Accountant I

Accountant I

Accounting

Job #552214

Close Date: 11/13/2025

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

 

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands-on learning, inspired teaching, ground-breaking research, and thought-provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

 

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

 

(552214) Accountant I, Salary Range: $4,570 - $6,658 (Step 1 – Step 20) Hiring Range: $4,570 - $4,755 (Step 1-03).  Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Step placement upon appointment is not expected to exceed Step 14 ($5,912 per month) for highly qualified candidates. 

 

This is a, full-time, benefited, non-exempt, permanent position with a one-year probationary period in the Accounting Department.

 

This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 14 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at https://www.humboldt.edu/hr/employee-benefits.

 

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Assistant Controller, the Accountant I performs professional accounting assignments, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policies and standards, reconciling financial data, preparing reports and journal entries, and supporting the integrity of campus financial records.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare financial analysis and complex journal entries for monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close for the campus and auxiliary organizations as assigned.
• Prepare and analyze reconciliations: departments, programs, projects, and general ledger accounts; maintain and set up chart fields
• Support campus audit liaison for Chancellor’s Office audits and provide support for other campus and auxiliary external audits, including preparing documentation and responses as needed.
• Perform daily banking and general accounting transactions, including journal entries and related financial tasks.
• Assist with gathering, researching, and reporting financial results.
• Work collaboratively with others to build alignment and successfully accomplish assigned projects and initiatives that lead to organizational improvement, greater efficiency, and improved customer service to the campus.
• Provide backup support for asset management activities as needed.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Associated with this Position Include:

Knowledge:

• General knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); office methods and procedures; statistical and mathematical presentation of data; advanced proficiency with current word processing and spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, query tools, integrated financial systems and/or other types of records management systems.

Abilities:

• Ability to interpret and follow instructions and policy guidelines; analyze financial and statistical data and draw conclusions; utilize problem solving techniques; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and communicate effectively with others inside and outside the unit, including conveying technical information to non-Accountants.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, business