Senior Accounting And Business Services Specialist

Senior Accounting And Business Services Specialist

Under the oversight of the Director of Administrative Services, the Senior Accounting and Business Services Specialist oversees a variety of broad and complex financial, accounting and budgeting services related to trust, bond, general fund, and auxiliary accounts. Provides lead group direction and day-to-day financial oversight of budget, payroll, accounting, project accounting, procurement, and cost recovery. Provides strategic leadership and analysis in the utilization of information systems within the department and input to recommended policies that have a major operational impact.

This position has a significant influential role regarding performance, decision-making, and key objectives of the department by providing timely and value-added financial information. As this is a highly visible position, incumbent plays an instrumental role in both internal and external relationships that affect the department's level of customer satisfaction.

Facilities Development & Operations provides real estate, physical planning, design, construction, maintenance, operation, energy and utility, and environmental health and safety services to a University campus spread across multiple sites comprised of +170 acres, 52 buildings, and more than six million gross square feet. The department employs 300+ full time permanent staff and administers an operating budget in excess of $30 million not including funds associated with purchased utilities. Additionally, the department manages a project portfolio ranging in size from $500 thousand to in excess of $250 million.

Key Responsibilities

Coordinates, develops and prepares the annual operating budget

Conducts monthly analysis and mid-year budget forecast

Ensures department decisions are consistent with budget and financial objectives

Benchmarks and provides input to the department's key financial performance indicators (KPIs)

Provides recording and reporting of accounting and financial transactions, ensuring that all fiscal operations are in compliance with CSU and Campus requirements

Provides financial research and financial analysis/modeling in a variety of matters including but not limited to the procurement of capital equipment and major operational expenditures

Oversees the department's overall cost recovery process including the development of annual overhead rates, cost recovery models and collection processes

In coordination with PDC, maintains an effective construction project accounting system and payment process in accordance with appropriate financial policies and procedures

Administers and processes escrow agreements on all Public Works contracts and approves the request to State Treasurer for contractor payment; audits, prepares financial reports for submission to the Chancellor's Office

Ensures department payments are in compliance with general account and reimbursement procedures of the University, and interfaces with project managers for clarification of discrepancies and verification/authorization of payments requested

Trains and provides guidance to staff relating to financial and accounting policies and procedures

Represents the department in all financial matters in the absence of the Director, Administrative Services

Manages trust funds to ensure a positive cash position for each trust at all times

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner

Extensive knowledge of and ability to apply extensive expertise to complex principles and practices of fiscal management

Demonstrated expertise and advanced knowledge of the principles, problems, and methods of public and business administration and operational and fiscal management

Ability to prepare reports and interpret policies and procedures covering a wide range of budget, contract and accounting procedures

Ability to make timely decisions and perform a wide variety of administrative duties independently; ability to effectively plan, assign, coordinate and lead a variety of fiscal functions

Ability to analyze 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

High proficiency in PC compatible software programs such as Word, EXCEL and Access

Ability to develop, design databases, and create reports as related to defined duties

Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with employees and external agencies

Required Qualifications

Five 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

Preferred Qualifications

Accounting experience preferred in construction management, facilities management, and/or governmental accounting

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience

Work experience in a State, College, or University setting OR within a large, complex business setting

Compensation

Classification: Budget Analyst IV

Anticipated Hiring Range: $9,524/month - $9,714/month (Step 19 - Step 20)

CSU Salary Range: $6,668/month - $9,714/month (Step 1 - Step 20)

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: December 3, 2025 through January 5, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Work Schedule

Selected candidates will be placed in one of the following shifts based on operational needs.

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact Information

University Personnel

jobs@sjsu.edu

408-924-2252