Accountant, Financial Reporting, Tax Accountant

Accountant – Career Center, Portland State University

Proposed

Start Date:

02/02/2026.

Classification

Title:

Accountant 1 –

Working Title:

Accountant, Department: 332001 – SDO Student Activities Office, Position Number: D91946, Representation: OP – SEIU/OPEU Local 503, FTE: 1.0.

This position works within the Student Activities and Leadership Programs (SALP) at Portland State University, a 50‑acre downtown campus that fosters student‑centered leadership development. The Accountant for SALP employs generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to record, classify, and interpret revenue, expenditure, and other business data. The role is critical to the financial oversight of SALP’s diverse programs and provides clear support and guidance on the policies and processes of the student‑run funding boards.

The accountant ensures timely and accurate processing, reconciliation, reporting, and maintenance of accounting controls needed to support SALP’s mission. Nearly all departmental financial transactions—including procurement card purchases, personal service contracts, invoice payments, and travel arrangements—are completed by the accountant with support from student employees.

• Bachelor’s degree with CPA or PA certificate; OR
• Bachelor’s degree with 30 quarter (20 semester) hours of college‑level Accounting; OR
• 30 quarter (20 semester) hours of Accounting courses AND three years of Accounting experience.

Accounting experience must include at least 3 of the following:

• Preparing transactions to be recorded in records of original entry;
• Preparing journal entries, posting from journals to general ledger, or preparing original general ledger entries;
• Summarizing data from a ledger to a trial balance;
• Closing accounts at the end of an accounting period;
• Applying PC spreadsheet, database, and word processing software;
• Processing data using a computer.

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite;
• Proficient in Excel, including creating spreadsheets with formulas and filtering;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing, in person, and over the telephone;
• Excellent organization skills, especially document management and filing.

• Experience with Banner;
• Experience working in public accounting;
• Experience supervising students or entry‑level employees.

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on prohibited discrimination & harassment and the professional standards of conduct.

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The starting hourly pay rate for this position will be between $24.99 and $28.75. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, depending on the candidate’s knowledge, experience, skills, and available budget. PSU’s benefits package includes 95% premium‑paid health care, a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for employees, spouses, or dependents at any Oregon public university.

Applications will be reviewed beginning 01/12/2025. Please include the names, email addresses, and phone numbers for three professional references. Email all materials to asksalp.

Required:

Yes.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Professional References

Optional documents may be submitted.

Entry level

Full‑time

Accounting / Auditing and Finance

Higher Education