University Controller

California State University

$82K — $216K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, management, or finance, or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years related experience in finance with 5+ years in leadership roles.
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP, GAAS, FASB, and GASB standards.
  • Experienced in interpreting federal, state, and university financial regulations.
  • Proficient in fiscal policy development and implementation.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership to financial operations including Accounting Services and Tax Compliance.
  • Ensure compliance with federal and state financial regulations.
  • Oversee and improve efficiency of financial operations and reporting.
  • Monitor budget performance and implement fiscal policies.
  • Promote an inclusive environment and collaborative teamwork across departments.

Benefits

  • Diverse health plans including prescription drug coverage.
  • Dental and vision insurance options.
  • Life insurance and disability income protection benefits.
  • Retirement plan through CalPERS.
  • Tuition waiver available for employees and their dependents.
  • Employee Assistance Programs support.
  • 15 paid holidays annually.
Full Job Description
University Controller

Job no: 560471
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Fullerton
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Finance/Accounting, Full Time

Job Title

University Controller

Classification

Administrator III

Auto Req. ID

560471

Salary Range

Classification Range $6,891 - $22,119 per month

(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $14,500 - $18,000 per month)

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Department

The Controller's Office within the Division of Administration and Finance mission is to provide exceptional financial services and support to the university community. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the University Controller (Administrator III). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style that is characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Duties and Responsibilities

The University Controller provides strategic leadership, directs, coordinates, and oversees the University Controller units which include Accounting Services and Financial Reporting, Accounts Payable and Travel Operations, Tax Compliance, and Student Business Services. Provides oversight of accounting records and all financial and management reporting, implements and maintains appropriate fiscal policies and procedures, monitors budget performance for controller units, ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, as well as University rules and regulations for internal accounting practices, establishes and implements methods to improve efficiency of operations, and provides direction and oversight in fiscal and tax related matters relating to the operation of the University. Promotes an inclusive and collaborative environment of teamwork and leads efforts to ensure all department operations, programs, and services are accessible, equitable and inclusive. Works collaboratively with senior leadership and campus community to provide functional services vital to accomplishing the University's mission and goals. Other duties as assigned.

Inclusive Leadership Statement

Inclusive Leadership Statement is required below, please be sure to address the following as a minimum. Please add additional information as you see necessary and applicable:
• What does inclusive leadership mean to you.
• A description of your experiences working with individuals with a different perspective.
• A description of how issues of inclusivity have impacted you personally or professionally.

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting, management, and/or finance; or equivalent combination of experience and degree. At least ten years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified, with at least five years of leadership and direct managerial experience overseeing multiple operational units similar to this portfolio. Demonstrated leadership in interpreting and applying federal, state, and institutional fiscal policies, regulations, and reporting requirements. The University Controller should be experienced in evaluating, improving, and implementing internal controls.

Experience in providing leadership to a staff and delivering a service-oriented approach in a highly regulated and compliance driven environment. Strong management skills, team building experience, and change management abilities in directing and coordinating staff commitment to excellence. Excellent oral and written communication with interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators, and represent the University to key stakeholders internally and externally. Thorough knowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment in which the University operates, including but not limited to: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Sarbanes-Oxley, tax laws, and regulations. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of federal and state laws, regulations, and operating guidelines related to public institutions of higher education. Apply accounting and tax principles to analyze complex accounting and tax issues. Experience in various problem-solving techniques in finding solutions to complex accounting and tax issues. Application of accounting and financial information system technology, including web-based applications, preferably PeopleSoft. Experience in strategic leadership over financial accounting, reporting, and systems. Experience in developing, revising, and successfully executing policies and procedures relating to the various functional areas, ensuring they meet standards of internal control and compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field. Valid Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in good standing. Prior CSU/Higher Education experience. Experience with PeopleSoft system applications. Experience working in a union environment.

Special Working Conditions

Benefits at a Glance

  • An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
  • Dental and Vision coverage
  • Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
  • Retirement plan through CalPERS
  • Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
  • FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • 15 paid holidays

See our CSUF Benefits website for additional information.

Additional Information

California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.

Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.

Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration.

California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.

Advertised: Jul 30 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 13 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

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