Accounting Manager

California State University, Fullerton; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Associated Students Inc. at Cal State Fullerton seeks an experienced Accounting Manager to supervise day-to-day accounting operations, manage the general ledger, and ensure accurate reporting to support informed decision-making.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will lead the accounting team, oversee payroll-related accounting, assist with year-end closes and audits, and drive process improvements across financial systems. A strong GAAP foundation and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent with a major in accounting; a minimum of five years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and accounting practices
• Strong financial analysis, reconciliation and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with financial systems and accounting software
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel
• The ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet critical deadlines
• Strong communication skills and the ability to present financial information effectively to management
• The judgment and discretion required to handle confidential financial and personnel information

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the accounting team, including Senior Accountant(s), Staff Accountant and Finance and Administrative Coordinator
• Oversee accounting operations and review work for accuracy, compliance and adherence to GAAP
• Manage account analysis, reconciliations, journal entries and general ledger activity
• Coordinate payroll accounting with Human Resources, including payroll, pension and benefit transactions
• Oversee daily cash balances, bank transactions, transfers and wire activity
• Coordinate preparation of ASI's annual operating budgets, including the Titan Student Union, Student Recreation Center and Children's Center
• Prepare financial information and budget materials for leadership, committees and boards
• Support year-end close and internal and external audits
• Manage the chart of accounts and help improve financial systems and processes
• Serve as a key liaison with financial software vendors and campus partners
• Analyze financial information, identify trends and recommend improvements
• Step in when needed to keep critical accounting functions moving

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Excel

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

FLSA: Salaried (Exempt)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $41,352 - $120,930

Direct Supervisor: Chief Financial Officer

Know the numbers. Lead the people. See the bigger picture.

Behind every ASI program, facility and student service is a financial operation that keeps it moving.

ASI is looking for an experienced Accounting Manager to oversee day-to-day accounting operations, lead our accounting team and help ensure the organization's financial systems, processes and reporting are accurate, efficient and ready to support good decision-making.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you'll combine hands-on accounting expertise with leadership, problem-solving and process improvement in a complex nonprofit organization serving more than 45,000 students.

What You'll Actually Do

• Lead and supervise the accounting team, including Senior Accountant(s), Staff Accountant and Finance and Administrative Coordinator
• Oversee accounting operations and review work for accuracy, compliance and adherence to GAAP
• Manage account analysis, reconciliations, journal entries and general ledger activity
• Coordinate payroll accounting with Human Resources, including payroll, pension and benefit transactions
• Oversee daily cash balances, bank transactions, transfers and wire activity
• Coordinate preparation of ASI's annual operating budgets, including the Titan Student Union, Student Recreation Center and Children's Center
• Prepare financial information and budget materials for leadership, committees and boards
• Support year-end close and internal and external audits
• Manage the chart of accounts and help improve financial systems and processes
• Serve as a key liaison with financial software vendors and campus partners
• Analyze financial information, identify trends and recommend improvements
• Step in when needed to keep critical accounting functions moving

What This Looks Like in Practice

You might start your morning reviewing cash balances and reconciliations, then work with HR to resolve a payroll issue before meeting with your accounting team to review priorities.

Later, you could be preparing budget information for an ASI Finance Committee meeting, investigating a discrepancy in the general ledger, coordinating with auditors or identifying a process that could make the department more efficient.

This is a role for someone who can move comfortably between details and decisions, accounting and leadership, and today's transactions and tomorrow's financial needs.

We're Looking for Someone With

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent with a major in accounting; a minimum of five years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and accounting practices
• Strong financial analysis, reconciliation and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with financial systems and accounting software
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel
• The ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet critical deadlines
• Strong communication skills and the ability to present financial information effectively to management
• The judgment and discretion required to handle confidential financial and personnel information

You’ll Thrive Here If...

You're an accountant who also enjoys leading people.

You notice when numbers don't quite add up and want to know why.

You believe strong processes make strong organizations, and when you see an opportunity to make something more accurate, efficient or useful, you act on it.

You can explain financial information clearly to people who don't spend their days in spreadsheets.

And you want your expertise to support an organization whose financial decisions ultimately affect programs, facilities, services and opportunities for students across Cal State Fullerton.

Why ASI?

Associated Students Inc. at Cal State Fullerton is a student-governed nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Titan experience. ASI oversees programs, services and facilities that touch nearly every part of student life, from recreation and student government to basic needs, childcare, events and campus engagement.

That means accounting at ASI goes far beyond closing the books. Your work helps ensure the organization has the financial foundation to deliver for students today and plan responsibly for what comes next.

Benefits: ASI offers a https://asi.fullerton.edu/benefits-pro/ for eligible employees.