General Accounting Manager — Strategic GAAP & Close Leader

UC Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara is seeking a Manager of General Accounting to lead the university’s general accounting operations, close processes, and plant/debt accounting. The role oversees staff, ensures GAAP-compliant financial statements, and collaborates with campus stakeholders to support strategic financial reporting.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree and 7–9 years of progressive accounting experience in large organizations, with a track record of audit readiness and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalent experience.
• 7–9 years of progressive accounting experience in large complex organizations.
• Expertise managing general accounting operations and GAAP reporting.
• Proven ability to lead and develop professional accounting staff.
• Experience ensuring audit readiness and reliability of financial data.
• Experience leading fiscal close processes and timely results.
• Experience coordinating plant accounting with facilities, capital programs, and project management.
• Experience with enterprise financial systems and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• 65% General Accounting Leadership and Strategic Planning – lead General Accounting and chart of accounts improvements.
• 20% Management and Coordination of Fiscal Close – manage close calendar and inter-campus transactions.
• 15% Plant and Debt Accounting – oversee Plant Funds, asset ledger, debt transactions and draws.

Skills

General accounting leadership

GAAP expertise

Staff development

Financial reporting

Audit readiness

Close processes

Process improvement

Enterprise financial systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Tools

ERP/Financial systems

GAAP reporting tools

Job description

UC Santa Barbara is seeking a Manager of General Accounting to lead the university’s general accounting operations, close processes, and plant/debt accounting. The role oversees staff, ensures GAAP-compliant financial statements, and collaborates with campus stakeholders to support strategic financial reporting.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree and 7–9 years of progressive accounting experience in large organizations, with a track record of audit readiness and process improvements.