General Accountant (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 range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $73,500 - $84,000.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: Hybrid, requires 1 day on-site.

Initial applicant review will take place on or around October 20th, 2026. Posting may close any time after the review date.

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 professional accounting concepts as a seasoned, experienced professional with a full understanding of accounting practices and organizational policies and procedures to resolve complex assignments where analysis of data requires a review of a variety of factors and multiple sources. Exercises judgment within defined accounting procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Normally receives general instructions, with detailed instructions provided on complex new assignments and initiatives. Has contact with internal and external resources on a regular basis. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.

Under the general supervision of the General Accounting Supervisor, provides a wide range of comprehensive research, analysis, and monitoring in the areas of internal controls, financial management, and financial policy compliance. Applies knowledge of University policies and procedures to identify and resolve issues related to financial activities, key controls, and policy compliance. Acts as a liaison to the campus community and external partners on related accounting issues.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Helps implement and/or maintain the general accounting systems. Understands the Oracle financial system general ledger and modules. Understands the accounting behind the transactions flowing through the financial system. Reviews and assists with analysis/evaluation of new chart string values and appropriate accounting for transactions. Provides training and guidance to campus units on transaction processing, reconciliation, and reporting for assigned areas.
• Prepares journal entries and maintains and/or reconciles ledger accounts. Prepares journal entries for general accounting activities in the assigned area. Prepares general ledger and supporting ledger reconciliations monthly as assigned. Gathers and analyzes specific dates in ledger accounts and funds utilizing reports available and/or prepares moderately complex reports by querying available databases.
• Provides record of assets, liabilities, and other financial transactions. Review fund balances, account/fund group summaries, and various standard and ad-hoc reports for prudent fund management. Work with departmental personnel to resolve overdrafts, unallowable expenses, inappropriate recording of activity, and other fund management-related responsibilities for assigned areas. Develop and provide reports for upper management.
• Balances books periodically and prepares financial statements. Prepare ledgers for fiscal year-end closing by reviewing and analyzing balances for reporting. Prepare any fiscal year-end transactions required to close the books for assigned areas. Complete appendices, schedules, and reports on financial data as assigned.
• Interprets reports and records for administrators and managers. 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/manager. Maintains current knowledge of fund accounting and legal pronouncements.
• Provides analysis for complex accounting projects. Gathers data from the general ledger and applicable guidelines and procedures to analyze complex issues. Provides guidance to departments for processing accounting transactions. Analyze and answer questions from departments and coordinate resolution of issues involving other departments or functions.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in accounting or a related field and/or equivalent experience/training.

AND

• 3 years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in accounting or a related field.

OR

• 7 years of equivalent related experience/training.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge of accounting function and assignments.
• Ability to independently gather, organize, and perform accounting-related analysis to complete work assignments.
• Proven ability to effectively present information verbally and in writing.
• Thorough knowledge of financial transactions and systems, as well as related policy, accounting, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of common desktop / web applications.
• Thorough knowledge of analytical procedures used in accounting projects of moderate to semi-complex scope.

Background check 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/