Accountant I or II

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Job/Department Summary for Accountant I:

Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR) provides a complete package of University-related financial services that ultimately contributes to the compilation of the University financial statements and the related reporting cycle to the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the California State Controller’s Office. Under direction of the Director of FAR, the Accountant I independently performs accounting assignments designed to expand practical experience and develop professional judgment in the application of accounting principles. The incumbent will apply knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of the accounting profession; classifying, examining, and analyzing financial transactions, as well as proficient with spreadsheet applications, querying data analysis tools, and general ledger of multi-module integrated accounting systems. Responsibilities include month-end closing, which entails correction and reconciliation of University financial transactions, auxiliary enterprise fund accounting, providing guidance for accounting problems and application of accounting standards for both colleagues in the FAR department as well as financial budget representatives in campus departments. The incumbent supports the annual University year-end financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Job/Department Summary for Accountant II:

Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR) provides a complete package of University-related financial services that ultimately contributes to the compilation of the University financial statements and the related reporting cycle to the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the California State Controller’s Office. Under general direction of the Director of FAR, the Accountant II independently performs complex professional level accounting tasks that are informed by a thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Accountant II is integral in continuous evaluation of existing operational practices and adaptation that may be necessary to maintain compliance with ever changing general and governmental accounting standards. The incumbent will apply knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of the accounting profession; classifying, examining, and analyzing financial transactions, as well as advanced proficiencies with spreadsheet applications, querying data analysis tools, and general ledger of multi-module integrated accounting systems. Responsibilities include month-end close, which entails correction and reconciliation of University financial transactions, auxiliary enterprise fund accounting, providing guidance for accounting problems and application of accounting standards for both colleagues in the FAR department as well as financial budget representatives in campus departments.

Required Education and Experience for Accountant I:

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.

Required Education and Experience for Accountant II:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting, business administration, or a closely related field, and full-time equivalent to two years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience.
OR
A combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.
AND
Equivalent to two years of professional level accounting experience.

Preferences for Accountant I:

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills: 

• Bachelor's degree in accounting
• Experience with month/fiscal year close processes
• Experience with a multi-module accounting system or specific experience in general and subsidiary ledgers
• Advanced use and experience with MS Excel creating complex spreadsheets for large data sets
• Experience with the creation of data queries and analysis

Preferences for Accountant II:

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting
• Experience with month/fiscal year close processes
• Experience with a multi-module accounting system or specific experience in general and subsidiary ledgers
• Advanced use and experience with MS Excel creating complex spreadsheets for large data sets
• Experience with the creation of data queries and analysis
• CPA/CPS Candidate
• Demonstrated experience in accounting related to GAAP financial statement audits and audit workpaper preparation

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm, Summer: Mon-Thurs 7:00am-5:30pm 

CSU Classification Salary Range for Accountant I:  $54,840 (Step 1) - $79,896 (Step 20) per year. 

CSU Classification Salary Range for Accountant II:  $62,136 (Step 1) - $90,516 (Step 20) per year. 

Benefits: This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

CSU, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance).  For more information please visit https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

Additional Information for both Accountant I or II:

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. 

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, may require that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive.

This position is considered a sensitive position based on CSU guidelines. Incumbent is responsible for the safety and security of Level 1 data, sometimes also referred to as Level 1 protected data. This is confidential information that is in most cases protected by statutes, regulations, or other legal mandates.

About Chico State:

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, “Today Decides Tomorrow,” is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century. 

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus.  We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

Chico State is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

CSU, Chico's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at CSU, Chico Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available on the web at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.

Open Until Filled (Review of Applications will begin 10/23/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.)