Accounting assistant jobs in California

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) is a highly complex organization with operations spanning 58 county offices, five UC campuses, and nine research and extension centers across the State of California. This network of UC researchers and educators is dedicated to the creation, development, and application of knowledge in agriculture, natural resources, and community health and economic prosperity. The UC ANR Financial Services Unit, within the Office of the Controller, provides leadership and technical expertise in the development, management, analysis, reporting, and coordination of financial services for UC ANR. The unit ensures that UC ANR's financial activities, including those of the regional, county, and special program offices, comply with University business and finance regulations as well as funding agency requirements. This includes a range of accounting functions such as analyzing, monitoring, preparing, and reconciling financial information to reflect the organization's financial condition. The unit is also involved in the preparation of financial reports to meet both internal and external reporting requirements and to support operational control. Additionally, it is involved in the development, implementation, and monitoring of accounting systems, policies, and procedures. Position Summary The General Accountant in the Financial Services unit is responsible for performing complex accounting tasks, including analyzing, monitoring, preparing, and reconciling financial information. This ensures the accurate representation of the organization's financial condition and supports internal and external reporting requirements. Additionally, the role involves developing, implementing, and monitoring accounting systems, policies, and procedures. This position uses professional accounting knowledge to resolve complex assignments, often involving data analysis from multiple sources. The General Accountant will exercise judgment within defined accounting practices, working with general guidance and detailed instructions for more complex tasks. The role involves regular communication with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate financial management. Financial management is complex, involving multiple campuses and the Office of the President, each with distinct and different financial information and accounting systems. This position reports directly to the Oakland office location. Our current policy supports a hybrid work model, which may require occasional travel to our Davis office. This position is a contract appointment that is 100% fixed and ends one year from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension if funding permits. The home department for this position is Financial Services. While this position normally is based in Oakland, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University. Pay Scale: $72,600/year to $100,800/year Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 10/28/2025. Key Responsibilities: 40% General Ledger Transaction Recording & Review: Oversee the accurate and timely recording of general ledger transactions and adjustments in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Ensure compliance with University policies and provide assistance to ANR administrative staff when needed. 25% Financial Analysis & Reporting: Oversee the ANR portion of the General Ledger across multiple campuses. Review account and fund balances for compliance with budgets, University policies, and regulations. Resolve accounting discrepancies, maintain Common Chart of Account codes, and support reporting and analysis of financial data. 20% Financial Policies, Procedures, and Systems Management & Training: Provide training and ongoing support to ANR staff on financial systems and ensure accurate transaction processing across campuses. Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of UC ANR financial policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with GAAP, University policies, and relevant Federal and other agency regulations as needed. 10% Cash Management: Responsible for the recording, monitoring and review of financial control transactions and balances. Ensure that transactions are recorded timely and accurately. Ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and UC regulations and policies governing the use of the funds. Responsible for the accurate and timely preparation of the quarterly and annual reconciliations. 5% Other Duties: Support other areas of Financial Services, such as cash, Federal and State funds management. Participate in meetings, projects, and other duties as assigned. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. Minimum 3 years of progressive accounting or related experience, preferably in University or Corporate Accounting Thorough understanding of GAAP and accounting practices, including financial statement preparation, reconciliation, and internal controls Proficiency in accounting software and/ or ERP Systems (e.g. Oracle, SAP, or similar); experience with asset management systems is a plus Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to manage complex and resolve accounting issues Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with staff and stakeholders, and to address customer service needs. Attention to detail and accuracy, with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to explain complex accounting concepts clearly. Preferred Skills: Accounting experience in higher education or in UC. Knowledge of GAAP related to capital asset accounting, fixed assets, depreciation, reconciliation processes, and GASB Statements. Thorough knowledge of accounting functions and assignments. Special Conditions of Employment: Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited. As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy Abusive Conduct in the Workplace To apply, please visit: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucanr/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=81892&PostingSeq=3&SiteId=17&language Cd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved. Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency jeid-b936618b0c2e3249aacbbeaace06d8e1