Accountant - Payroll, Fiscal Services

As an Accountant under minimum supervision, performs a wide variety of expert professional accounting functions. Uses and analyzes computer systems at an expert level of skill. Ensures accurate collection, analysis, and processing of data. Completes schedules, studies, and reports according to established laws, codes, regulations, and standards. Develops timelines, coordinates activities, and acts as a lead to other employees. Prepare, audit, analyze, and verify financial records and reports.

A more detailed job description is available here.

You are detailed-oriented with strong reading comprehension, analytic skills, and with many years of accounting experience. You apply sound independent judgment. You are able to perform difficult complex and responsible analytical work with minimum supervision. You are able to accurately perform highly technical accounting procedures while applying complex payroll laws and regulations. You are a reliable professional who is collaborative, organized, and able to prioritize to juggle many tasks at once.

• Prepare, audit, analyze, and reconcile payroll-related financial records, transactions, and reports to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Review and verify payroll data, calculations, adjustments, deductions, and related accounting entries.
• Analyze payroll expenditures, identify discrepancies, investigate variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate payroll accounting records and support reconciliation of payroll liabilities and general ledger accounts.
• Prepare financial schedules, reports, and analyses in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, accounting standards, and district procedures.
• Utilize computerized payroll, accounting, and financial information systems to process, validate, and analyze complex data.
• Coordinate payroll accounting activities, establish timelines, and ensure critical reporting and processing deadlines are met.
• Collaborate with Payroll, Human Resources, Budget, and other departments to resolve discrepancies and maintain accurate financial information.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, researching transactions, and responding to financial inquiries.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll accounting procedures, strengthen internal controls, and increase operational efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance and lead support to assigned employees on accounting procedures, systems, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise independent judgment when handling sensitive employee payroll and financial information.

• A four-year or graduate degree in finance, accounting, or business administration and two (2) years of relevant work experience, preferably in a California school district;
  or
• Six (6) or more years of comparable experience and/or education may be substituted
• Strong computer literacy and the ability to use financial systems and technology effectively
• Experience working as an accountant in a school district preferred

• Payroll, Fiscal Services
• 12 month
• 1.0 FTE

Effective January 1, 2026, in accordance with California Senate Bill 848 (School Employee Misconduct/Child Abuse Prevention Act), applicants for employment with San José Unified are subject to enhanced child safety, training, and employment disclosure requirements.

Under SB 848, schools are required to strengthen background vetting procedures and obtain employment history information related to allegations of egregious misconduct involving students. Former employers may be contacted to release records regarding substantiated findings of misconduct as permitted by law. Failure to provide complete and accurate information regarding prior educational employment or relevant misconduct findings may result in disqualification from the hiring process or withdrawal of an offer of employment.

SB 848 also expands mandated reporter requirements and requires annual child abuse prevention training for employees and certain volunteers by July 1, 2026. All employees must comply with district-adopted child safety policies, including procedures for supervising and protecting students.

San José Unified is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and will review all disclosures and employment records in…