Senior Accountant - UC Merced

Another Source's client, UC Merced, is hiring two Senior Accountants (internally titled Lead General Accountant) - one focused on the University's general accounting functions and one supporting the UC Merced Foundation and philanthropic fund management. This is a great opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven accounting team at one of the nation's fastest-growing research universities.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the UC system's ten campuses and one of the youngest universities to achieve R1 research status. With approximately 9,100 students, UC Merced combines the close-knit atmosphere of a small campus with the cutting-edge resources of a world-class research institution. Ranked among the top 30 public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 in social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced continues to expand its academic reach, research impact, and commitment to community engagement throughout the San Joaquin Valley.

About the Role

The Senior Accountant uses advanced accounting concepts and analytical expertise to resolve highly complex financial issues, manage diverse accounting assignments, and ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, and UC policies. This position supervises a small accounting team, provides technical leadership across multiple financial systems, and supports month-end and year-end close activities. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong judgment, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Key Responsibilities

Develops, implements, and/or maintains one or more general accounting policies, procedures and / or internal processes. Assists with ERP system improvements, system testing, and resolution of accounting-related system errors.

• Leads the implementation and/or maintenance of the general accounting processes related to the Oracle Cloud financial system and various sub ledger modules. Understands the accounting behind the transactions flowing through the financial system and sub-ledgers and lead the reconciliations of related transactions. Reviews and assists with the analysis/evaluation of the new chart string values and key segments. Provides training and guidance to campus units for transaction processing, reconciliation, and reporting for areas assigned Prepares and / or reviews and approves journal entries and maintains and / or reconciles ledger accounts for assigned areas.

• Prepares general ledger to subledger reconciliations monthly as assigned. Gathers and analyzes specific data in ledger accounts and funds utilizing reports available and/or prepares moderately complex reports by querying available databases.

• Provides record of assets, liabilities, and other financial transactions. Reviews fund balances, account/fund group summaries and various standard and ad-hoc reports for prudent fund management. Works with departmental personnel to resolve overdrafts, unallowable expenses, inappropriate recording of activity, and other fund management related responsibilities for assigned areas. Develops and provides reports for upper management.

• Balances books periodically and prepares financial statements. Prepares ledgers for fiscal year-end closing by reviewing and analyzing balances for reporting. Prepares any fiscal yearend transactions required to close the books for assigned areas. Completes appendices, schedules, and reports on financial data as assigned.

• Prepares related financial activity for fiscal year-end closing by reviewing and analyzing balances for reporting.

• Prepares fiscal year-end transactions required for assigned areas. Completes appendices, schedules, and reports on financial data as assigned.

• Reviews and provides complex policy interpretation and compliance review for GAAP, GASB, FASB, and other appropriated fund accounting principles and pronouncements to campus users. Escalates significant issues to supervisor/director.

• Applies advanced accounting principles to perform highly complex technical analysis to understand past performance and determine present and future performance and / or resource allocations.

• Provides general guidance and support to campus partners related to appropriate accounting principles and policies. Serves as backup for general department training. Provides support with other departmental tasks and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in related area. (Required) 5 years of related experience or 9 years of directly related experience if no degree. (Required)

Critical Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced knowledge of accounting theory, principles, and related functions.

• Ability to extract, compile, and validate accounting information from multiple sources to complete work assignments.

• Advanced ability to effectively present complex accounting and finance related information verbally and in writing.

• Advance experience using financial transactions and systems, as well as related policy, accounting, and unique regulatory compliance requirements.

• Advanced knowledge of common desktop / web applications.

• Advanced knowledge of analytical procedures used in accounting project of complex scope.

• Understanding of the interrelationship between procedures and desired results.

What's in it for YOU:

UC Merced offers a comprehensive compensation and benefit package. Benefits at UC Mercedinclude generous health, retirement, and leave programs within the University of California system. Benefits at UC Merced

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $88,000 - $104,000.

This position is designated as hybrid. Remote work may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates, with periodic travel to campus-typically twice per year-for team collaboration and training.

Another Source works with their clients on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

#AS1

#LI-KR1