Associate Controller

$145,000 - $155,000/Yr

San Diego State University - San Diego, CA

Full-time - Manager

San Diego, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Associate Controller at San Diego State University is a pivotal role responsible for the effective oversight and management of Accounting Services, Financial Reporting, and Tax. This position requires regular interaction with various campus departments, students, and vendors, necessitating excellent communication skills as the Associate Controller will frequently present to large groups. The role involves collaboration with multiple campus groups to develop and implement policies, procedures, and special projects, ensuring compliance with federal, state, CSU, and University regulations. The Associate Controller will work closely with the University Controller to manage the integration of the university finance system (Oracle) with financial operations, actively analyzing financial information through various reporting tools for management oversight in conjunction with the Budget and Finance Department and other university organizations. In addition to these responsibilities, the Associate Controller will ensure the timely preparation of required reports, including submissions to the CSU Financial Information Record Management System (FIRMS), State Controller's Office (SCO), and external auditors. This role also involves formulating procedures and operating policies, reviewing systems and controls for efficient use of University resources, and interfacing with various state and federal agencies on fiscal operations and financial reports. The Associate Controller is tasked with developing the talents and expertise of staff, recruiting and retaining a diverse team of high-performing professionals, and consulting with University management, faculty, and staff on financial issues. Furthermore, the Associate Controller will establish and monitor appropriate procedures to assure necessary controls on all financial transactions, ensuring a robust internal control environment for the University. The position also includes responsibilities for accounting policy and procedure compliance, assisting in the annual closing of accounting records, and supporting the completion of the annual audit and publication of audited financial statements in accordance with governmental accounting standards. The Associate Controller will maintain strong collegial contacts throughout the University and with national professional organizations, understanding how various stakeholders value and utilize the services provided by the University Controller's Office. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, at-will position, designated exempt under FLSA and not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage Accounting Services, Financial Reporting, and Tax.
• Act as a liaison between Accounting Services and campus departments and vendors.
• Collaborate with campus groups on policies, procedures, and special projects.
• Interpret and apply fiscal policies and procedures under various regulations.
• Manage the integration of the university finance system (Oracle) with financial operations.
• Analyze financial information using queries, spreadsheets, and databases for management oversight.
• Ensure timely preparation of required reports for CSU FIRMS, SCO, and external auditors.
• Formulate procedures and operating policies for efficient resource use.
• Interface with state and federal agencies on fiscal operations and financial reports.
• Develop and maintain a diverse staff of high-performing professionals.
• Consult with University management, faculty, and staff on financial issues.
• Establish and monitor procedures to ensure necessary controls on financial transactions.
• Assist in the annual closing of accounting records and completion of the annual audit.
• Maintain strong collegial contacts throughout the University and with national organizations.

Requirements

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in accounting or a related field, or equivalent education/experience.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in the finance area.
• Experience leading an implementation or major upgrade to an ERP suite including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and procurement.
• Two or more years of responsibility for a substantial audit engagement.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for review and analysis of financial data.
• High-level critical thinking skills to identify potential areas of risk.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills for effective team management and relationship building.
• Experience in the audit practice of a major public accounting firm.
• Experience in data query tools and applying accounting standards for higher education (GASB preferred).
• Master's degree or CPA preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with governmental accounting standards.
• Familiarity with financial reporting systems and compliance requirements.

Benefits

• Extensive Leave benefits: 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement security through a CalPERS defined benefit pension and retiree healthcare benefits.
• Health, dental, and vision coverage at no-cost or low-cost to the employee.
• California State University system fee reduction program (fee waiver) for the employee or their qualified dependent.