Staff Accountant - California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, California at California Institute of Integral Studies

POSITION SUMMARY

The Staff Accountant supports the day-to-day accounting and financial operations of CIIS and plays an important role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting month-end and year-end close, preparing account reconciliations, and assisting with financial reporting.

This position works closely with the Accounting Manager, Controller, Finance team, Human Resources, and other departments to ensure transactions are accurately recorded, properly supported, and compliant with institutional policies and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, comfortable working independently, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a collaborative environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Ledger & Financial Close

• Prepare and post monthly and year-end journal entries, accruals, and other general ledger activity.
• Prepare and maintain account reconciliations, including bank, investments, prepaids, fixed assets, deferred revenue, and other assigned accounts.
• Support the monthly and year-end close process and ensure accounting deadlines are met.
• Ensure general ledger activity is accurate, complete, properly classified, and adequately supported.
• Research, investigate, and resolve accounting discrepancies and errors with Accounting Manager input.
• Assist with the review of accounting transactions and supporting documentation.

Payroll & Benefits Accounting

• Record and reconcile payroll and benefits-related transactions in a timely manner.
• Analyze payroll and benefits data to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare supporting schedules and reports related to payroll and benefits accounting.
• Assist with other payroll and benefits accounting processes as assigned.

Financial Reporting

• Provide accounting information and analysis to support management and FP&A reporting.
• Assist with budget-to-actual analysis and preparation of variance explanations.

Compliance & Audit

• Support the annual external audit, including preparation of schedules and account analyses.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with GAAP and relevant nonprofit and higher-education accounting standards (FASB).
• Support the maintenance and strengthening of internal controls over the general accounting function.
• Ensure adherence to CIIS protocols for cash, banking, credit cards, general ledger, restricted funds, fixed assets, leases, endowment/investment accounting, and risk management.
• Assist with federal, state, and city tax and business filings as assigned and with Accounting Manager review.

Accounting Operations & Process Improvement

• Perform and support day-to-day general accounting operations.
• Support CIIS's credit card and banking accounting processes.
• Serve as a resource and backup for other accounting functions as needed.
• Provide a high level of customer service.
• Assist with documenting and maintaining accounting policies, procedures, and desk-level guidance.
• Support cross-training and continuity of accounting functions.
• Demonstrate and promote a strong customer service orientation within the Accounting team.
• Perform other tasks or duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 1-2 years of progressive accounting experience, with demonstrated experience in general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, month-end close and/or payroll accounting.
• Demonstrated understanding of GAAP and accrual accounting.
• Experience working with accounting/general ledger software.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to learn enterprise database systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other department members and CIIS departments.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized with both time and data.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague is highly desirable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.
• Strong knowledge of general financial accounting and accrual accounting.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with Finance and other CIIS departments.
• Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Proficiency with accounting/general ledger software and Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and detailed financial information.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive financial information appropriately.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are appreciated.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed in a professional office or remote work environment and requires regular use of a computer, telephone, video conferencing platforms, and other standard office equipment.

The position involves significant computer-based work, including reviewing financial reports, spreadsheets, reconciliations, and detailed financial data. The role requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments and to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Remote employees must maintain a professional and secure work environment appropriate for working with confidential institutional and financial information.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Regular use of a keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to review detailed information on computer screens for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to participate in onsite meetings, trainings, or other institutional activities as required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

LOCATION

This position is based at 1453 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA; however, a remote work option is available for candidates who can demonstrate strong self-direction and relevant experience.

Remote candidates may be required to travel to San Francisco up to three times annually, as needed.

WAGES AND BENEFITS

$75,000 - $80,000 annually. Salary is based on regional cost of living and may vary depending on the employee's work location.

NOTES TO CANDIDATE

• Working Conditions Duties are primarily performed in an office environment at a desk or computer terminal, typically Monday through Friday.
• Background Check Due to the sensitivity and requirements of this position, you should expect to undergo and be cleared of an employment background/criminal check, if extended an offer for employment. You may also be asked to provide proof of educational degree(s), licenses, or credentials pertinent to the position. If your job requires driving on behalf of CIIS you will be required to provide proof of a valid driver's license.
• Visa Sponsorship Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
• Relocation Assistance This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

At the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), we are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, guided by our Seven Commitments. We value the diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities within our community and strive to create and maintain environments that are inclusive, equitable, accessible, and welcoming for all.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer we are committed to providing an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for all individuals, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and other terms and conditions of employment.

CIIS actively seeks to recruit and retain individuals who bring a broad range of cultural backgrounds, languages, and life experiences that enhance our institutional mission and values.