Network Controller, Administrator III

Sonoma State University•Sonoma, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Financial Services Officer, the Network Controller provides management, oversight, and leadership to the Accounting & Financial Reporting team within the San Francisco Bay Region Network (“SFBRN” or “The Network”). The Network Controller provides strategic leadership for the Network’s accounting and financial reporting functions and oversees the day-to-day operations to ensure the integrity of financial records, the effective administration of financial controls, and compliance with campus and network financial reporting, including GAAP, FIRMS, SAM99, and other Chancellor’s Office reporting requirements. The Network Controller collaborates across the Network to align accounting operations with university needs, resolve complex financial issues, support audits and year-end processes, and implement accounting standards, system enhancements, and business process improvements. By driving process improvements and leveraging technology, the Network Controller enhances operational efficiency, strengthens internal controls, and fosters continuous improvement in accounting and financial compliance services. The Network Controller delivers the Network’s strategic direction and organizational culture by ensuring that the Network’s accounting services are effective, sustainable, and aligned with the Network’s mission. This leader champions the advancement of the Network’s mission by setting appropriate standards for accounting operations and financial compliance, fostering collaboration, and empowering teams to deliver excellence to all stakeholders.

Requirements

8 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting roles and oversight.
5 years of experience leading teams in a management or leadership role.
Advanced financial, analytical, and planning skills, including preparing financial statements and implementing financial policy.
Demonstrated expertise in accounting and finance systems management.
Knowledge of financial management systems including payroll, accounts payable, general ledger, and other financial-related systems.
Knowledge of cost recovery principles and their applications.
Knowledge of General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) including FASB and GASB pronouncements.
Knowledge of Single Audit Report preparation.
Strong ability to apply integrative thinking across diverse perspectives.
Strong understanding of relevant federal, state, local, system, and administrative laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Strong oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to apply problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to manage or supervise a team in the formulation of goals and objectives, organizing work, delegating authority, training, and evaluating performance.
Strong ability to analyze and prepare technical documents with exceptional attention to detail.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of five (5) years of experience in oversight of accounting operations, including staff supervision.

Nice To Haves

3 years of experience working in higher education, multi-campus systems, or similarly complex public sector organizations.
Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
Working knowledge of PeopleSoft and Oracle software systems.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Responsibilities

Provides management, oversight, and leadership to the Accounting & Financial Reporting team.
Provides strategic leadership for the Network’s accounting and financial reporting functions.
Oversees day-to-day operations to ensure the integrity of financial records.
Ensures effective administration of financial controls.
Ensures compliance with campus and network financial reporting requirements (GAAP, FIRMS, SAM99, etc.).
Collaborates across the Network to align accounting operations with university needs.
Resolves complex financial issues.
Supports audits and year-end processes.
Implements accounting standards, system enhancements, and business process improvements.
Enhances operational efficiency, strengthens internal controls, and fosters continuous improvement.
Delivers the Network’s strategic direction and organizational culture.
Sets appropriate standards for accounting operations and financial compliance.
Fosters collaboration and empowers teams to deliver excellence.