Project Accountant

Job Summary

The Project Accountant is primarily responsible for performing a variety of professional-level duties relating to accounting, financial and budget analysis. Working independently, under general supervision, this position assists with budget preparation and analysis; monitors funding sources and expenditures; prepares and/or coordinates the preparation of financial reports; maintains financial databases; and performs varied accounting and financial functions in assigned areas to include capital projects, escrow, project-related fees, trust and general fund.

The mission of Facilities Development & Operations, a service group of the Administration & Finance Division, is to develop and maintain a safe, functional and attractive campus for the students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors. FD&O is responsible for providing a clean and comfortable environment in all campus buildings that will support the learning process and for ensuring that the campus is pleasantly landscaped, functionally designed and environmentally responsible.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensures that change orders, invoices, and extra services are applied to the appropriate account. Prepares for review and approves the transfers of expenditure or encumbrance from general fund to appropriate accounts.
• Prepares and coordinates special financial reports as they relate to construction projects.
• Prepares all construction project reports related to state and local government requirements.
• Maintains, updates and reconciles the annual Capital Asset Management Plan (CAMP) related to building improvements.
• Track in coordination with project managers, all commitments, purchases, and outstanding project expenses. Conducts analysis of project encumbrances and expenditures including cash flow, fees, retentions, and general ledger reconciliation.
• Maintains Project management reporting software system including reconciliation of financial data between the Chancellor Office accounts (SAM) and University records.
• Maintain accounting and reporting requirements for third party contracted out projects (JOC).
• Prepares project reports and reconciles all budget augmentations and adjustments, prepares/updates monthly and quarterly project cash flow projections, reconciles actual year-to-date and project expenditures.
• Generate financial forecasts for in-process construction projects and annual capital planning reporting requirements. Monitors and reconciles expiration of funding sources and renewal requirements from the Chancellors office.
• Monitors funding sources and expenditures, including capital outlay, trust, escrow, and foundation accounts and coordinates the preparation of related monthly reports.
• Assists in preparation of the annual and mid-year budgets. Conducts analysis and reports on deviation from budget parameters.
• Analyzes services operations, performs carry-forward analysis and assists in the development of distribution procedures and budgets campus indirect cost distributions.
• Prepares overtime and charge-out budgets. Monitors costs and assists University Accounting in resolving transaction issues.
• Monitors the construction projects and utilities databases to ensure that they are updated accurately.
• Assists with coordinating all aspects of complex service and public works contracts, and prepares requisitions for each proposal.
• Provides reports and information to Planning, Design and Construction as needed.
• Provides computerized work records and reports through the department’s Computerized Maintenance Management Program, as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply extensive expertise to complex principles and practices of fiscal management.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting and fiscal recordkeeping as they relate to public-sector construction projects and contract management.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, business writing, punctuation and spelling. Ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports.
• Ability to prepare financial reports and interpret policies and procedures covering a wide range of budget, contract and accounting procedures.
• Ability to monitor computerized accounting records, and to research and correct computer data errors.
• Ability to work independently, communicate and write effectively, make constructive recommendations, interpret and apply fiscal policies and procedures; and work cooperatively with contractors, vendors, architects, engineers, campus personnel, and representatives of public and private agencies.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of PC-compatible software programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.
• Ability to develop and design databases and create related reports.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the construction industry and constructions documents.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate financial statements and reports.
• Ability to present financial information to all levels of staff and management.

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, business administration, finance or a closely related field or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities and equivalent.
• Two years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of progressively responsible budget, accounting and financial management experience, including the study, analysis, development, evaluation and improvement of administrative and financial management policies; procedures and practices.
• 2 years accounting experience in Major and Minor capital projects within the CSU

Compensation

Classification: Accountant II
Anticipated Hiring Range: up to $6,667/month
Salary Range: $4,161/month - $8,030/month

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary .

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: October 26, 2021 through November 9, 2021 . This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement as a condition of employment. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu .



Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University (SJSU) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all SJSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).

Advertised: October 26, 2021 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: