KPBS Director of Finance & Accounting

San Diego State University Research Foundation•San Diego, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The KPBS Finance and Accounting Department is responsible for all aspects of the finance, accounting, budget, internal controls and financial procedures of KPBS, including preparation, review and management of budgets, contracts, licenses, and insurance policies for KPBS with respect to SDSU and SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF). The KPBS Finance and Accounting Department has specific responsibilities for various accounting functions including accounts receivable, accounts payable, trade inventory, purchasing, equipment inventory and equipment depreciation; liaison with SDSU and SDSURF management; the consolidation and preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial and budgetary reports; preparation of annual tax reports; preparation for the annual financial audit by outside, independent auditors, and providing internal financial data for the KPBS management team. KPBS funding is maintained by SDSU and SDSU Research Foundation. The Finance and Accounting department is responsible for the management and integrity of all KPBS funds consistent with specific fund restrictions, accounting guidelines, laws and professional practices.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience leading full-cycle financial reporting and auditing
Advanced knowledge of fiscal management principles and operational best practices, with a demonstrated commitment to ethical decision-making and stewardship of financial resources.
Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with business and finance functions, with the ability to operate effectively within complex environments such as higher education or similarly structured organizations.
Ability to design and deliver advanced financial reporting and dashboards
Knowledge of non-profit accounting in accordance with GASB and U.S. GAAP
Proven ability to build, maintain and strengthen trusted relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including internal leadership, donors, funding agencies, regulatory agencies, auditors, and affiliated partners such as SDSU Research Foundation and SDSU.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to diverse groups including non-financial stakeholders and leadership.
Ability to present financial data, analysis and recommendations in a compelling and accessible manner to support informed decision-making
Demonstrated ability to apply strong analytically and critical thinking skills to interpret finance data, identify trends and drive results-oriented outcomes.
Ability to train, document and standardize accounting procedures.
Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail while managing complex financial information and competing priorities
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and integrity in high-impact decision-making, balancing analytical precision with practical insight and urgency
Ability to lead with initiative, adaptability and a solutions-oriented mindset in a dynamic and evolving environment
Ability to drive progress town organizational and divisional goals, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and deadlines
Bachelor's degree in relevant field (accounting, finance or other) or additional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis
Six-years of related experience in a management or supervisory capacity

Nice To Haves

At least five or more years of demonstrated experience with and knowledge of accounting principles and financial statement preparation, budget development, cost accounting and fiscal policy.
Demonstrated experience leading, planning and managing personnel in a team oriented office.
Experience in dashboard creation, financial modeling, and developing budgets.
Significant experience with Microsoft office software, including Excel, Word and Powerpoint.
CPA or Master’s degree.
Flexibility to travel, if required.

Responsibilities

Identify, design, and deliver high-impact financial reports and analysis that go beyond the "what" to explain the "why."
Create and maintain dynamic, easy-to-understand data visualizations and dashboards to provide leadership with real-time visibility into key performance indicators (KPIs).
Partner with the CFO to evaluate the financial return on investment (ROI) of various programs and initiatives, providing data-driven recommendations for resource allocation.
Direct the month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring accurate financial statements are produced timely.
Work alongside the CFO and station leadership on the annual budget development process and prepare the annual budget.
Communicate monthly and quarterly budget-to-actual performance, identifying trends and recommending proactive solutions for deviations.
Develop and refine cash flow forecasting models to support strategic liquidity management.
Continuously audit and streamline accounting workflows to increase efficiency, reduce manual entry, and improve data integrity. Ensure processes are accurately documented in desktop procedures and provide training to KPBS team members.
Maintain and modernize a robust system of internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Present at department and station level meetings when necessary on financial results, regulatory changes, and policy/procedure updates.
Act as the primary liaison for outside auditors, managing the annual audit/review process to ensure a seamless cycle.
In partnership with SDSURF accounting team, stay at the forefront of GASB pronouncements and federal tax issues (unrelated business income (UBI), charitable contributions), assessing their impact, implementing changes to financial statement presentation as needed and updating internal policies accordingly.
Lead a team through month end and year end accounting processes.
Be a resource for other team members to support and guide on complex issues.
Assist the KPBS CFO in the execution of their duties as requested.
Other duties may include, but are not limited to preparation of various financial and non-financial reports, chairing of committees, attendance at conferences and meetings,etc.
Lead or assist with projects requiring broad-based analytical skills and make resulting recommendations or provide information as needed.

Benefits

Access to campus facilities and staff perks
weekly farmer's market
tons of eateries
community events
entertainment
local employee discounts
Opportunity drawings to attend events
Discounts on local attractions (theme parks, entertainment, restaurants, memberships)
Free wellness classes & programs
Staff pop-up events
medical, dental, vision, life
Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
Flexible spending account(s) (FSA)
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Matching and voluntary retirement savings plan