GENERAL ACCOUNTANT 2 - INVESTMENTS & GENERAL ACCOUNTING

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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Position Base
Oakland

Location
UCOP - Franklin Building

Department Overview
UC Controller provides strategic leadership and support of systemwide financial functions including financial reporting, federal and extramural costing policy, benefits accounting, capital assets and debt accounting, endowment and investment accounting, payroll policy and compliance and taxation. We deliver efficient and effective financial services, provide best practices and guidance to our campus and medical center communities, develop and administer systemwide policies and procedures, and ensure the University's financial systems are compliant with all University, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations. The Investments and General Accounting unit maintains the investment and endowment accounting records for the UC system, oversees the general ledger for UCOP and provides expertise on accounting and financial matters for gift and endowment accounting, investment accounting and general accounting matters.

Position Summary
The Investments and General Accounting unit is responsible for centralized accounting and reporting functions for endowment funds, campus foundations, other UC affiliated organizations. The Investments and General Accounting unit manages the investment and endowment system administration, general accounting transactions, endowment record keeping and planned giving portfolio. This area is also responsible for participant accounting for the University's investment pools portfolio of over $40 billion (General Endowment Pool, Blue and Gold Pool, Short Term Investment Pool and Total Return Investment Pool) including recording and reconciling investment transactions, as well as accounting and recording investment activity for the University of California Retirement Plan (UCRP) and University of California Retirement Savings Plan (UCRSP) funds, including pool processing for the UCRP and Department of Energy Laboratory segments. This includes maintaining accurate accounting records for UCOP encompassing developing, implementing and monitoring accounting systems, policies and procedures. Reporting to the Investments and General Accounting Manager, the General Accountant 2 uses professional accounting concepts to complete accounting assignments that are of moderate scope where analysis of data requires a review of a variety of factors and multiple sources. The General Accountant 2 is integral in handling all cash activity related to UCOP activities, including its endowments. The General Accountant 2 exercises judgment within defined accounting procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Has internal and external contact on a regular basis. Applies policies and procedures to resolve a variety of accounting issues. This role requires strong accounting skills, particularly in cash management, bank reconciliation, and journal entry preparation. It also demands attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously, and effective communication across different departments and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• 35% Maintains one or more general accounting systems related to cash for University of California Office of the President. Key responsibilities:

1. General Accounting & Bank Reconciliation -Maintain multiple general accounting systems related to cash management for the University of California Office of the President. -Perform regular bank reconciliations for different types of accounts, such as zero balance accounts and depository accounts, ensuring consistency and accuracy between bank statements and general ledger records.

2. Processing Donations & Gifts -Process and record donations, gifts, and endowments from all UC campuses. This includes both electronic transfers and checks. -Track and verify donations to ensure that all funds are properly recorded and deposited into the appropriate accounts.

3. Agency Fund & Location Transfers -Process agency fund transfers and location-to-location transfers as requested by different departments or campuses. -Ensure transfers are properly recorded and tracked in the accounting systems.

4. Verification of Bank Activity & Notifications -Monitor notifications from various departments and locations, verifying that corresponding bank activity is properly reflected in both the general ledger and bank records. This includes confirming that all transactions are accurately captured.

5. Debt Service Payments -Process debt service payments, following instructions from the Capital Assets & Debt Accounting and Capital Markets Finance teams. -Ensure debt service payments are made on time, and funds are appropriately released as required.

6. Collaboration with Departments -Maintain accurate records and correspondence, ensuring effective communication with various UC departments, including the Business Resource Center and UC Treasury. -Work collaboratively to ensure that deposits are properly coded, deposited, and reflected in the Oracle general ledger system.

7. General Ledger Maintenance -Ensure that all transactions, including donations, transfers, and debt payments, are accurately reflected in the Oracle general ledger system, in accordance with University policies and accounting standards.

• 35% Prepares basic journal entries and maintains and / or reconciles ledger accounts related to cash and bank fees.

1. Journal Entries & Ledger Reconciliation -Prepare basic journal entries related to cash and bank fee transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with University accounting standards. -Maintain and reconcile ledger accounts related to cash, ensuring all transactions are properly recorded and discrepancies are resolved in a timely manner. -Clear suspense accounts by investigating and resolving transactions that have not been properly classified or recorded.

2. Bank fees -Record bank fees and associated charges, ensuring that they are accurately entered into the system. -Create corresponding journal entries for these transactions, and reconcile ledger accounts to ensure proper tracking of bank-related expenses. -Perform research and review transactions, especially when integrating entries from third-party sources, and make necessary adjustments.

3. High-Volume Cash Transactions -Process a high volume of cash-related entries, including tracking and reviewing various types of cash receipts and payments. -Perform regular research of transactions to identify any discrepancies or errors, and resolve them as needed. -Prepare and post journal entries for transactions, ensuring that all integrated entries from third-party sources are accurate and appropriately recorded in the general ledger.

4. Coordination with Business Partners -Provide instructions to business partners to ensure that deposits are accurately made into both the bank and the general ledger. - Ensure that all necessary documentation and details are shared for accurate and timely processing.

5. Home Loan Program Transactions -Process payment transactions and journals related to the UC home loan programs, collaborating with the Office of Loan Programs to ensure proper handling and recording of payments. -Maintain accurate records for these transactions, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

6. Warrants & State Receipts -Process warrants and record transactions for other UC locations, as well as other cash receipts from the State of California. -Ensure that these transactions are recorded accurately, and maintain records for all locations as necessary.

7. Data Compilation & Supporting Documentation -Compile data from various sources, including daily and weekly feeds from external sources, to track cash and other financial transactions. -Provide supporting documentation for these transactions, ensuring that all records are thorough, accurate, and in compliance with University policies.

• 20% Provides record of assets, liabilities, and other financial transactions.

1. Recording Assets, Liabilities, and Financial Transactions -Maintain accurate records of assets, liabilities, and other financial transactions, ensuring that all data is appropriately captured and reflected in the general ledger. -Ensure proper classification and recording of transactions in line with accounting standards and internal policies.

2. Investment Pool Processing & Reporting -Participate in monthly and annual investment pool processing activities, which likely involve recording contributions to and distributions from the UC investment pools. -Ensure that all transactions are accurately recorded, reconciled, and reported. -Assist with generating investment reports, ensuring they are complete and meet the requirements of UC Treasury and other stakeholders.

3. Tax Payment Reconciliation -Reconcile tax payments to ensure that all tax-related transactions (such as unrelated business income tax and payroll-related taxes) are accurately reflected in the ledger and are in compliance with federal and state regulations. -Ensure that the tax payments are processed timely and accurately, resolving any discrepancies that arise.

4. Troubleshooting Cash Transaction Issues -Troubleshoot issues with vendors, UC Treasury, UC Investments, and other groups related to cash transactions, ensuring that any discrepancies or issues are promptly addressed and resolved. -Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth processing of transactions and clarify any discrepancies.

5. Research Historical Transactions -Research historical transactions related to check deposits, campus transfer requests, and lockbox transactions. -Investigate any issues with these transactions, such as missing deposits or incorrect transfers, and work with relevant parties to resolve the issue. -Provide support to UCOP and campus stakeholders, answering questions and providing clarifications as needed.

6. Follow-Up on Transactions & Requests -Follow up with internal teams (such as UC Treasury, UC Investments, and the Business Resource Center) and external vendors to ensure timely resolution of any issues or requests related to financial transactions. -Ensure that all issues are properly tracked and that stakeholders are updated on the status of resolutions.

7. Coordination with Vendors and Stakeholders -Coordinate with vendors and relevant UCOP and campus groups, providing supporting documentation and information as needed to facilitate accurate processing of transactions. -Ensure that all necessary supporting materials are collected and provided to stakeholders in a timely and organized manner.

• 10% Balancing Books & Preparing Financial Statements and Additional Functions

1. Balance the books periodically, ensuring that all accounts are properly reconciled and that the financial data aligns with the general ledger. -Help prepare financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement, ensuring they accurately reflect the organization's financial position. -Interpret financial reports for administrators and managers, providing insights and summaries of financial performance and trends.

2. Fiscal Year-End Closing -Take responsibility for specific fiscal year-end closing steps, ensuring that all transactions for the fiscal year are properly recorded and that all necessary adjustments are made. -Independently prepare worksheets and journal entries for the year-end close, including any necessary accruals, adjustments, or reclassifications to ensure accurate financial reporting. -Ensure completeness and accuracy in the year-end process, verifying that all accounts are properly closed and all transactions are accounted for.

3. Preparation of Reports for Auditors -Prepare accounting and statistical reports for auditors at fiscal year-end, providing all necessary financial data and supporting documentation for their review. -Ensure that reports are comprehensive, accurate, and prepared according to auditing standards and timelines. -Follow up on auditors' requests and promptly provide additional information or clarifications as needed. Resolve any discrepancies identified by the auditors, working closely with the audit team and other departments to address concerns and ensure the accuracy of the financial statements.

4. Account Reconciliations & Additional Functions -Assist with other account reconciliations and functions within the finance team, ensuring that all accounts are accurately reconciled and discrepancies are resolved in a timely manner. -This could include reconciling cash accounts, interdepartmental transactions, or other balance sheet accounts that require periodic review and adjustment.

5. Ad-Hoc Projects & Special Assignments -Complete ad-hoc projects as assigned, which could include anything from financial analysis and reporting to system improvements or special audits. -Provide support for various accounting initiatives as they arise, adapting to new priorities and business needs.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Min 2 years Relevant work experience

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of accounting function and assignments.
• Ability to apply more advanced accounting concepts to complete work assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively present information verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of financial transactions and systems, as well as related policy, accounting, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and common desktop / web applications.
• Knowledge of analytical procedures used in accounting projects of moderate scope.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in Oracle cloud-based or other general ledger solutions

Education
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related area / or equivalent experience / training

Licenses and Certifications
Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant

Travel Requirements
5% Occasional business travel

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position has been approved for a hybrid work arrangement. The person hired must report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, subject to change. The person hired will be required to reside in the state of California.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title
General Accountant 2

Job Code
007736

Salary Grade
Grade 19

Payscale:
$72,000 - $83,200, commensurate with experience

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is January 2, 2025. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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