Controller - California State University, Sacramento

About the role

Reporting to the Finance Director/CFO, the Controller is a key member of UEI’s financial leadership team, overseeing the Business Services function and helping shape the financial strategy behind a complex university-affiliated organization. This is a role with meaningful breadth—from financial reporting and cash management to audits, budgeting, investments, and long-term fiscal planning. You’ll lead a team of accounting professionals, including the Accounting Manager, Accounts Payable Supervisor, and Accounts Receivable Supervisor, while serving as a trusted advisor to leadership across UEI and Sac State.

Responsibilities

• Lead and organize UEI’s financial information and oversee the Business Services Department, including the accounting systems and financial reporting infrastructure.
• Provide leadership, coaching, supervision, performance management, and professional development for the Business Services team.
• Partner with the Finance Director/CFO and organizational leaders on financial planning, analysis, forecasting, cash flow, investments, restricted funds, and other complex fiscal matters.
• Oversee the preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements and ensure financial reporting complies with applicable accounting and reporting standards.
• Guide compliance with GAAP, GASB, Government Auditing Standards, CSU requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Oversee UEI cash management and investment activity, including approval of bank transfers, federal letter-of-credit draws, investment activity, and related reporting.
• Provide accounting oversight for property acquisition, development, facility leases under GASB, bonds, capitalized interest, and related financing activities.
• Coordinate internal and external audits, including preparation of work papers, audit responses, tax return schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Oversee accounts receivable invoicing and collections, purchasing, accounts payable processing, 1099 reporting, and related financial operations.
• Oversee fixed asset accounting and inventory, including equipment purchased through federal and state programs and transferred to the University.
• Lead and support annual budget development, financial presentations, budget documentation, and financial reporting required for decision-making.
• Ensure timely filing and compliance related to sales tax, use tax, and other tax obligations.
• Implement new GASB accounting pronouncements and oversee accounting for pension and other post-employment benefits.
• Research financial issues, anticipate organizational needs, and provide clear recommendations to support sound fiscal decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Progressively responsible professional experience in accounting and financial management, including experience performing Controller-level responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience with nonprofit accounting, including knowledge of gift, grant, and contract accounting and/or property acquisition and development accounting.
• Experience preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including forecasts that identify operational trends, opportunities, and potential risks.
• Significant experience in accounting and auditing, including management or supervisory responsibility.
• Experience directing the development of complex financial statements and reports and analyzing financial information for fiscal planning, projections, and budget development.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff and overseeing accounting or business services functions.
• Ability to serve as a financial consultant to organizational leadership and translate complex financial information into practical recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and auditing standards, mathematics, statistics, data processing methods, and computerized accounting practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant certification.
• Demonstrated experience with GASB accounting and financial reporting standards, including the preparation and/or review of financial statements in accordance with applicable GASB requirements.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations and principles related to grant and contract activities.
• Experience with Central Square/OneSolution (Finance Enterprise) software or similar accounting software.
• Experience with the budgeting software tool BudgetPak.
• Experience with system implementations including, but not limited to, accounting and expense reporting software solutions, and cash management.