Accountant Job at California State University, Monterey Bay in Monterey

Classification: Accountant I

Hours: Full-time / 40 hours per week

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $4,756 - $5,250/mo.

CSUMB Salary Schedule: CSUMB provides pay scales representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, and CSU systemwide pay for comparable jobs.

Priority Screening Date: October 21, 2025

Recruitment Status: Open Until Filled

About CSUMB: California State University, Monterey Bay is a mid-sized university in California’s Central Coast that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. CSUMB is part of the nation’s largest four-year public university system, California State University, which educates nearly 460,000 students every year. CSUMB is a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution with a focus on student success and engagement, experiential learning, multicultural and global perspectives. CSUMB’s sustainability goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030. The university’s Strategic Plan prioritizes inclusive excellence through recruiting and investing in a diverse body of faculty, staff and administrators.

Purpose: Under the supervision of the Associate University Controller, and under the lead direction of the General Accounting Team Lead, the General Accountant applies knowledge of GAAP in classifying, examining and analyzing financial transactions. The incumbent performs diverse duties requiring comprehensive knowledge of governmental financial record-keeping methods and practices, initiative, analysis and judgment to make decisions consistent with standard practice and established policies (CSU, State, Federal, etc.).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responsible for the completion of reconciliations which may include Banking, Unclaimed Property, ACH, Check Register Log, Interagency Financial Transactions, Travel Advances, Salary Advances, Outstanding Checks, Daily Cash Deposit Report, and Fund Balance Clearing. Analyzes and compiles data used in the preparation of such reconciliations.
• Records and uploads journal entries which may include Interagency Financial Transactions, ADNOATS, ACH and e-Refunds, and year-end analysis and adjusting journal entry tasks, as assigned.
• Creates and updates spreadsheets to record daily deposits, ACH, and check registers. Prepares reports as requested. Analyzes and summarizes financial statements.
• Examines and reviews documents for alignment with accuracy, validity, and adherence to standards and policies (CSU, State, Federal, etc.), including stop payment forms, invoices for overlooked use tax. Evaluates discrepancies and investigates appropriately. Corrects errors as needed.
• Analyzes, records and reconciles escheated payroll checks and stale dated checks, which may require further research to update correct information as applicable.
• Generates routine financial reports and statements and/or analysis requiring understanding and interpretation of GAAP.
• Helps prepare, review, revise, and communicate established University and departmental policies and procedures to faculty, staff, and the general public.

Other Functions: Perform other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities: General knowledge of 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. Ability to interpret and follow instructions and policy guidelines; analyze financial and statistical data and draw conclusions; utilize problem solving techniques; establish and maintain effective working relationships; communicate effectively with others inside and outside the unit, including conveying technical information to non-accountants.

Minimum Qualifications: 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.

Specialized Skills: Ability to quickly and independently research, learn and implement State Administrative Manual requirements (SAM) and CSU Policy requirements; learn and apply laws, rules, and procedures related to governmental accounting; interpret and follow instructions and policy guidelines. Familiarity with, have knowledge of, or possess the ability to quickly acquire thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles. Excellent customer service skills and ability to communicate professionally. Demonstrated experience using financial systems including general ledger, accounts payable module, and asset management module, including querying data, and using PeopleSoft/Common Financial System and Finance Data Warehouse, or equivalent. Ability to quickly and independently research and implement CSU and CSUMB policies and procedures, as well as CSU Legal and GAAP Manual guidance. Proactive approach and forward thinking. Demonstrated ability to address the essential functions of this position.

Preferred Qualifications/Desirable Experience: Experience with CSU accounting practices and processes. Technical fluency with Oracle/PeopleSoft, CSU Common Management System or equivalent student/finance information system; Microsoft Office Professional; Google Workspace; 25Live; intranet drives; and internet browsers.

Special Conditions Of Employment & Position Designations: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). The person holding this position will have a duty to report to the Campus Title IX Officer information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation and is required to comply with CSU Executive Orders EO 1095, EO 1096, and EO 1097 as a condition of employment. The person holding this position is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. This position has been designated as a sensitive position with access to cash, checks, credit cards, and/or credit card account information and access to detailed personally identifiable information. This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) and must participate in training and reportable crimes in accordance with applicable laws and policies. May require occasional evenings and/or weekend work.

Physical Environment: Office environment with standard equipment and tasks. The position requires working at a computer and desk for extended periods. May require travel between campus offices and off-campus locations. The university emphasizes campus safety compliance.

Benefits/Perks: CSUMB offers a premium benefits package including vacation, health, dental and vision plans; CalPERS retirement; and 15 paid holidays. For more information, visit the Employee Benefits Summary. Housing options may be available through the University Corporation at Monterey Bay.

Application Procedure: For full consideration, applicants must complete the required online application prior to the priority screen date. Applications submitted after the screening date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University. Materials become the property of CSUMB and will not be returned. CSUMB is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Human Resources. All employees must be eligible for employment in the U.S.

General Information: CSUMB hires individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States and is an E-Verify employer. The campus and rates may be subject to safety and security notices and reports available at the CSUMB Clery page. CSUMB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. Equal Opportunity Employer: CSUMB is an Equal Opportunity employer seeking to recruit and support a diverse community of faculty and staff. We value diversity and seek to foster an inclusive culture.