Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Accounting Services, the Accountant II will utilize professional judgment to independently perform the full range of professional accounting work which requires a thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The incumbent will apply accounting principles to the analysis of complex accounting problems; analyze and interpret accounting data; analyze and interpret financial aid data; reconcile financial aid and related funds, student accounts, units and fees; prepare journal entries; prepare clear, accurate financial statements and reports; prepare schedules and audit support, utilize problem-solving techniques in finding solutions to complex accounting problems and discrepancies; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and principles; make decisions and recommendations regarding accounting activities; communicate effectively with others inside and outside the unit, including conveying technical information to non-Accountants.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. This position is designated 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.

The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The University Controller is responsible for the maintenance of the University’s budgetary, receipt, and disbursement (expenditure) general and subsidiary ledgers for all general and self-supporting funds. The University Controller oversees and coordinates the analysis, reconciliation, and reporting of all financial transactions of the University. Additional oversight includes expenditure transactions processed within Accounts Payable; cash receipt and student financial records and reconciliations maintained by the University Cashier’s Office; student financial aid disbursement transactions managed by the University Bursar’s Office; and collection activity managed by University Collections. The University Controller 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 the analysis, review, recording and reconciliation of all transactional activity that feeds in from the subledger modules and ultimately resides in the General Ledger. Utilizing the highest degree of accuracy, analysis and reconciliation are performed on General Ledger data on a regular basis. Accounting Services provides assistance to departments, staff and administrators in understanding and resolving any issues with transactions and department level accounting.

Education and Experience

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.

Equivalent to two years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience.

Key Qualifications

• Active license as a Certified Public Accountant is preferred.
• Four years of progressively responsible governmental accounting experience, preferably in the higher education industry.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills. Ability to manage a significant workload with multiple deliverables by prioritizing assignments.
• Experience working with the Oracle eBusiness Suite and PeopleSoft Campus Solutions.
• Thorough 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.
• Working knowledge of federal student financial aid annual reporting requirements, and quarterly grant reporting requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $6,000 per month.

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,452 - $8,592 per month.

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. For more information, click here.

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.

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on February 8, 2024. To receive full consideration, apply by February 7, 2024. 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.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Michelle Puentes at mpuentes2@sdsu.edu