Accountant

Our campus is located in Santa Clara, CA, the Heart of Silicon Valley. We like to say that it's here where the next generation of innovation is born. Be a member of the finance team during a pivotal and exciting phase of growth.

Do you have...
* Experience in transaction accounting, managing financial controls, books and records?
* Excellent organization, analytical, problem-solving and communication skills?
* Payroll administration experience such as time and attendance, period-end adjustments and payment distributions?
* Proficiency in data analysis tools and languages such as SQL or Python?
* A desire for a hybrid position: 2 days/week in the Santa Clara, CA office?

If you answer "yes" to the above, check out our job posting and consider applying!

Benefits to working at UC Santa Cruz SILICON VALLEY include:
* Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance Plans
* UC Retirement Plans
* Life Insurance / Legal Insurance / Discounted Pet Insurance
* 14 Paid Holidays Plus Accrued Vacation & Sick Leave
* Employee Discount Programs and much more...

Location: UCSC SILICON VALLEY CAMPUS, 3175 BOWERS AVE. SANTA CLARA, CA, 95054

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our Talent Acquisition website. 

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD.  Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link .

The IRD for this job is: 05-09-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UCSC Extension Silicon Valley (UNEX) combines the academic excellence of the University of California with the expertise of seasoned practitioners. This collaboration provides advanced professional training that addresses the real-world needs of people who work and live in Silicon Valley and beyond. UNEX is comprised of four academic programs: Creating Equity in STEAM, Professional and Continuing Education Program, UC Scout, and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. UNEX also oversees and operates a 100,000 square foot building.

The UNEX division has an operating budget of $40-$45M, 350 faculty instructors, and 120 staff employees. As a division of UC Santa Cruz, UNEX is responsible for managing its operations across each of its business units to a high degree of financial accountability. The finance department is responsible for the management of business operations, the chart of accounts, accounts receivable, accounts payable, budget, and financial controls.

More information can be found at https://www.ucsc-extension.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Director of Finance and Business Services, the Accountant supports divisional accounting and financial operations using professional accounting concepts and best practices. The incumbent completes accounting assignments of moderate scope where analysis of data requires a review of a variety of factors and multiple sources. This involves analyzing, monitoring, combining, and reconciling financial data within defined policies and procedures.

The Accountant oversees payable and receivable, payroll, and financial reporting and contributes to the overall success of UNEX. The role is detail-oriented and oversees finance transaction processing and reporting, through problem-solving and organizational work, using tools such as Microsoft Office and accounting software such as Oracle, SAP, and Peoplesoft. The role requires teamwork, accuracy, and handling sensitive information confidentially in a higher education environment.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $80,300 - $93,400/year.  Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri, with occasional evenings and weekends
• Shift Includes: Day, Evenings, Weekend

Employee Classification: Career appointment 

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Silicon Valley (Santa Clara, CA)

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 007735 (GEN ACCOUNTANT 3)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

50% - Accounting and Reporting

• Set-up and manage pay
• Handle payroll setup and management for employees and academic staff, including expense reimbursements.
• Participate in managing the financial controls, books, and records of the organization, ensuring compliance with accounting principles and University policies.
  Transaction Accounting
• Perform account reconciliations, including key accounts, intercompany balances, and bank statements.
• Prepare financial statements, AP accruals, adjustments, and lead pre-close activities.
• Participate in financial audits and prepare for month-end closing processes.
• Process accounts payable and ensure accurate management of vendor invoices and payments.

40% - Finance & Business Services Support

• Generate customer billing data and manage invoicing, resolving billing inquiries as needed.
• Maintain accurate customer/product master files and report on receivables and payment activity.
• Utilize financial software tools like SAP, Concur, PowerBI, Banner, etc.
• Document business processes and workflows in Google Drive, Asana, and Confluence.
• Engage in vendor management, maintaining up-to-date vendor records and communications.

10% - Payroll

• Oversee and administer the following in the payroll system, including:
  • Employee time and attendance.
  • Employee earnings.
  • Payment distributions.
  • Period-end adjustments.
  • Employee payroll inquiries.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Strong understanding of accounts payable and receivable processes.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and languages, such as SQL or Python.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to present complex data in an accessible manner.
• Excellent critical and innovative thinking to address moderately complex issues and present nuanced analyses.
• Knowledge of UC systemwide and organization policies, union contracts, procedures and practices that govern academic HR administration.
• Ability to understand an organization's or college goals, priorities and values and the legal and human implications of decisions.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work a hybrid work schedule and must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here .

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination