Accountant II (Temp)

San Diego State University is seeking an experienced and adaptable Accountant II (Temporary, 12-month) to support critical accounting operations during a period of significant business process and system transformation.

This temporary 12-month position was created to help the Accounting Services team navigate a period of significant change. As SDSU continues work on a major financial systems implementation, we are seeking an experienced accountant to help resolve outstanding issues, improve processes, strengthen reconciliations, and provide operational support as needed during the implementation

The Accountant II will work across multiple accounting functions to identify and resolve discrepancies, perform complex reconciliations and analysis, support month-end and year-end activities, assist with implementation-related cleanup efforts, improve business processes, and provide backup support to ensure continuity of operations during this transition period. The position may support a variety of accounting activities, including general ledger reconciliations, financial reporting, transaction analysis, issue resolution, and other accounting operations as departmental priorities evolve.

The ideal candidate is a self-directed accounting professional who thrives in a changing environment, enjoys solving complex problems, and can balance implementation-related projects with ongoing operational responsibilities. Successful candidates will be adaptable, collaborative, and willing to step into a variety of accounting assignments to support team and departmental goals.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

• This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, temporary position with an anticipated duration of one year from date of hire.
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. 
• This position is eligible for up to 2 days of telecommuting per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

The University Controller’s Office is responsible for maintaining the University’s general and subsidiary ledgers for all operating and self-supporting funds. The University Controller’s Office oversees and coordinates the reconciliation and reporting of all University financial transactions. Additional oversight includes expenditure transactions processed within Accounts Payable; cash receipts, student reconciliations and records, financial aid disbursement transactions, and collection activity managed by the University Bursar’s Office. The University Controller’s Office is responsible for internal and external reporting, including Legal/Budgetary Basis, Financial Information Record Management System (FIRMS), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The University Controller reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Financial Operations.

Accounting Services is responsible for analyzing, reviewing, recording, and reconciling all transactional activity received from the sub-ledger modules into the general ledger. Reconciliation of general ledger data is performed on a monthly basis with a high degree of accuracy. Accounting Services provides assistance to departments, staff, and administrators in understanding and resolving any issues with transactions and department-level accounts. 

For more information regarding the Department of Financial Operations, click here.

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the ability to apply accounting principles to complex financial transactions, reconciliations, and issue resolution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research, reconcile, and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Advanced proficiency with spreadsheets, financial systems, reporting tools, and other technologies for managing and analyzing financial data.
• Ability to prepare and interpret financial reports, reconciliations, and supporting documentation with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable accounting policies, regulations, and internal controls.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing business needs, and balance implementation-related projects with ongoing operational responsibilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively and explain financial information to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with enterprise financial systems such as Oracle, PeopleSoft, or similar ERP platforms.
• Governmental, public sector, higher education, or other highly regulated accounting experience is preferred.

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.