Accountant I – General Accounting (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 Accounting Manager, the Accountant I –General Accounting performs a variety of professional accounting duties, including general accounting functions such as reconciliation, journal entries, financial reporting, and audit support. This position ensures accurate financial record-keeping and compliance with policies and applicable regulations. This position serves as the backup to the Accountant I - Accounts Payable position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Prepare and post journal entries to the general ledger, ensuring accuracy and proper supporting documentation;

Perform monthly reconciliations of assigned balance sheet and income statement accounts;

Conduct month-end and year-end closing processes;

Analyze financial data, monitor budget-to-actual results, identify variances and make recommendations based on variance explanations and findings; research and resolve discrepancies; communicate findings and resolutions to Accounting Manager or Associate Director, Accounting and Finance;

Prepare financial reports and schedules for internal management and external audit purposes;

Support the annual audit by preparing schedules; preparing, collecting and providing requested information including related-party transaction information;

Maintain and update accounting records in compliance with policies, procedures, and General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP);

Recommend process and procedural improvements to enhance operational and departmental efficiency;

Serve as backup to the Accountant I – Accounts Payable duties including: receive and log invoices into the Concur Invoice module; assign invoices to department managers via Concur and CSU Buy workflow for approval;

Review Concur invoice submittals to ensure accuracy, completeness, availability of purchase order funding, and ensure that all supporting documentation has been uploaded to Concur;

Upload approved invoices from Concur into the Common Financial System and run the pre-pay cycle to produce accounts payable trial registers for payment by check or ACH;

Submit trial registers via Adobe Sign to the Accounting Manager and other approvers for electronic signature approval;

Print checks and corresponding copies, including travel advance checks, manual checks, and other miscellaneous advances;

Interface with the bank for positive pay upload and submission of ACH payments to vendors;

Import supplier data into Concur from the Common Financial System;

Create Accounts Payable reports utilizing Concur and CSU Buy such as the Open Invoice Log;

Train and support student assistants or support staff on financial processes;

Participate and assist with Special Projects as directed;

Participate and assist with the review of the annual budget process;

Provide administrative or technical support to the Associate Director, Accounting & Finance, Accounting Manager and Accounting & Finance staff;

Maintain organized accounting files and documentation;

Ensure compliance with CSU and University Student Union, policies and procedures, as well as applicable laws and regulations;

Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or a closely related field.

Experience:

Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in general accounting functions.

Special Requirements:

Not applicable.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in a college union, college or university, public school district or public sector environment.

Knowledge, Abilities and/or Skills:

• General knowledge of accounting principles, financial recordkeeping, and internal controls
• Basic knowledge of Accounts Payable
• Knowledge of general ledger accounting and journal entry preparation and reconciliations
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial work
• Ability to identify, research, and resolve discrepancies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Ability to maintain organized records and documentation
• Ability to prepare and interpret basic financial reports
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Familiarity with, or ability to learn financial concepts applicable to a nonprofit organization desirable
• Ability to analyze financial information and make recommendations
• Ability to use Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others and exercise tact, courtesy, alertness and good judgment in responding to others
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is generally performed in a temperature-controlled environment; adherence to rules, regulation, policy and procedure required; adherence to deadlines required; regular public contact required.  Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Not Applicable

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:

Hourly:                $26.37 - $29.33

Bi-Weekly:           $2,109.60 - $2,346.40

Annually:             $54,840.00 - $61,000.00

The salary range of the position is as follows:
Hourly:          Minimum: $26.37           Maximum: $38.41

Bi-Weekly:     Minimum: $2,109.60      Maximum: $3,072.80

Annually:       Minimum: $54,840.00     Maximum: $79,896.00

APPLICATION PERIOD

Applications received through October 9, 2026 will be considered in the initial review. Review of applications will begin after this date and continue until the 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 online 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.

CANRA:

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.