Job Summary Under the general direction of the Director, an Accountant II independently performs intermediate-level professional accounting work requiring thorough knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards. The incumbent will work independently to prepare complex financial statements and reports, interpret laws and rules, and effectively communicate complex and technical professional accounting information to non-accountants.
This is a full-time temporary 6 month and 1 day position and is eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, vision and CalPERS retirement. Department Summary University Accounting & Reporting (UAR) is an integral part of University Financial Services (UFS), a department within the Administration and Finance Division. UFS provides accounting and financial services to students, staff, and faculty. Services include budget & fiscal planning, general accounting, cashiering, student accounts, accounts receivable, property accounting, and financial reporting.
Key Qualifications - Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards; office methods and procedures; statistical and mathematical presentation of data.
- Advanced proficiency with current word processing, spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, query tools, integrated financial systems and/or other types of records management systems.
- Ability to research and apply tax law as it relates to universities and non- profit/tax-exempt entities.
- Ability to independently perform the full range of professional accounting work.
- Ability to implement problem-solving techniques in finding solutions for complex accounting problems.
Education and Experience - Equivalent to two years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience.
- Equivalent to a bachelor's degree with a major in accounting, business administration, finance or a closely related field. (Any equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides the required knowledge and abilities, may be substituted for the required education).
Salary and Benefits Anticipated Hiring Range: $72,765 - $86,136 Per Year
Classification Range: $58,908 - $113,676 Per Year
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.
Cal Poly Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu .
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly 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. Cal Poly 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.
Cal Poly 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 Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Supplemental Information Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive.
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).
Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. Advertised: Oct 02 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: