"General Accountant 3 - Oakland, CA, Job ID 81892"

Job Description

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:

$74,700/year to $103,800/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.