Associate Controller

at  California State University

Job no: 540392
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: San Diego
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Finance/Accounting, Full Time
Position Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Controller is responsible for the effective oversight and management of Accounting Services, Financial Reporting, and Tax. These areas have regular direct interaction with others on campus, as well as students and vendors. This position provides coordination and acts as a liaison between these areas and campus departments and vendors who provide services within these departments. This position must have excellent communication skills and will present to large groups regularly. This position collaborates with many campus groups regarding policies, procedures, and special projects. Other duties include interpreting and applying fiscal policies and procedures under federal, state, CSU, and University regulations and policy.
The Associate Controller works with the University Controller to manage the integration of the university finance system (Oracle) with financial operations and actively analyzes financial information through the use of queries, spreadsheets, databases, and other reporting tools for management oversight in conjunction with the Budget and Finance Department and other university organizations. The Associate Controller works collaboratively with internal and external constituents to provide maximum efficiency and customer service.
The Associate Controller works directly with the Accounting Services Manager and Financial Reporting Manager to ensure the timely preparation of required reports including submissions to the CSU Financial Information Record Management System (FIRMS), State Controller’s Office (SCO), external auditors, and internal university units; formulates procedures and operating policies; reviews systems, procedures and controls for efficient use of University resources; interfaces with various state and federal agencies on fiscal operations and financial reports; is responsible for certain ad hoc reporting and other functions as assigned by the University Controller, the Associate Vice President for Financial Operations or the Vice President of Business and Financial Affairs and performs other related duties as assigned.
The Associate Controller will develop the talents and expertise of staff and recruit and retain a diverse staff of well-qualified and high-performing professionals; consult with and advise University management, faculty and staff on financial issues; recommend alternatives in creating and implementing University-wide financial policies and procedures; establish and monitor appropriate procedures and systems to assure necessary controls on all financial transactions ensuring an appropriate internal control environment for the University; responsible for accounting policy and procedure in accordance with the legal basis of accounting, assist in the annual closing of the accounting records; assist in the completion of the annual audit and publication of the audited financial statements consistent with governmental accounting standards ensuring that the University accounting records and other reporting documents reflect a true and accurate financial record; develop and maintain strong collegial contacts throughout the University and with national professional organizations; understand how various stakeholders throughout the University value and use services provided by the University Controller’s Office.
This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, at-will position. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The University Controller is responsible for the maintenance of the University’s budgetary, general and subsidiary ledgers for all University Funds. Through the Accounting Services and Financial Reporting Departments, the University Controller oversees and coordinates the analysis, reconciliation, and reporting of all financial transactions of the University, including cash receipt processing, student refunds, financial aid disbursements, billing/collections, and reconciliations; management of the diverse services provided by the SDSU ID Card as performed by the SDSUCard Office. The University Controller is responsible for internal and external reporting including Legal/Budgetary Basis, Financial Information Record Management System (FIRMS), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The University Controller reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Financial Operations.
The Associate Controller reports to the University Controller and has a broad range of responsibilities critical to the fiscal and day-to-day operations within the University Controller’s Office, as well as to the strategic goals of the campus. The Associate Controller is a key liaison to other departments on campus and is regularly involved in collaborative projects with other campus teams, outside vendors, and the Chancellor’s Office.
For more information regarding The Division of Business and Financial Affairs, click here.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 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 which includes general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets and procurement.
• Two or more years of being responsible for a substantial audit engagement. Substantial means an organizationally complex auditee, multiple audit staff, and consolidated statements which include MD&A or similar disclosures. Must include responsibility for reviewing client-prepared audit schedules, financial reports, and footnotes.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel which enables review and analysis and supports the production of reports with both summary and detailed information.
• High-level critical thinking skills that enable the incumbent to determine potential areas of risk or concern quickly and accurately for the University regarding data and/or activities.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills that enable the incumbent to effectively manage the team of managers and staff within the areas of responsibility, as well as develop and maintain relationships with colleagues across the campus and other campuses and the Chancellor’s Office.
• Experience in the audit practice of a major public accounting firm.
• Experience in data query tools.
• Expertise and experience in applying accounting standards for higher education (GASB preferred).
• Master’s degree or CPA preferred.

Please refer the Job description for details