Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Accountant II to support campus financial operations through reconciliations, reporting, compliance, and consultative services. This role ensures adherence to accounting standards while identifying and resolving complex financial issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounting Operations & Reporting
  • Ensure financial transactions comply with accounting standards, policies, and procedures; recommend corrective or preventative actions as needed.
  • Prepare and reconcile financial statements, reports, schedules, and year-end or quarterly reports.
  • Troubleshoot discrepancies and provide consultative guidance to departments on resolving accounting issues.
  • Interpret and apply federal and state regulations; recommend and document improvements to business processes and procedures.
  • Collaborate with campus partners, auxiliaries, and external agencies such as the State Controller’s Office and CSU Chancellor’s Office.
    
    
• Training, Support & Other Duties
  • Participate in backup roles as needed and complete other assigned duties to support department operations.
  • Offer technical direction and assistance to professional and administrative staff.

Why Join Us?

• Play a vital role in maintaining the financial integrity of a major public university.
• Collaborate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Use your accounting expertise to support regulatory compliance and campus operations.
• Help shape efficient financial practices through insight, accuracy, and innovation.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date 12 months after start date, with the possibility of reappointment.
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.  
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 2 days per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

San Diego State University is a dynamic and exciting organization and is one of 22 campuses in the California State University (CSU) System.  The Division of Business and Financial Affairs (BFA) is at the heart of some of the larger projects on campus in recent years, including the construction of Snapdragon Stadium, as well as the implementation of my.SDSU.  As part of BFA, the Department of Financial Operations is responsible for the financial and budgetary controls and procedures of the University and is directly responsible to the Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs. The Associate Vice President for Financial Operations has responsibility for Audit, Budget and Finance, Financial Operations, Procure-to-Pay, Shared Services, and the University Controller’s Office, which includes the University Bursar’s Office, Tax, Accounting Services, Financial Reporting, and Financial Systems Management and Analysis.

The University Controller’s Office is responsible for the maintenance of the University’s general and subsidiary ledgers for all the operating and self-supporting funds. The University Controller’s Office oversees and coordinates the reconciliation and reporting of all financial transactions of the University. Additional oversight includes expenditure transactions processed within Accounts Payable; cash receipts, student reconciliations and records, financial aid disbursement transactions, and collection activity managed by the University Bursar’s Office. The University Controller’s Office is responsible for internal and external reporting, including Legal/Budgetary Basis, Financial Information Record Management System (FIRMS), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The University Controller reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Financial Operations.

Accounting Services is responsible for analyzing, reviewing, recording, and reconciling all transactional activity received from the sub-ledger modules into the general ledger. Reconciliation of general ledger data is performed on a monthly basis with a high degree of accuracy. Accounting Services provides assistance to departments, staff, and administrators in understanding and resolving any issues with transactions and department-level accounts.

For more information regarding the Department of Financial Operations, click here.

Education and Experience

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.

Key Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB); office methods and procedures; and 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 understanding of internal control methods.
• Experience applying accounting principles to the analysis of complex accounting problems.
• Ability to analyze and interpret accounting data; prepare clear, accurate financial statements and reports.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques in finding solutions to complex accounting problems; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and principles.
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations regarding accounting activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and Strong skills in communicating effectively with others inside and outside the unit, including conveying technical information to non-Accountants.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 11 $6,312 for highly qualified candidates.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,178 – $7,543 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• 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.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by March 1, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU 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 SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Sophia Faulk at srfaulk@sdsu.edu.