Title:  ACCOUNTING ADMINISTRATOR I (SPECIALIST)
Salary: $4,833.00 - $5,874.00
Posted: 05/03/2010

Under general supervision of the Accounting Administrator II, assist with the responsibility for completion of highly complex fiscal activities surrounding the financial reporting of CalSTRS. This position serves as the lead over the Financial Reporting & General Ledger unit by providing technical expertise and guidance on fiscal matters to lower level staff.

The Accounting Division plays a vital role in the multifaceted and dynamic nature of the CalSTRS working environment. CalSTRS prepares a comprehensive annual financial report which includes a report of an independent auditor, financial statements, investment performance, and independent actuary. Unlike many other State agencies, CalSTRS financial reporting uses a full accrual method and must be in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Goernment Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) requirements and guidelines, state and federal tax code (IRC), Teachers' Retirement Law (TRL) and other legal mandates.

Other duties for this position include:

• Oversee the general ledger monthly posting process for all programs and funds.
• Ensure the trial balances, reconciliations and analytical reviews are produced timely.
• Perform first level reviews of general ledger accounts and reconciliations prepared by others to ensure all accounting events are captured and properly recorded throughout the year.
• Independently perform complex accounting reconciliations and analysis as needed. These reconciliations and analysis typically require extensive research and may lead to recommendations in regards to accounting policy and/or procedures.
• Work in collaboration with accounting management to ensure the agency's GAAP and Legal Basis, Consolidated Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and Local Government Resporitng System (LGRS) reports are produced accurately and in the time-lines specified by the controlling entities.
• Independently prepare various year-end schedules required by the external auditors and the preparation of financial data and reprots requested for actuarial purposes.
• Monitor year-end reprot preparation per the established work-plan. Participate in the coordination of the year-end financial audit and resolving findings from internal and external auditors.
• Resolve the more complex accounting issues through coordination with the Accounting management, other CalSTRS business areas, control agencies, internal and external auditors and business partners.

Desirable Qualifications:

• In-depth understanding of GAAP, various investment activities and types, as well as financial reporting requirements mandated by GASB and the GFOA.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a complex and fast paced environment
• Knowledge of: accounting principles and procedures; governmental accounting and budgeting; the uniform accounting system and financial organization and procedures of the State of California and related laws, rules, and regulations; principles of business management, including office methods and procedures; principles of public finance; and business law.
• Ability to: apply accounting principles and procedures; analyze data and draw sound conclusions; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; prepare clear, complete, and concise reports; make sound decisions and recommendations in regard to the professional accounting problems in maintaining control of a departmental budget; establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the work; and speak and write effectively.
• Candidates who have a CPA license and/or college degrees (Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D) are encouraged to apply

Agency Description:

The California State Teachers’ Retirement System is a Special Fund Agency. We are the second largest public pension plan and the largest teachers’ retirement fund in the United States. Our primary responsibility is to provide retirement related benefits and services to teachers in public schools from kindergarten through community college. Our new environmentally friendly headquarters on the West Sacramento Riverfront offers many employee amenities including a fitness center, a full service dining center, and covered and secure parking with reasonable parking fees.

CalSTRS Core Values: A set of attitudes and philosophies that define CalSTRS and its employees.

• Customer Service: We never compromise on quality as we strive to meet or exceed the expectations of our customers.
• Accountability: We operate with transparency and accept responsibility for our actions.
• Leadership: We model best practices in our industry and innovate to achieve higher standards.
• Strength: We ensure the strength of our system by embracing a diversity of ideas and people.
• Trust: We conduct ourselves with integrity, acting ethically in every endeavor.
• Respect: We respect the needs of our members, co-workers, and others, treating everyone with fairness, honesty, and courtesy.
• Stewardship: We recognize our fiduciary responsibility as the foundation for all decision-making.

CalSTRS Core Competencies: Behavioral characteristics that are essential for the success of each contributor and are directly related to the success of CalSTRS as a whole.

• Adaptability / Flexibility: Adapts well to changes, approaches change positively, and adjusts behavior accordingly.
• Communication: Demonstrates applicable job-related written, oral, and listening skills.
• Customer / Client Focus: Identifies and responds to current and future client needs.
• Teamwork: Participates as an active and contributing member of a team to achieve team goals.
• Work Standards / Quality Orientation: Sets high quality work standards while displaying a high level of effort towards completing assignments in a timely manner.

Who can apply (Selection Criteria):

Eligible candidates who are current state employees with status in the above classification or lateral transfers from an equivalent class, former state employees who can reinstate into this class or persons who are reachable on a current employment list for this classification. To find out how to become a civil service employee, please go to the State Personnel Board’s website at: www.spb.ca.gov.

Note:
(1) Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a Personal History Statement, an online BI application and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records.

(2) The position may be subject to the disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, pursuant to the CalSTRS Conflict of Interest Code and the Political Reform Act.

(3) Applicants will not be considered if the application is not completed appropriately and/or if required additional information is not submitted with the application.

How to Apply:

Interested individuals should submit a STD 678, Examination and/or Employment Application (Rev. 12/06 or later) to the address below. Please write the position number you are applying for, and indicate your eligibility in box 12 of the application. Surplus applicants must attach a copy of their letter. The STD. 678 can be accessed through the State Personnel Board website at www.spb.ca.gov.