Accounting Manager - CSU Los Angeles

Another Source's client, California State University, Los Angeles, is recruiting an Accounting Manager to join their team in Los Angeles, CA. This is a hybrid role, with the majority of work performed on campus.

Here's a little about Cal State LA: California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is a nationally recognized, comprehensive public university located in the heart of Los Angeles. As part of the 23-campus California State University system, Cal State LA serves a diverse student population and is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

The university is deeply committed to access, equity, and student success, with faculty engaged in impactful research, scholarship, and community service. Cal State LA offers a vibrant campus environment where innovation, diversity, and opportunity intersect-making it a compelling place to build a meaningful career.

About this role: Reporting to the University Controller, the Accounting Manager plays a critical leadership role in supporting the financial integrity and operational excellence of the university and its auxiliary organizations. This is an opportunity to step into a highly visible role where you will influence accounting operations, financial reporting, audit processes, and compliance in a complex higher education environment.

This position is ideal for a hands-on leader who enjoys building strong teams, improving processes, and partnering across departments. You will serve as a key contributor to strategic financial initiatives while helping modernize and strengthen accounting operations across the institution.

Your Contribution Will Likely Include:

Leading and developing a team responsible for accounting operations, financial reporting, audit, and tax functions

• Supporting the preparation of year-end legal and GAAP financial reporting

• Partnering with auxiliary organizations to ensure strong fiscal management and compliance

• Collaborating with campus departments to support day-to-day financial operations and strategic initiatives

• Enhancing accounting systems, processes, and internal controls to improve efficiency and accuracy

• Interpreting and applying GAAP, FASB, and GASB standards within a governmental and nonprofit environment

• Participating in CSU systemwide initiatives, committees, and best practice sharing

• Providing analysis, insights, and recommendations to support decision-making and organizational goals

Experience You Will Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible accounting/finance experience, including 2-3 years of supervisory experience

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, including FASB and GASB standards and governmental fund accounting

• Experience in complex, decentralized organizations with multiple stakeholders

• Knowledge of nonprofit or foundation accounting practices

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, improve processes, and manage competing priorities

• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to interpret and apply accounting standards, policies, and procedures

• Commitment to working in a multicultural, multiethnic environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field (MBA or similar)

• CPA license

• Public accounting or audit experience

• Experience in higher education or the CSU system

• Familiarity with systems such as PeopleSoft, Raiser's Edge, or other higher education financial systems

Compensation & Benefits: The salary range for this position is $110,000-$120,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Cal State LA offers a comprehensive benefits package. Learn more here: https://www.calstatela.edu/hrm/benefits

Why a Career with CSU is for You:

The CSU system offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet you where you're at in life and typically adds 30-35% to your total compensation package. For more information on programs available, take a closer look in the Employee Benefits Summary: https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

• Emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance with ample PTO and flexibility, including up to 24 vacation days per year

• Access to vibrant campus life, including athletic facilities, events, and cultural programming

• Professional development opportunities, including tuition waivers for you and eligible family members across all 23 CSU campuses

• Two retirement plan options: CalPERS pension or 403(b) supplemental plan

• Comprehensive medical benefits tailored to different life stages

• Pre-tax commuter benefits to support transportation costs

Equal Employment Opportunity: In addition to meeting fully its obligations under federal and state law, California State University, Los Angeles is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual. To that end, all qualified individuals will receive equal consideration without regard to economic status, race, ethnicity, color, religion, disability, national origin or cultural background, political views, sex or sexual orientation, gender, or other personal characteristics or beliefs.

Candidates must demonstrate ability and/or interest in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment. Certain positions may require fingerprinting. The University actively encourages qualified minorities, women, and persons with disabilities to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to individuals with protected disabilities to complete the employment process and perform essential job functions where such accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. We are an Equal Opportunity/Title IX Employer.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Additionally, this position is designated under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code and requires filing of applicable forms. The selected candidate must reside in the State of California in accordance with CSU policy.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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