Accounts Receivable/Risk Accountant

OUR STATEMENT
The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION
The Finance and Accounting Department of the San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) provides financial and administrative support services to researchers. These services include purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashiering, property, general ledger, and risk management.  

The accounts receivable/ risk accountant plays an active role in supporting the daily operations and strategic objectives of the Research Foundation’s billing and accounts receivable functions utilizing the Workday ERP system. This position serves as a liaison between the accounting department, post-award team, and self-support programs to facilitate invoice processing and support efficient risk management activities. The accountant also collaborates with insurance providers and risk management representatives to address risk management-related needs and requests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage accounts receivable activities, including timely and accurate billing, collections, payment reconciliation, and monitoring of outstanding balances for grants, contracts, and other funding sources.

• Collaborate with internal departments, sponsors, and external stakeholders to ensure financial records are accurate, complete, and compliant, and to resolve billing and payment discrepancies. Responsible for determining appropriate corrective action to resolve issues.

• Prepare and analyze accounts receivable reports, aging schedules, reconciliations, and other financial information to support management reporting and month-end close activities.

• Maintain accounts receivable records, supplier information, and related financial documentation to support operational and reporting needs.

• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, responding to inquiries, and ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures.

• Administer risk management and insurance programs, including contract review, insurance coverage coordination, claims processing, policy renewals, and compliance monitoring Exercise independent judgment in determining insurance requirements, coverage levels, and compliance obligations. 

• Coordinate insurance, registration, and related administrative requirements for organizational assets, programs, activities, and travel.

• Prepare and submit required regulatory, tax, compliance, and governmental reports, filings, and related documentation.

• Evaluate processes and recommend improvements to strengthen internal controls, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

• Reports to the Accounting Manager.

• Interacts with central office staff, government agencies, bank or investment firm representatives, independent auditors, and other vendors.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.  

• Three years of hands-on experience in accounts receivable required. 

• Experience with Workday ERP software is preferred, particularly in accounts receivable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• General knowledge of arithmetic and general office methods, practices, and procedures.

• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply policies to accounting transactions.

• Demonstrate skills in analyzing and reconciling accounting records and reports and drawing sound conclusions.

• Demonstrate skills in using initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.

• Must be well organized, attentive to detail and able to work independently.

• Ability to work effectively and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

• Strong mathematical ability.

Complexity of Duties

• Position involves discretion and exercises independent judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate actions.

• Work is subject to regular checks and review to ensure compliance with procedures.

Physical Requirement

• Ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment, sit for extended periods, perform sustained computer-based work, and occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

PLEASE NOTE: This position is considered a “sensitive” position by SJSURF and CSU policy. Consequently, the successful candidate must undergo and successfully complete the Live Scan (fingerprinting) background check as a condition of their employment. This background check must be completed before the actual start of employment.

NOTE: This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.

Compensation Range:

BENEFITS
The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).

• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.

• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.

• 14 paid federal & state holidays.

• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.

• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.

• Employee discounts.

• Paid training and professional-development conferences.

Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information.
ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION
SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San José State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization’s funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities.
San José State University Research Foundation is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.
It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment or services are not subjected to discrimination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is in accordance with federal, state and local laws and reaffirms the Research Foundation’s continuing commitment to both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity laws and policies.
San José State University Research Foundation is an EOE M/F/Vet/Disability. Learn more about our organizations EEO and AAP policy by visiting our website HERE. Data metrics on the AAP is available for review upon request. Please also visit OFCCP for additional resources: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters.
If you have any questions or need assistance or an accommodation in completing this application, please contact Research Foundation HR at (408) 924-5582.

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