Accountant

Classification: Accountant I
Hours: Full-time / 40 hours per week
FLSA: Non-exempt

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $4,850 - $5,682* mo. (steps 4-12)
CSU 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 (but not limited to) 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: June 14, 2026
Recruitment Status: Open Until Filled

Employment with the California State University System

ABOUT CSUMB

California State University, Monterey Bay is a mid-sized university in California’s Central Coast that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement, CSUMB is part of the nation’s largest four-year public university system, California State University, which educates nearly 460,000 students every year.

With a vibrant, diverse student body of over 7,000 students, CSU Monterey Bay is both a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our staff and faculty transform students’ lives with a focus on student success and engagement through experiential learning, service learning, and a strong emphasis on 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 developing a diverse body of faculty, staff and administrators. Many appreciate living and working close to the shores of beautiful Monterey Bay, with easy access to recreational areas from Big Sur to Santa Cruz. Nearby opportunities for collaborative research include working in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Silicon Valley, and with colleagues at local research universities, including UC Santa Cruz and Stanford University.

As one of the 22 campuses in the CSU system, CSUMB offers excellent benefits, including access to below-market-rate rental housing on East Campus, and competitive salaries for faculty and staff. With proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area and San Jose, opportunities for faculty, staff and students are as endless as the shores of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Associate University Controller, and receiving lead direction from the General Accounting Team Lead, the General Accountant applies knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of the accounting profession, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in classifying, examining and analyzing financial transactions. The incumbent performs diverse duties requiring a 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:

• General Ledger Responsibilities including but limited to: Pull appropriate reports, analyze and compile list of reconciling items, and show beginning balance, additions, subtractions and ending balance for reconciliations. Reconciliations may include, but not limited to: Bank, Unclaimed Property, Automatic Clearing House Register (ACH), Check Register Log, Interagency Financial Transactions, Travel Advances, Salary Advances, Outstanding Checks, Daily Cash Deposit Report, Unapplied Payments and Fund Balance Clearing. Draft transactions: enter journal entries which may include Interagency Financial Transactions, notices of accounting transaction from central office, ACH and e-Refunds, and year-end analysis and adjusting journal entry tasks, etc.
• Accounts Payable responsibilities: Record or upload accounts payable invoices, review invoices for prepaids and capital assets, and review invoices for sales tax. Prepare sales and use tax payments monthly, travel process and maintain accurate and complete payable and travel records. Prepare and review travel reconciliations and audit transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness. Prepare and review 1099 filings.
• Accounts Receivable Responsibilities as needed: create customers and post billings into the Billing (AR/BI) module; track outstanding receivables, deposits and payments made in advance, credit memos and refund overpayments, etc.
• Examine and review 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. Evaluate any discrepancies and investigate appropriately. Correct errors, as needed.
• Generate routine financial reports and statements and/or analysis requiring understanding and interpretation of GAAP. Analyze and summarize legal reporting for yearend GAAP adjustments financial statements.
• Help 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 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 tolls, 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 with others; communicate effetely 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 California State University 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 a thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles. Excellent customer service skills and ability to communicate in a professional and effective manner. Demonstrated experience using financial systems including general ledger, accounts payable module, and asset management module, including querying data, accurately and efficiently 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 associated with this position including knowledge, skills and abilities identified above.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Technical fluency with Oracle/PeopleSoft, CSU Common Management System or equivalent information system; Microsoft Office Professional; Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, Forms, etc.); 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 the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order EO 1095, EO 1096, and EO 1097 as a condition of employment.
• 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 has been designated as a sensitive position with:
• access to, or control over, cash, checks, credit cards, and/or credit card account information
• access to and responsibility for detailed personally identifiable Level 1 confidential information about students, faculty, staff or alumni that is protected, personal or sensitive as defined in the CSU Information Security Data Classification Standards
• This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). The position is required to participate in training at the direction of the Clery Director and must also promptly report allegations of reportable crimes according to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, its accompanying regulations; the California State Education Code, Chapter , of the Donahoe Higher Education Act, Section 67380; and the California State University system-wide policy, Code EO 1107.
• 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 of time. May require travel between campus offices and off-campus locations.

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. While on campus, students, faculty, staff, and the community will be expected to follow all campus safety mandates.

BENEFITS/PERKS:

CSUMB offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, dental and vision plans; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS); and 15 paid holidays a year. For more information, visit the Employee Benefits Summary. The University Corporation at Monterey Bay also provides access to affordable housing near main campus. The allocation of housing is subject to several factors, including availability, eligibility criteria, and specific program guidelines. For more information, visit: corporation/employee-housing

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

To receive full consideration, applicants must complete and submit the required online application by the priority screening date listed on the Careers at CSUMB website. Applications received after this date may be reviewed at the University’s discretion. All submitted 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 at (831) 582-3389 or emailing

All employees must be eligible for employment in the

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will 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.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

CSUMB hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States and is an E-Verify employer. In compliance with federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics, you can view the notice of availability and access the Cal State University, Monterey Bay annual security and fire safety reports at .

CSUMB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

CSUMB is an Equal Opportunity employer seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. We consider qualified applicants for employment for their anticipated contributions and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or disability.