University Controller

Full-time, exempt position (40 hours per week) with an anticipated hiring salary range of $12,807 - $14,229 per month, based on the CSU Salary Schedule. Final pay will be determined by factors including scope of responsibilities, candidate qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, and CSU systemwide pay for comparable roles.

About CSUMB

California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is a mid-sized university on California’s Central Coast, granting undergraduate and graduate degrees. Part of the nation’s largest four-year public university system, CSUMB serves over 7,000 students as both a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution. The university emphasizes student success through experiential and service learning, multicultural and global perspectives, and a commitment to sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. Located near Monterey Bay, CSUMB offers proximity to recreational areas, collaborative research opportunities (including the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Silicon Valley), and access to nearby research universities such as UC Santa Cruz and Stanford. As part of the CSU system, CSUMB provides excellent benefits, competitive salaries, and access to below-market-rate rental housing on East Campus.

Purpose

Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President for Finance, the University Controller provides leadership for the university’s core financial, transactional, and compliance functions. This role oversees general accounting, accounts payable, and financial reporting, with a mandate to modernize operations, lead enterprise change, and leverage technology to improve efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery. The Controller ensures financial integrity, acts as a change leader, and collaborates with campus stakeholders to align financial operations with senior leadership initiatives and the university’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with CSU accounting requirements for recording and reporting financial transactions, including preparation of campus financial statements and adherence to fiscal policies.
• Oversee general ledger and operating ledger operations, including the chart of accounts, within the campus financial system.
• Supervise managerial, lead, and accounting staff, fostering efficiency, talent development, and a collaborative work environment.
• Plan, direct, oversee, and certify all year-end financial reporting activities, including GAAP financial statements, work papers, external audits, and year-end close processes.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to ensure compliance and address audit recommendations.
• Maintain and reconcile the University’s finance systems, ensuring accurate reporting and effective internal controls.
• Interpret and implement campus, CSU, GASB, FASB, federal, and state regulations, guidelines, and accounting pronouncements.
• Oversee preparation and distribution of campus financial reports for all funds, including Federal, State, gift, auxiliary, and service enterprise funds.
• Safeguard University resources and monitor controls to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Develop and administer policies and procedures for all funds, including State general funds, special funds, capital outlay funds, enterprise funds, and trusts.
• Analyze financial activity for compliance with state, CSU, and campus fiscal policies, recommending corrections as needed.
• Develop and present financial services training programs for campus departments and communicate campus policies and procedures.
• Serve on University committees, teams, and work groups (e.g., Financial Statement Advisory Committee, Accounts Payable Affinity Group).
• Provide recommendations to management on short- and long-term financial objectives, policies, and actions.
• Act as a change agent to champion best practices and efficiency in all areas of Finance.
• Participate in university task forces, special projects, and other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible accounting management experience, preferably in higher education or a non-profit setting, including at least three years of supervisory experience.
• Combination of education and experience may be considered to meet requirements.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of general accounting principles, procedures, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of business management principles, personnel management techniques, and public finance.
• Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate the work of subordinates at various skill levels.
• Ability to interpret and apply GASB, GAAP pronouncements, principles, and policies.
• Self-motivated, highly productive, and skilled in problem-solving.
• Excellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills with a commitment to quality service.
• Mindset toward continuous process improvement and sensitivity to diverse customs and cultures.
• Ability to train and evaluate employee productivity, analyze situations, and take corrective action.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with administration, faculty, staff, and external parties.
• Professional and effective written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid California CPA license (other professional certifications may be considered as a substitute).
• Advanced degree in Accounting, Tax, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Technical fluency with Oracle/PeopleSoft, CSU Common Management System, Microsoft Office Professional Suite, and Google mail/calendaring programs.

Special Conditions

• All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including a criminal records check.
• Duty to report information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and related issues to the Campus Title IX Officer, in compliance with CSU Executive Orders 1095, 1096, and 1097.
• Mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, requiring compliance with CSU Executive Order 1083.
• Sensitive position with access to cash, checks, credit card information, and Level 1 confidential data (e.g., personally identifiable information about students, faculty, staff, or alumni).
• Designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA), requiring training and prompt reporting of reportable crimes under the Jeanne Clery Act.
• May require occasional evenings, weekends, or travel between campus offices and off-campus locations.
• Primarily office-based with extended computer and desk work; standard office equipment and environment.

Benefits

• Vacation accrual rate of 16 hours per month.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Long-term disability and life insurance coverage.
• Educational incentives.
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
• 14 paid holidays per year.
• Access to below-market-rate rental housing near main campus (allocation subject to availability and eligibility).