Financial Reporting Accountant
(Accountant III)

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $7,000 - $7,500 per month

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,504 - $10,622 per month

• This is a full-time, probationary, exempt position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

This position reports directly to the General Accounting and Reporting Manager and is a member of Accounting Services. Accounting Services is under the Division of Administrative Services, which reports to the Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer.

Incumbents in the Accountant III classification perform advanced professional accounting work involving the implementation and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and practices to the resolution of a wide variety of complex accounting problems. The Accountant III serves as a high-level individual contributor providing expertise and direction to other professional and/or technical staff.

Under the general supervision of the General Accounting and Reporting Manager, the incumbent is responsible for: performing advanced professional accounting work requiring comprehensive knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and practices, and substantial judgment and discretion; assuring assigned accounting reporting systems and procedures are in compliance with established administrative policies and procedures, and GAAP; understanding all aspects of the California State University (CSU) accounting systems; understanding all aspects of the CSU reporting requirements, including auxiliary reporting and meeting those reporting requirements; understanding and reporting to the manager any noncompliance with all applicable State, Federal, CSU, Fresno State, and other governing bodies policies; interpreting financial reports and statements and identifying problem areas; leading and coordinating the audit process, including auditor communications; preparing, analyzing, and interpreting complex financial statements and reports; making financial projections; assuring the proper recording and documentation of financial transactions; analyzing account balances and preparing complex reconciliations to external and internal data, identifying actual or potential problems and recommending corrective action; preparing supporting work papers for work performed; analyzing accounting control procedures and recommending changes or modifications; recommending and implementing changes to documentation and the maintenance of business processes, standards, and procedures; recommending and implementing new business processes, standards, and procedures and creating detailed written documentation supporting the new business processes, standards, and procedures; computing and estimating the effect of proposed changes to operating programs or accounting operations; providing initial troubleshooting of financial systems problems and participating in the design and installation of financial systems upgrades and required testing and verification of results; conducting extensive financial data compilation, querying, and drilling on large volumes of financial data; and using integrated financial systems and/or other types of records management systems; providing technical advice and consultation to campus administrators; representing the university to external organizations on specific issues.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledgeable of accounting practices, procedures, and operations.
• Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• General knowledge of governmental accounting and related laws, rules, and regulations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of monthly and annual closing processes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of integrated financial systems; including entering transactions, analysis, querying, and reporting with a preference of experience with PeopleSoft Financials
• Comprehensive experience with computer and application software; word processing, spreadsheet, database, statistical and mathematical presentation of data office methods and procedures.
• Comprehensive understanding of internal control methods.
• Skill/Ability to:
  • Prepare clear, and accurate 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.
  • Apply accounting principles to the analysis of complex accounting problems.
  • Analyze and interpret accounting, financial, and statistical data, draw sound conclusions, and make recommendations.
  • Utilize problem-solving techniques in finding solutions to complex accounting problems.
  • Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and principles.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and across organizational lines.
  • Ability to create, analyze and evaluate information and provide data for review in developing and implementing strategies in meeting programmatic goals and enhancing processes.
  • Operate calculating machines, personal computers, and/or automated accounting systems.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

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 five years of professional level accounting experience; Governmental accounting experience is desirable.
  • Preferred Skills:
    • CPA License with “A” level experience.
    • Experience preparing electronic work papers.
    • Experience working with external and internal auditors.
    • Experience using PeopleSoft Finance or other computerized accounting systems.
    • California State University or other higher education experience or other government experience.
    • Proficient at using advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word features.
    • Demonstrated history of providing excellent Customer Service.
    • Knowledge of University policies and procedures and keep current on changes and new policies.
    • Working knowledge of federal student financial aid annual reporting requirements and quarterly grant reporting requirements.

Department Summary

Accounting Services is dedicated to facilitating the primary mission of the University by seeking the most cost-effective methods of delivering services while continuing to implement improvement of services to students, employees and all other customers. 

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by June 6, 2024 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

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.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)