Lead General Accountant (2 positions)(Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $86,400. - $104,000.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around August 21st, 2025. Posting will remain open until both positions are filled.

These positions will be hybrid, up to two days onsite per week.

These positions may have up to two direct reports.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Uses advanced accounting concepts and campus objectives to resolve highly complex issues. Regularly works on highly complex accounting assignments that are of diverse scope requiring analysis of identifiable factors, using multiple accounting and financial sources. Supervises and manages work of other general accountants. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, completing analysis and developing recommendations. Normally receives little instruction on day-to-day work, with general instructions provided on new or unique accounting assignments. Interacts with senior internal and external personnel on matters of some significance to the accounting organization. Oversees, mentors, and develops staff, setting team goals and performance standards. Provides guidance on complex and sensitive issues, assigns work, and monitors team progress. Manages staffing needs, including recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and professional development to ensure operational efficiency. Recommends actions related to discipline, and grievance resolutions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops, implements, and / or maintains one or more general accounting policies, procedures and / or internal processes. Assists with ERP system improvements, system testing, and resolution of accounting-related system errors.
• Leads the implementation and/or maintenance of the general accounting processes related to the Oracle Cloud financial system and various sub ledger modules. Understands the accounting behind the transactions flowing through the financial system and sub-ledgers and leads the reconciliations of related transactions. Reviews and assists with the analysis/evaluation of the new chart string values and key segments. Provides training and guidance to campus units for transaction processing, reconciliation, and reporting for areas assigned
• Prepares and / or reviews and approves journal entries, and maintains and / or reconciles ledger accounts for assigned areas. Prepares general ledger to subledger reconciliations monthly as assigned. Gathers and analyzes specific data in ledger accounts and funds utilizing reports available and/or preparing moderately complex reports by querying available databases.
• Provides record of assets, liabilities, and other financial transactions. Reviews fund balances, account/fund group summaries and various standard and ad-hoc reports for prudent fund management. Works with departmental personnel to resolve overdrafts, unallowable expenses, inappropriate recording of activity, and other fund management related responsibilities for assigned areas. Develops and provides reports for upper management.
• Balances books periodically and prepares financial statements. Prepares ledgers for fiscal year-end closing by reviewing and analyzing balances for reporting. Prepares any fiscal yearend transactions required to close the books for assigned areas. Completes appendices, schedules, and reports on financial data as assigned.
• Prepares related financial activity for fiscal year-end closing by reviewing and analyzing balances for reporting. Prepares fiscal year-end transactions required for assigned areas. Completes appendices, schedules, and reports on financial data as assigned.
• Reviews and provides complex policy interpretation and compliance review for GAAP, GASB, FASB, and other appropriated fund accounting principles and pronouncements to campus users. Escalates significant issues to supervisor/director.
• Applies advanced accounting principles to perform highly complex technical analysis to understand past performance and determine present and future performance and / or resource allocations.
• Provides general guidance and support to campus partners related to appropriate accounting principles and policies. Serves as backup for general department training. Provides support with other departmental tasks and duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's s degree in related area. (Required)
• 5 years of related experience or 9 years of directly related experience if no degree. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Advanced knowledge of accounting theory, principles, and related functions.
• Ability to extract, compile, and validate accounting information from multiple sources to complete work assignments.
• Advanced ability to effectively present complex accounting and finance related information verbally and in writing.
• Advance experience using financial transactions and systems, as well as related policy, accounting, and unique regulatory compliance requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of common desktop / web applications.
• Advanced knowledge of analytical procedures used in accounting project of complex scope.
• Understanding of the interrelationship between procedures and desired results.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/