Accountant II (Temp

Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking an experienced and adaptable Accountant II (Temporary, 12-month) to support critical accounting operations during a period of significant business process and system transformation.

This temporary 12-month position was created to help the Accounting Services team navigate a period of significant change. As SDSU continues work on a major financial systems implementation, we are seeking an experienced accountant to help resolve outstanding issues, improve processes, strengthen reconciliations, and provide operational support as needed during the implementation.

The Accountant II will work across multiple accounting functions to identify and resolve discrepancies, perform complex reconciliations and analysis, support month‑end and year‑end activities, assist with implementation‑related cleanup efforts, improve business processes, and provide backup support to ensure continuity of operations during this transition period. The position may support a variety of accounting activities, including general ledger reconciliations, financial reporting, transaction analysis, issue resolution, and other accounting operations as departmental priorities evolve.

The ideal candidate is a self‑directed accounting professional who thrives in a changing environment, enjoys solving complex problems, and can balance implementation‑related projects with ongoing operational responsibilities. Successful candidates will be adaptable, collaborative, and willing to step into a variety of accounting assignments to support team and departmental goals.

• This is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible, temporary position with an anticipated duration of one year from date of hire.
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is eligible for up to 2 days of telecommuting per week, following a training period during which on‑site presence is required.

The University Controller’s Office is responsible for maintaining the University’s general and subsidiary ledgers for all operating and self‑supporting funds. The Office oversees and coordinates the reconciliation and reporting of all University financial transactions. Additional oversight includes expenditure transactions processed within Accounts Payable; cash receipts, student reconciliations and records, financial aid disbursement transactions, and collection activity managed by the University Bursar’s Office.

The Office is responsible for internal and external reporting, including Legal/Budgetary Basis, Financial Information Record Management System (FIRMS), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The University Controller reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Financial Operations.

Accounting Services is responsible for analyzing, reviewing, recording, and reconciling all transactional activity received from the sub‑ledger modules into the general ledger. Reconciliation of general ledger data is performed on a monthly basis with a high degree of accuracy. Accounting Services provides assistance to departments, staff, and administrators in understanding and resolving any issues with transactions and department‑level accounts.

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the ability to apply accounting principles to complex financial transactions, reconciliations, and issue resolution.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to research, reconcile, and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Advanced proficiency with spreadsheets, financial…