Financial Services

Accounting Technician III

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES: 

Prepare reconciliations; update and maintain accounting tables and online functionality; create and maintain complex spreadsheets including entering, revising, sorting, calculating and creating tables. Assemble and compile data used in the generation of financial reports and/or analysis. Maintain accounting records for funds, programs, and/or activities involving multiple transactions for the University and its Auxiliary organizations. Resolve data discrepancies and/or issues resulting from incomplete supporting documentation and/or incorrect coding/entry of transactions, which involves communicating with vendors, campus personnel, the CSU Chancellor’s Office and/or students before processing. Review documentation for accuracy and completeness; enter data into various computer software applications; disburse checks; collect payments; prepare reports using a variety of sources; post information to ledgers; balance and reconcile accounts; and prepare account analysis. Create, troubleshoot, modify, run, analyze and export advanced queries. Make journal entries, submit claims to the State Controller’s Office and prepare account analysis both for the University and its Auxiliary organizations. Interact with and provide information to external auditors as required. Run batch processes necessary to post entries to the General Ledger. Compose correspondence of a technical nature regarding financial matters. Serve as the subject matter expert and as the back-up for the Accounts Payable Manager. Read and explain university, government or funding agency policies and procedures which are applied when processing accounting transactions. Work on projects for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets, Grants, General Ledger and other peripheral activities associated with finance. May provide input to the employee performance evaluation process. Responsible for other general accounting functions as required/assigned. May be involved in accessing confidential information using University databases.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities

Experience: Equivalent to four years of progressively responsible financial record-keeping experience which has provided the above knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of financial record-keeping, mathematical and general office methods, procedures, and practices; and basic knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Abilities: In addition to the Accounting Technician II abilities, must be able to interpret and apply a wide variety of written rules and regulations; maintain accounting records for funds, programs, or activities involving multiple transactions; compile, verify, and reconcile financial data; use current computer word processing and spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, query tools, integrated financial systems and/or other types of records management systems, such as student accounting, cashiering and student financial aid; investigate and resolve errors and discrepancies; and read and interpret computer-generated reports.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Associate's degree or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities. Equivalent of four years of professional level progressively responsible financial record-keeping experience and reporting in a high-volume entity.  Work assignments may involve subject matter requiring technical expertise. Ability to apply comprehensive knowledge, including a basic knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), of financial record keeping methods to analyze information and determine a course of action. Comprehensive knowledge of governmental and/or CSU financial record-keeping methods, procedures and practices preferred. Ability to review financial documents for accuracy, completeness and validity. Ability to interpret and apply written policies and use computer applications to support accounting functions. Ability to plan and prioritize work to meet important deadlines. Good interpersonal skills are necessary to communicate effectively with campus personnel, students, vendors, the State Controller’s Office, CSU Chancellor’s Office, other CSU entities, and other agencies (governmental and non-profit).  Experience in a Higher Education and using PeopleSoft is preferred, but not required. Experience using an integrated General Ledger system and Microsoft Office is required. Willingness to work extra hours, as needed, particularly during the month and fiscal year end closings.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU.  Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Please note:  California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI) is not currently sponsoring staff or management positions for H-1B employment visas.  Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants may be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Hiring Salary:  $4,570 - $4,850 per month