Accountant I

Job Description

Accountant I | California State University, Bakersfield

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at California State University, Bakersfield, located in Bakersfield, CA. CSUB is a public university dedicated to student success and community engagement. This Accountant I position is essential for supporting the day-to-day accounting, budget analysis, and financial reporting functions of the Student Affairs and University Advancement divisions. The role ensures financial accuracy, compliance with established standards, and timely reporting to various stakeholders.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Bakersfield, CA
• Pay: $4570–$6658 monthly
• Team: Reports to the Director of Budgeting, Accounting & Reporting Services, Athletics, Student Affairs & SEM and the Director of Budgeting & Accounting, University Advancement, Office of the President & Business Partners.
• Mission: To maintain the accuracy and reporting integrity of Student Affairs and University Advancement finances through entry to intermediate-level professional accounting work.
• Tech Stack: Current word processing and spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, query tools, integrated financial systems, records management systems, online calendaring, email

What You’ll Actually Do
• General Accounting: Perform, review, and analyze a broad range of accounting and financial activities for Student Affairs and University Advancement, ensuring compliance with policies and appropriate accounting treatment.
• Financial Analysis & Reconciliation: Analyze and reconcile routine bank statements, sub-ledgers, and financial records, recommending and preparing necessary adjustments, journal entries, and expenditure transfers.
• Reporting Development: Assist in the coordination, development, and production of various financial reports for diverse internal and external constituents, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Audit & Tax Support: Help with the annual independent audit and tax (Form 990) preparation, including scheduling, preparing, and reviewing audit schedules and gathering information for other tax returns.
• Financial System Support: Provide initial troubleshooting for financial systems problems and participate in the design, installation, testing, and verification of financial system upgrades.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field, or relevant education and experience demonstrating acquired knowledge and abilities.
• Experience: Entry to intermediate-level professional accounting work involving the application of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), FASB, and GASB standards to resolve accounting issues.
• Skills: General knowledge of GAAP; advanced proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet software, web browsers, and integrated financial systems; ability to analyze financial data, interpret policy, and utilize problem-solving techniques; excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Bonus: One (1) to two (2) years of accounting-related experience in a higher education setting; demonstrated skills in a customer-oriented and service-centered institutional environment.