Accounting Manager

San José State University Research Foundation; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision

Retirement plan 403(b)

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Employee discounts

Training and professional development

Job summary

The San José State University Research Foundation seeks an Accounting Manager to oversee core accounting operations, including accounts receivable, revenue recognition, and month‑end close, ensuring accuracy with the general ledger.

You will supervise accounting staff, coordinate with the controller, and maintain GAAP‑compliant records, supporting internal and external audits while leveraging Workday and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
• Six years of progressive responsibility in accounting and financial record‑keeping.
• Hands‑on experience with Workday preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, federal grant regulations, and single audit requirements.
• Strong analytical, judgment, and organizational skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office and financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee core accounting operations, including accounts receivable, cash application, collections, revenue recognition (including deferred revenue), and monthly reconciliations.
• Manage month‑end close activities in coordination with the controller; review trial balance accounts and correct discrepancies.
• Oversee bank and other account reconciliations; ensure accuracy and alignment with financial records.
• Manage fixed asset and lease accounting functions, including recording and reporting in accordance with standards.
• Oversee risk management and compliance activities in coordination with AR coordinator.
• Review insurance renewals, cost allocation, and registration administration for compliance.
• Support audit and financial reporting, including schedules and analysis for annual/special audits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Financial analysis

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Workday

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Workday

Job description

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 provides financial and administrative support services to researchers. These services include purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashiering, property, general ledger, and risk management. The Accounting Manager will facilitate month‑end and year‑end maintenance of the financial information system, maintain records necessary for proper accounting and control of general ledger transactions, and is responsible for accounts receivable, fixed assets, leases, and risk management. The role participates in the design of accounting and finance functions of the Foundation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee core accounting operations, including accounts receivable, cash application, collections, revenue recognition (including deferred revenue), and monthly reconciliations to ensure accuracy between subsidiary records and the general ledger.
• Manage month‑end close activities in coordination with the controller, including review of trial balance accounts, identification and correction of discrepancies, and support of financial accuracy and completeness.
• Oversee account reconciliation activities, including bank accounts (operating, payroll, and other designated accounts), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with financial records and systems.
• Manage fixed asset and lease accounting functions, including the administration, recording, reporting, and maintenance of related financial records in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Oversee risk management and associated compliance activities in coordination with the accounts receivable coordinator, ensuring appropriate administration and support across the organization.
• Review insurance renewals, cost allocation, and registration administration activities, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements and support of organizational operations.
• Oversee business property reporting, census reporting, and tax exemption filing activities, ensuring accurate documentation, timely submissions, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Support audit and financial reporting requirements, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, and analysis for annual and special audits.
• Other duties as assigned.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

Reports to the controller and, under general direction, performs such actions as may be necessary to fulfill assigned responsibilities. Interacts with central office staff, government agencies, bank or investment firm representatives, independent auditors, and other vendors.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise and provide guidance to one or more accounting team members.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
• Experience: Six years of progressive responsibility in accounting and financial record‑keeping; experience in supervising and managing support staff.
• Hands‑on experience with Workday preferred.
• Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, federal grant regulations (OMB circulars), audit practices, and federal auditing standards, including single audit requirements.
• Skills: Strong analytical skills for reviewing, reconciling, and interpreting complex financial data; sound judgment; organizational and prioritization skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and financial systems such as Workday; strong mathematical and data analysis skills.
• Other: Ability to apply sound independent judgment within established guidelines, demonstrate initiative in resolving accounting issues, and ensure accuracy and compliance.

COMPLEXITY OF DUTIES

Works on problems of moderate scope and complexity, exercising discretion and independent judgment within established procedures and practices to determine appropriate actions. Work is performed under general supervision on assigned tasks and is subject to regular review to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Operate a personal computer, including mouse and keyboard, and use standard office equipment such as a ten‑key adding machine.
• Requires visual acuity for extended and concentrated computer use.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods while performing desk‑based work.

BENEFITS

• 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 and employer contribution components, vesting immediately.
• Vacation‑hour accruals and separate sick‑hour accumulations.
• Employee discounts.
• Paid training and professional‑development conferences.

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 require a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at foundation‑[e-mail]. Information about accommodations and application process is available on our website.

EEO STATEMENT

San José State University Research Foundation is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that 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. SJSURF is a M/F/Vet/Disability EOE. The foundation participates in E‑verify.