Controller

Stanislaus State•Turlock, CA

About The Position

The University Controller is a full-time Management Personnel Plan position in Financial Services, available on or after January 4, 2027. The Controller provides strategic leadership for University and Auxiliary accounting and financial reporting, with responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of financial records, fiscal accountability, internal controls, and regulatory compliance. The role advises University leadership on accounting, financial reporting, fiscal stewardship, and compliance, and leads the University’s accounting functions, including Student Financial Services. The Controller oversees accounting operations and reporting, financial close processes, financial statements, audits, and compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax requirements, and government and CSU policies. The position works with campus leaders and partner offices on grant accounting, complex financial matters, and improvements to business processes, systems, and technology. As the University’s technical accounting authority, the Controller also represents the University in CSU systemwide forums and communicates accounting and reporting requirements across campus. The role leads managers and staff, including hiring, training, supervision, work assignments, performance evaluation, staff development, and succession planning. The Controller sets long-range accounting goals and priorities, supports senior management, serves on the Financial Services management team, and participates in University and CSU committees and workgroups. The position may require travel. A satisfactory background check is required for employment.

Requirements

Seven years of progressively responsible professional accounting or financial management experience, including financial reporting, internal controls, auditing, or governmental accounting.
Three years of experience leading professional accounting staff or managers.
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field; additional progressively responsible experience directly related to the duties may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Comprehensive knowledge of accounting and financial management principles, practices, and standards.
Ability to interpret and apply GASB, FASB, GAAP, and applicable federal, state, Chancellor’s Office, and campus policies and procedures.
Ability to work effectively with enterprise financial systems and financial reporting tools, including dashboard reporting and query tools.
Ability to manage and direct complex accounting and financial operations, including financial reporting, general ledger activities, reconciliations, and monthly and annual close processes.
Knowledge of internal controls, financial and compliance audits, fiscal accountability, and regulatory compliance principles and practices.
Ability to analyze complex financial and accounting issues, apply strategic thinking and sound judgment, and develop recommendations for senior management.
Ability to develop, interpret, implement, and maintain accounting and financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Ability to lead and implement business process improvements and use technology to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of financial operations and reporting.
Ability to supervise and lead managers and professional staff, including setting priorities, assigning work, evaluating performance, and developing staff.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate with campus departments and other internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to communicate complex accounting and financial matters clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, including to executive leadership.
Ability to exercise sound professional judgment, discretion, integrity, and accountability in matters involving institutional finances, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
Ability to provide effective and responsive service to the campus community.
Satisfactory completion of a background check is required for employment.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a CSU or higher education setting.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or certification.
Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
Three years of professional accounting or financial management experience in a higher education environment.
Three years of experience using PeopleSoft Finance or a comparable enterprise financial management system.
Three years of experience coordinating or managing external financial and compliance audits.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and management of University and Auxiliary accounting and financial reporting, including Student Financial Services.
Oversee accounting records, financial transactions, general ledger activities, reconciliations, and monthly and annual financial close processes.
Oversee preparation of annual financial statements and related prepared-by-client schedules; review financial statements and accounting information and recommend corrections or improvements.
Oversee compliance with applicable accounting and financial reporting standards and requirements, including GASB, FASB, GAAP, Chancellor’s Office, and State of California requirements.
Oversee compliance with applicable local, state, and federal tax requirements.
Collaborate with Post Award Grant Administration and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs on grant accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance.
Coordinate financial and compliance audits.
Establish, document, and maintain internal control policies and procedures.
Develop, interpret, and apply accounting and financial policies, guidelines, and procedures.
Advise University leadership and the campus on accounting, financial reporting, fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and financial matters; provide analysis and recommendations.
Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders on complex financial issues and business process improvements.
Lead review and modernization of accounting practices, financial systems, and processes, including automation and technology initiatives.
Serve as the University’s technical accounting authority and represent the University on CSU systemwide accounting and financial committees and workgroups.
Communicate accounting and financial reporting requirements to the campus community.
Provide leadership and direction to managers and staff; hire, train, supervise, assign work, and evaluate personnel.
Develop staff and lead succession planning.
Determine long-range University and Auxiliary accounting goals and priorities; provide leadership and support to senior management.
Serve on the Financial Services management team and participate in divisional, departmental, campus, and CSU systemwide committees and workgroups.
Perform other duties as assigned.