University Controller

Auto Req. ID 560471

Salary Range: $6,891 - $22,119 per month (Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $14,500 - $18,000 per month)

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

About the role

California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education.

The Controller's Office within the Division of Administration and Finance provides exceptional financial services and support to the university community. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the University Controller (Administrator III). The ideal candidate should have a positive attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, direct, coordinate, and oversee the University Controller units, which include Accounting Services and Financial Reporting, Accounts Payable and Travel Operations, Tax Compliance, and Student Business Services.
• Oversee accounting records and all financial and management reporting.
• Implement and maintain appropriate fiscal policies and procedures.
• Monitor budget performance for controller units.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, as well as University rules and regulations for internal accounting practices.
• Establish and implement methods to improve efficiency of operations.
• Provide direction and oversight in fiscal and tax-related matters relating to the operation of the University.
• Promote an inclusive and collaborative environment of teamwork and lead efforts to ensure all department operations, programs, and services are accessible, equitable, and inclusive.
• Work collaboratively with senior leadership and the campus community to provide functional services vital to accomplishing the University’s mission and goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting, management, and/or finance; or equivalent combination of experience and degree.
• At least ten years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified, with at least five years of leadership and direct managerial experience overseeing multiple operational units similar to this portfolio.
• Demonstrated leadership in interpreting and applying federal, state, and institutional fiscal policies, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Experience in evaluating, improving, and implementing internal controls.
• Experience in providing leadership to a staff and delivering a service-oriented approach in a highly regulated and compliance-driven environment.
• Strong management skills, team-building experience, and change management abilities in directing and coordinating staff commitment to excellence.
• Excellent oral and written communication with interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators, and represent the University to key stakeholders internally and externally.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment in which the University operates, including but not limited to: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Sarbanes-Oxley, tax laws, and regulations.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of federal and state laws, regulations, and operating guidelines related to public institutions of higher education.
• Ability to apply accounting and tax principles to analyze complex accounting and tax issues.
• Experience in various problem-solving techniques in finding solutions to complex accounting and tax issues.
• Application of accounting and financial information system technology, including web-based applications, preferably PeopleSoft.
• Experience in strategic leadership over financial accounting, reporting, and systems.
• Experience in developing, revising, and successfully executing policies and procedures relating to the various functional areas, ensuring they meet standards of internal control and compliance.
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.
• Valid Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in good standing.
• Prior CSU/Higher Education experience.
• Experience with PeopleSoft system applications.
• Experience working in a union environment.

Inclusive Leadership Statement

An Inclusive Leadership Statement is required. Please address the following as a minimum and include additional information as necessary:

• What inclusive leadership means to you.
• A description of your experiences working with individuals with a different perspective.
• A description of how issues of inclusivity have impacted you personally or professionally.

Benefits

• An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage.
• Dental and Vision coverage.
• Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability.
• Retirement plan through CalPERS.
• Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible.
• FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental).
• Employee Assistance Programs.
• 15 paid holidays.