Helpmates

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Accounting Manager  provides hands-on leadership and full accountability for all accounting and financial operations. The position demands ownership, precision, and proactive execution—balancing strategic oversight with a willingness to roll up sleeves and directly manage critical accounting functions when necessary.

This role ensures integrity, accuracy, and timeliness in all financial reporting and compliance activities, in alignment with GAAP, GASB, CSU and Chancellor’s Office policies, and applicable federal and state regulations governing nonprofit auxiliary organizations.

The Accounting Manager supervises and develops accounting staff, manages general ledger and reporting cycles, and oversees audits, internal controls, and fiscal compliance across the program areas, including grants and contracts, enterprise operations, and campus support services.

This position requires a decisive, detail-oriented professional who takes initiative, drives accountability, and maintains operational excellence through both strategic direction and hands-on engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Financial Management and Reporting • Lead all general accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and closing activities. • Personally engage in complex reconciliations and reporting tasks when accuracy or deadlines require direct intervention. • Prepare and review timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports in accordance with GAAP and GASB. • Maintain precise accounting for restricted funds, capital assets, reserves, and long-term liabilities. • Oversee journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analyses; ensure accuracy and proper documentation. • Coordinate preparation and submission of required financial reports to the Chancellor’s Office, granting agencies, and other stakeholders. Audit, Compliance, and Internal Controls • Serve as co-liaison for annual financial and single audits; lead preparation of audit schedules, reconciliations, and responses. • Strengthen and monitor internal control systems to mitigate financial risk and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. • Maintain and enforce policies and procedures that support fiscal accountability and transparency. • Report audit results and corrective actions to the Executive Director and Board/Audit Committee. Budget and Analysis • Partner with departments managing grants, contracts, and enterprise operations to ensure fiscal compliance and clear financial oversight. • Lead and participate in budget development, forecasting, and financial analysis for departments and projects. • Provide direct, data-driven financial analysis and actionable recommendations to support decision-making and long-term planning. • Track budget performance, investigate variances, and implement corrective measures proactively. Supervision and Leadership • Supervise, coach, and evaluate accounting staff; foster professional growth and cross-functional competence. • Directly engage with team operations when workload surges or deadlines require managerial intervention. • Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ownership across all financial operations. • Coordinate workload distribution to ensure quality and timeliness of deliverables. Systems, Processes, and Continuous Improvement • Review, document, and enhance internal controls to safeguard assets and strengthen compliance. • Lead process improvement and automation initiatives to eliminate inefficiencies. • Stay current with accounting standards and nonprofit/public-sector financial regulations. • Identify, design, and implement system and workflow improvements that drive measurable performance gains. Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. • Minimum of five (5) years of progressive accounting experience, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management capacity. • Demonstrated ability to manage both strategic initiatives and day-to-day accounting operations. • Comprehensive understanding of GAAP, fund accounting, and financial reporting standards for nonprofit or governmental entities. • Experience managing audits and preparing financial statements. • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong working knowledge of accounting software systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Cayuse, or similar). • Familiarity with Letter of Credit (LOC) drawdowns. • Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or auxiliary service environments. Preferred Qualifications • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. • Knowledge of CSU system policies, Executive Orders, and OMB Uniform Guidance for federal grants. Work Environment • On-site position  • Standard business hours, with occasional extended hours during audits, fiscal year-end, or high- demand projects. • Requires active participation in both management-level planning and direct operational execution. #HSSB