Accounting Technician (Accounting Technician III - Finance and Administrative Services, Student Financial Services)

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, the Accounting Technician III provides advanced technical and customer service support in Student Financial Services. This position performs a wide range of financial transactions and analyses with a high level of independence, judgment, and accuracy. The incumbent ensures the integrity of student account records, reconciliation of accounts, compliance with financial policies, and the timely resolution of complex accounting issues. This role also provides support and backup for a variety of departmental functions.

Responsibilities:

 - Student Account Support & Customer Service: Serve as the primary point of contact for complex student account issues. Communicate policies clearly and accurately, resolve discrepancies, and respond to inquiries via phone, email, Zoom, and in person.

-  Technical Accounting Functions: Perform reconciliations. Research, resolve, and reconcile cash receipt issues between Campus Solutions, Transact, and the general ledger. Create and maintain complex spreadsheet tables. Identify and resolve computer application errors. Create, troubleshoot, and analyze advanced queries and reports (including but not limited to Campus Solutions, Common Financial System, Transact, and Data Warehouse). Prepare journal entries relating to student accounts and cash transactions. Analyze financial records and correct discrepancies.

- Cashiering and Payment Processing: Perform cashiering functions, including processing payments, posting to student accounts, and reconciling daily deposits. Prepare and process refunds and disbursements.

-  Transact Payment Portal Administration: Maintenance of online payments, setting up eMarket accounts, providing training, and end-user support. Participate in the testing of financial software for upgrades and implementations.

- Special Projects and Support Duties: Perform system testing, assist with procedural updates, and act as a backup for daily processing functions or during staff absences.

- Other Classification - Related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Required Education and Experience

Equivalent to four years of progressively responsible financial record-keeping experience which has provided the above knowledge and abilities.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities is acceptable.

Required Qualifications

Comprehensive knowledge of financial record-keeping, mathematical and general office methods, procedures, and practices; and basic knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

In addition to the Accounting Technician II abilities, must be able to interpret and apply a wide variety of written rules and regulations; maintain accounting records for funds, programs, or activities involving multiple transactions; compile, verify, and reconcile financial data; use current computer word processing and spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, query tools, integrated financial systems and/or other types of records management systems, such as student accounting, cashiering and student financial aid; investigate and resolve errors and discrepancies; and read and interpret computer-generated reports.

Preferred Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
- Experience working in higher education, student services, or public sector finance.
- Familiarity with student financial aid, cashiering operations, and FERPA compliance.
- Experience with data extraction and reporting tools, including query design and spreadsheet automation.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, decision-making, and administrative skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to independently analyze and resolve complex accounting issues.
- Proficiency in systems such as PeopleSoft, Transact (CashNet), and Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to interpret and apply a wide variety of written rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Ability to maintain and reconcile accounting records involving multiple transactions.

Compensation and Benefits:

Anticipated Salary Step Placement: $4, 570 - $4, 947 per month (Step 1 - Step 5)

Classification Salary Range: $4 , 570 - $6, 658 per month (Step 1 - Step 20) 

The salary offered will take into account internal equity and experience among other factors.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary o