

Classification

Accountant III

AutoReqId

544904

Department

Accounting and Financial Reporting

Division

Associate Vice President of Financial Services

Salary Range

Classification Range $5,779 - $11,153 per month

(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $5,779 - $7,123 per month)

Appointment Type

Ongoing

Time Base

Full Time

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)

About CSUF

Standing on 241 acres in the heart of Southern California, the University was founded in 1957 and has grown into a population of over 40,000 students. As Titans, we believe that diverse perspectives deepen our understanding. We are committed to giving students the support they need to graduate, while responding to California’s revolving work force needs. At Cal State Fullerton we strive for continual improvement of students, staff, faculty, and administrators through orientations, training programs, and professional development opportunities. As part of the Titan Community, you have access to many campus facilities and services including but not limited to the Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana, the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton, cultural events and performances in the Clayes Performing Arts Center, Cal State Fullerton Athletics sports events, Titan Recreation Center, and the Employee Wellness Program.

Job Summary

It is an exciting time to join Cal State Fullerton as we are an in demand comprehensive University that is driven to shape the future of education and foster a vibrant community of diverse students, faculty, staff, and administrators who uphold values of inclusive excellence, free speech, and an environment free from discrimination. We are continuously seeking individuals from various career disciplines that share the University’s mission and core values. We warmly welcome you to consider joining the Titan Community where minds expand and opportunities flourish.  

About the Position: 

The Division of Administration and Finance serves as the backbone of the CSUF campus, managing a wide array of operations from maintaining and enhancing university buildings and grounds to providing important business support services. Campus beautification, classroom improvements, and technological advancements, continue to be a priority as we enhance the learning environment and facilities. It is the mission of the Division to provide customer-focused administrative support and steward our physical and financial resources to fulfill the university’s mission and support student success. Partnership with our diverse campus community and its many stakeholders are important in helping our operations provide excellent customer service and results. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Accountant III. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to diversity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Accounting Services and Financial Reporting (ASFR) prepares financial statements for the University and is responsible for various financial reporting to the State Controller's Office, CSU Office of the Chancellor, and other outside entities. ASFR also facilitates various external audits that includes, but is not limited to, single audit, financial statements audit, etc. We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our team as an Accountant III. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind that is characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to diversity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Reporting to the Director of Accounting Services and Financial Reporting, the Accountant III performs advanced professional accounting work requiring a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and practices and substantial judgment and discretion. Reviews the work of clerical, technical or professional employees engaged in accounting, financial record-keeping or financial reporting work. Duties include the following: ensure that assigned accounting reporting systems and procedures are in compliance with established administrative policies and procedures and acceptable accounting standards; interpret financial reports and statements and identify problem areas; prepare complex financial statements and reports; analyze account balances and reconcile balances to external data; analyze accounting control procedures and recommend changes or modifications; recommend and implement changes to the documentation and maintenance of business processes, standards and procedures; provide technical advice and consultation to campus community; represent the university to external organizations on specific issues; participate in year-end closing process and compiles information necessary for the preparation of campus financial statements; assists in financial reporting and analysis of the financial data of both legal and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) ledgers and all component units. In addition, the Accountant III monitors financial reporting compliance, conducts technical research on new and upcoming accounting pronouncements, and provides support in implementing accounting and financial reporting guidance to the component units. Also serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for the Common Finance System (CFS) for Billing and Accounts Receivable (AR) subsystems. May provide lead work direction to accountants and budget analysts from other departments on campus. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year college or university in accounting, business administration or a closely related field or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Extensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and practices, office methods and procedures, the 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. Ability to learn and apply laws, rules and procedures related to governmental accounting. Ability to interpret and follow instructions and policy guidelines, analyze financial and statistical data, and draw sound conclusions. Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques and operate calculating machines, personal computers, and/or automated accounting systems. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to prepare complex financial statements and reports. Ability to understand and interpret laws and rules. Ability to communicate effectively with others inside and outside of the unit, including conveying complex and technical professionalism accounting information to non-Accountants.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and 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 complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.  

Preferred Qualifications

CSU experience in accounting and financial reporting. Master’s degree in accounting or closely related field. Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including GAAP requirements. Technical abilities to effectively use an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Finance system such as PeopleSoft. Familiarity with PeopleSoft modules (General Ledger, Asset Management and Accounts Payable) and data warehouse. Expertise with PeopleSoft Billing, Accounts Receivable and CSU Chargebacks. Advanced experience with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (such as pivot tables, macros, formulas, etc.). Re-engineering experience and abilities. Technical abilities to establish metrics for operational unit and programs that measure effectiveness of contributions to achieve department goals. CPA is preferred but not required.

Special Working Conditions

Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

Additional Information

California State University, Fullerton celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing the University’s strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

The person holding this position is considered a general mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirement outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017.

Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.

Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.  

Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration. 

California State University, Fullerton is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (i.e., H1-B Visas).

Hiring Preference

On-Campus CSUEU Employees