Senior Accounting and Business Services Specialist

Senior Accounting and Business Services Specialist

Under the oversight of the Director of Administrative Services, the Senior Accounting and Business Services Specialist oversees a variety of broad and complex financial, accounting and budgeting services related to trust, bond, general fund, and auxiliary accounts. Provides lead group direction and day‑to‑day financial oversight of budget, payroll, accounting, project accounting, procurement, and cost recovery. Provides strategic leadership and analysis in the utilization of information systems within the department and input to recommended policies that have a major operational impact.

This position has a significant influential role regarding performance, decision‑making, and key objectives of the department by providing timely and value‑added financial information. As a highly visible role, the incumbent plays an instrumental role in both internal and external relationships that affect the department’s level of customer satisfaction.

• Coordinates, develops and prepares the annual operating budget
• Conducts monthly analysis and mid‑year budget forecast
• Ensures department decisions are consistent with budget and financial objectives
• Benchmarks and provides input to the department’s key financial performance indicators (KPIs)
• Provides recording and reporting of accounting and financial transactions, ensuring compliance with CSU and campus requirements
• Provides financial research and financial analysis/modeling in a variety of matters including procurement of capital equipment and major operational expenditures
• Oversees the department’s overall cost recovery process including the development of annual overhead rates, cost recovery models and collection processes
• In coordination with PDC, maintains an effective construction project accounting system and payment process in accordance with appropriate financial policies and procedures
• Administers and processes escrow agreements on all Public Works contracts and approves payments to State Treasurer; audits and prepares financial reports for submission to the Chancellor’s Office
• Ensures department payments are in compliance with general account and reimbursement procedures of the University, and interfaces with project managers for clarification of discrepancies and verification/authorization of payments requested
• Trains and provides guidance to staff relating to financial and accounting policies and procedures
• Represents the department in all financial matters in the absence of the Director of Administrative Services
• Manages trust funds to ensure a positive cash position for each trust at all times

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to apply expertise to complex principles and practices of fiscal management
• Demonstrated expertise and advanced knowledge of the principles, problems, and methods of public and business administration and operational and fiscal management
• Ability to prepare reports and interpret policies covering a wide range of budget, contract and accounting procedures
• Ability to make timely decisions and perform a wide variety of administrative duties independently, effectively plan, assign, coordinate and lead a variety of fiscal functions
• Ability to analyze computerized accounting records, research and correct computer data errors
• Ability to work independently; communicate and write effectively; make constructive recommendations; interpret and apply fiscal policies and procedures; and work cooperatively with contractors, vendors, architects, engineers, campus personnel, and representatives of public and private agencies
• High proficiency in PC compatible software programs such as Word, Excel and Access
• Ability to develop, design databases, and create reports as related to defined duties
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with employees and external agencies

• Five years of relevant experience
• Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may…