Associate Director Finance and Business Operations - Associated Students of San José State University

Another Source•San Jose, CA

5d•$120,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

Another Source's client, Associated Students of San José State University (A.S. SJSU), is recruiting a Director of Accounting Services to join their team in San José, California. This is a fully on-site opportunity with no relocation assistance available. Here's a little about Associated Students of San José State University: Associated Students (A.S.) SJSU is the official auxiliary organization representing the student body at one of California’s largest and most dynamic public universities. Serving more than 35,000 students, A.S. plays a critical role in enriching campus life through student advocacy, leadership development, transportation services, student organization funding, and essential business operations. As a vital partner within the CSU system, A.S. operates with both entrepreneurial agility and public accountability. With a complex operating environment that includes multiple business units, student fee oversight, and regulatory compliance requirements, the organization requires strong financial stewardship to ensure sustainability and service excellence for the SJSU community. About this role: The Associate Director, Finance and Business Operations (ADFBO) serve as the chief financial strategist for Associated Students. This role is highly finance-focused (approximately 80–90%) and is responsible for safeguarding the organization’s fiscal health while advising executive leadership and the Board of Directors on financial sustainability, policy, and long-term planning. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for a finance professional who thrives in mission-driven environments. You will guide accounting operations, strengthen internal controls, lead budget strategy, and ensure regulatory compliance—all while supporting student-centered programs that directly impact campus life. In addition to financial leadership, you will provide executive-level oversight to Transportation Solutions and the Print Shop. Each unit has its own manager handling daily operations; your role centers on financial stewardship, strategic guidance, and reporting-line supervision—not day-to-day operational management. You will also steward key external partnerships with banking, investment, insurance, and actuarial advisors, ensuring compliance, oversight, and responsible governance of organizational assets.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited institution
5–7 years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience in a similar role
2–3 years of supervisory or leadership experience within an accounting function (either within a large organization or overseeing all accounting operations in a smaller organization)
Strong knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and financial reporting standards
Experience working with computerized accounting and budgeting systems
Demonstrated ability to develop long-term financial strategies and process improvements
Strong analytical skills with the ability to research issues, evaluate risks, and recommend sound solutions
Ability to effectively present financial information to executives, Board members, and stakeholders
Experience working in complex, regulated environments (higher education, nonprofit, or public sector preferred)
Ability to build strong working relationships across diverse stakeholder groups

Nice To Haves

CPA preferred

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership over all accounting functions including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, purchasing, asset management, and financial systems
Direct monthly financial reporting and present fiscal updates to executive leadership, the Finance Committee, and Board of Directors
Lead annual budget development and long-range financial planning efforts
Monitor operating reserves and ensure investment allocations align with Board-approved policies
Develop cash flow projections and financial forecasts to support informed decision-making
Establish and maintain strong fiscal policies and internal control frameworks
Direct financial, internal, government, and insurance-related audits; serve as primary liaison to auditors, the CSU Chancellor’s Office, and the University Controller’s Office
Ensure compliance with GASB/FASB standards, CSU regulations, tax requirements, and insurance obligations
Coordinate risk management processes and oversee insurance renewals
Review contracts for financial and regulatory compliance
Manage banking relationships and oversee operating cash management
Maintain relationships with external investment, retirement, and actuarial partners to ensure policy compliance and fiduciary oversight
Oversee financial administration of employee benefit programs, including collaboration on 401(k) and post-employment obligations
Supervise and mentor accounting and finance staff, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
Provide financial oversight for Transportation Solutions and the Print Shop through department managers
Oversee financial processes and banking for 300+ recognized student organizations
Partner with the Executive Director on lease negotiations, service expansion opportunities, grant funding, and revenue development initiatives

Benefits

CSU benefits package that adds approximately 30–35% in total compensation value
Up to 24 vacation days per year + strong work-life balance
CalPERS pension or 403(b) retirement options
Comprehensive medical benefits
Tuition waivers for you and eligible family members across all 23 CSU campuses
Access to vibrant campus life—athletics, arts, events, and renowned speakers
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance with ample PTO and flexibility, which includes up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group/services)
Enjoy the vibrant campus life with access to athletic and gym facilities, renowned sporting events, artist events, and world-renowned speakers
Numerous professional development opportunities to advance your career including tuition waivers for yourself, a spouse, registered domestic partner or an eligible dependent child across any of the 23 CSU campuses
Two different retirement plans catered to fit your personal saving goals: CalPERS Retirement Plan or 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan)
Medical benefits tailored to support various life stages
Pre-tax commuter benefits to help offset transportation costs