Accounting Manager (USU)

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT UNION

The University Student Union, as the heart of campus, uplifts and empowers students to achieve educational, personal and professional goals by providing leadership development, meaningful employment, and innovative programs, services and facilities. We promote equity, inclusion and well-being, while encouraging social justice advocacy to help Matadors feel heard, respected and connected to CSUN. Our facilities include a University Student Union and a 138,000 square foot Student Recreation Center (SRC). The SRC is a facility for exercise and leisure activity that promotes lifelong health and wellness.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

One of the largest universities in the country, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is an urban, comprehensive university that delivers award-winning undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 40,000 students annually and counts more than 330,000 alumni who elevate Southern California and beyond. Since its founding in 1958, CSUN has made a significant and long-term economic impact on California, generating nearly $1.9 billion in economic impact and more than 11,700 jobs each year. The LAEDC recognized CSUN as its 2015 Eddy Award winner for its positive economic impact. Serving more students on Pell Grants than any other institution in California, CSUN is also a social elevator and one of the most diverse universities in the country. CSUN ranks 13th in awarding bachelor’s degrees to underrepresented minority students and seventh in bachelor’s degrees to Latino students, serves the 13th largest Jewish student population, and enrolls the largest number of students who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing of any U.S. state university. The journal Nature recently named CSUN a Rising Star for scientific research, and the NSF ranks CSUN in the top five nationally among similar institutions for graduates who go on to earn doctorates in the sciences. CSUN is where individuals rise. And through them, so does Greater Los Angeles and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the guidance of the Associate Director, Accounting & Finance, the Accounting Manager is responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations of various Accounting & Finance Department accounting functions, including PeopleSoft maintenance and training, Payroll, Accounts Receivable, Billing, Accounts Payable, Cashiering, Fixed Asset Maintenance, financial reporting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Responsible for the day-to-day supervision and assist the Associate Director, Accounting & Finance with leadership of the Accounting & Finance department;
• Train, and supervise the work of four (4), full-time staff employees (Accountant II, Accountant I-Payroll, Accountant I- Accounts Payable, Accounting Technician) and the work of three (3) part time student assistant employees, monitor performance; generate performance evaluations; administer disciplinary actions as necessary; serve as back-up for same in their absence;
• Assist the Associate Director, Accounting & Finance in developing a long-range financial plan;
• Implement improvements to financial processes and systems;
• Ensure that accounting systems, processes and procedures are in place and followed by all members of Accounting & Finance department;
• Develop training documents and programs to improve staff efficiency and streamline accounting processes;
• Assist in creating or revising internal accounting corporate policies and maintain existing policies;
• Maintain financial security by establishing and implementing internal controls;
• Responsible for month-end and year-end accounting closing;
• Troubleshoot all PeopleSoft modules requiring University technical support;
• Attend all University-initiated PeopleSoft trainings, and serve as the USU’s primary PeopleSoft staff trainer;
• Prepare financial statements and analysis for the organization;
• Follow and comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP);
• Verify daily journal transactions by reviewing and/or authorizing journal entries into the PeopleSoft Accounting System;
• Post accounting entries to actual ledger and standard budget ledger;
• Prepare weekly cash requirements, and conduct wire and book transfers between USU bank accounts and outside service providers; approve check and ACH disbursement cycles;
• Review documents for the annual financial audit; prepare annual audit schedules as required by both external auditors and internal compliance auditors; oversee the audit process from beginning through completion;
• Responsible for coordinating the preparation of the annual budget;
• Assist in preparing, monitoring, and maintaining the annual operating budget for the Accounting & Finance and Commercial Leased departments;
• Monitor the capital outlay budgets for all USU operating units and prepare accompanying reports;
• Oversee reconciliation of equity accounts;
• Prepare unclaimed property remittances;
• Oversee the USU’s cash account with the CSUN Foundation;
• Coordinate budget management for USU departments and serve as the liaison to department managers;
• Respond to inquiries regarding budget matters;
• Conduct monthly and quarterly budget meetings with department managers and prepare quarterly budget packages;
• Serve as a liaison to University Accounting, campus departments and the campus community-at-large regarding USU finances and audits;
• Serve as Executive Secretary to the Retirement Plan Committee;
• Stay abreast of federal and state Laws, and Chancellor’s Office regulations and Executive Orders;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, business administration, finance or a closely related field.

Experience:

Equivalent to five years of professional level accounting experience which could include experience in general ledger, budgeting, financial analysis, accounts payable, asset management, accounts receivable, payroll, billing and computerized accounting systems and which involved supervision of staff employees.

Special Requirements:

Not Applicable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recognized accounting certification e.g., CPA, CMA, CIA, or CFE
• Experience in the use of Oracle Financials and Human Resources Management Software (HRMS)
• Experience working in a college or university or a non-profit organization

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

• Ability to apply practices of effective supervision
• Ability to mentor staff & student employees
• Actively listen
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Ability to explain complicated and technical topics to non-technical staff
• Understand issues from a broad perspective and develop solutions
• Effectively present ideas and concepts to groups in a presentation format
• Compile, write and present reports
• Possess strong planning, analytical, and organization skills
• Interpret and evaluate results to develop sound conclusions and recommend new or revised policies.
• Work calmly in a fast-paced constantly changing environment
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Willingness to work overtime as needed
• Strong knowledge of PeopleSoft Financials
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft reporting tools such as n/vision and query.
• Knowledge and ability to apply generally accepted accounting principles, accounting methods, and practices
• Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is typically performed in a temperature-controlled office environment or at an approved and appropriate workspace in the incumbent’s home. Ability to handle multiple tasks, adhere to deadlines and work under pressure required. Regular public contact required.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

This position supervises the Accountant II, Accountant I-Payroll, Accountant I- Accounts Payable, Accounting Technician and part-time student assistant employees.

PAY, BENEFITS AND WORK SCHEDULE:

This position is employed through University Student Union (USU). The USU offers an excellent benefits package including Medical, Dental & Vision insurance, Life Insurance, Vacation, Sick Leave, 14 paid Holidays, company sponsored retirement program and more.

The anticipated hiring range will be as follows and is dependent on experience and qualifications:

Annually:             $ 88,000.00 - $ 96,000.00

The salary range of the position is as follows:

Annually:             Minimum:  $ 69,348.00                 Maximum:  $ 133,836.00

HOURS: Full-Time; FLSA Exempt; may include early mornings, late evenings and weekends.

APPLICATION PERIOD

Applications received through December 20, 2024 will be considered in the initial review and review of applications will continue until position is filled.

In order to be considered in the initial review, applications must be submitted prior to the date listed above. Application submissions received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the USU.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates should apply by completing the on-line application. To submit an application and for more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit this link: www.csun.edu/careers 

BACKGROUND CHECK

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the status of candidates who apply for the position.