Location: San Francisco, CA
Category: Staff Positions
Job Type: Exempt
Posted On: Wed Aug 19 2026
Job Description:
POSITION SUMMARY
The Accounting Manager oversees CIIS's general accounting operations and supervises staff accountants and the accounting clerk. Reporting to the Controller, this position is responsible for accurate financial reporting, general ledger integrity, internal controls, and timely month-end and year-end close.
This is a hands-on management role that works closely with FP&A, Accounts Payable, Student Accounts, Payroll, Benefits, Advancement, Facilities & Business Operations, and other departments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Team Leadership
- Supervise, train, and develop accounting staff.
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Assign and review work and provide ongoing feedback and support.
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Serve as the first point of escalation for the accounting team.
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Maintain sufficient cross-training across accounting functions to support continuity of operations.
General Accounting & Financial Close
- Manage monthly and year-end close, including journal entries, reconciliations, and accruals.
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Review account reconciliations, including bank, investment, prepaid, and fixed asset accounts.
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Ensure the general ledger is accurate, complete, and properly supported.
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Investigate and resolve accounting and process errors in coordination with the Controller.
Financial Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare and review internal financial statements and management reports.
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Support FP&A with management, board, and external reporting.
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Assist with budget-to-actual analysis and variance explanations.
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Support the annual external audit and prepare requested schedules and documentation.
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Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable nonprofit and higher education accounting standards.
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Maintain appropriate internal controls and accounting policies and procedures.
Accounting Operations
- Oversee day-to-day banking and credit card operations.
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Support federal, state, and local tax and business filings.
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Lead Finance & Administration content during New Employee Orientation.
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Collaborate with departments across CIIS on accounting and financial matters.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve the accuracy and efficiency of accounting processes, including appropriate uses of AI.
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Maintain clear accounting procedures and desk-level documentation.
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Support consistent and effective accounting practices across the team.
Job Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
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Five or more years of progressive accounting experience, including at least one to two years in a supervisory or lead role.
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Strong knowledge of GAAP and accrual accounting.
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Experience preparing and reviewing financial statements.
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Strong Excel and general ledger system skills.
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Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
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Ability to supervise and develop staff.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Nonprofit or higher education accounting experience.
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Experience with nonprofit financial reporting and restricted fund accounting.
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Experience with Ellucian Colleague, Banner, or a similar ERP system.
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CPA or master's degree.
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Bilingual or multilingual skills
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
Occasional work performed alone with ability to work remotely from time-to-time. Collaboration and constant work around and with other people.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Prolonged periods sitting and working on a computer, with the ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
LOCATION
This position is based at 1453 Mission Street, San Francisco, California 94103. A remote work option is available for qualified candidates. Remote employees may be required to travel to San Francisco up to three times per year.
Additional Information:
WAGES AND BENEFITS
$105,000 - $115,000 annually. Salary is based on regional cost of living and may vary depending on the employee's work location.
NOTES TO CANDIDATE
- Working Conditions Duties are primarily performed in an office environment at a desk or computer terminal, typically Monday through Friday.
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Background Check Due to the sensitivity and requirements of this position, you should expect to undergo and be cleared of an employment background/criminal check, if extended an offer for employment. You may also be asked to provide proof of educational degree(s), licenses, or credentials pertinent to the position. If your job requires driving on behalf of CIIS you will be required to provide proof of a valid driver's license.
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Visa Sponsorship Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
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Relocation Assistance This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY
At the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), we are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, guided by our Seven Commitments. We value the diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities within our community and strive to create and maintain environments that are inclusive, equitable, accessible, and welcoming for all.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer we are committed to providing an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for all individuals, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and other terms and conditions of employment.
CIIS actively seeks to recruit and retain individuals who bring a broad range of cultural backgrounds, languages, and life experiences that enhance our institutional mission and values.
