Job Details

California State University, Monterey Bay

University Controller

Position Number: 6246031
Location: Seaside, CA
Position Type: Business - Accounting

University Controller

Job no: 548065
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Monterey Bay
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Classification: Administrator III
Hours: Full-time / 40 hours per week
FLSA: Exempt

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $12,090 - $13,330* mo.
CSU Salary Schedule
*CSUMB provides pay scales representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, and CSU systemwide pay for comparable jobs.

Priority Screening Date: June 11, 2025
Recruitment Status: Open Until Filled

ABOUT CSUMB

California State University, Monterey Bay is a mid-sized university in California's Central Coast that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement, CSUMB is part of the nation's largest four-year public university system, California State University, which educates nearly 460,000 students every year.

With a vibrant, diverse student body of over 7,000 students, CSU Monterey Bay is both a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our staff and faculty transform students' lives with a focus on student success and engagement through experiential learning, service learning, and a strong emphasis on multicultural and global perspectives. CSUMB's sustainability goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The university's Strategic Plan prioritizes inclusive excellence through recruiting and investing in developing a diverse body of faculty, staff and administrators. Many appreciate living and working close to the shores of beautiful Monterey Bay, with easy access to recreational areas from Big Sur to Santa Cruz. Nearby opportunities for collaborative research include working in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Silicon Valley, and with colleagues at local research universities, including UC Santa Cruz and Stanford University.

As one of the 23 campuses in the CSU system, CSUMB offers excellent benefits, including access to below-market-rate rental housing on East Campus, and competitive salaries for faculty and staff. With proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area and San Jose, opportunities for faculty, staff and students are as endless as the shores of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President of Finance, the University Controller is responsible for the oversight of General Accounting (legal) and Financial Reporting (GAAP) functions for the university. The Controller works independently and with minimal direction to determine and develop approaches to solutions. Duties include management and oversight of general ledger accounting, financial reporting, tax advisory and reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and travel. The Controller is primarily responsible for ensuring accurate financial records and timely reporting to the Chancellor's Office, executive leadership, and AVP of Finance. The Controller develops and implements controls to ensure stewardship of assets and works collaboratively with campus stakeholders to provide core business services in alignment with senior leadership initiatives and the University's mission and goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

Develops, documents, implements, and maintains accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls related to the processing of financial information for the University including stateside, self-support, and other trusts. Ensures internal policies and procedures meet all Federal, State, and CSU requirements as well as applicable GAAP, GASB, and FASB standards. Assesses the impact of substantive changes in regulations, legislation, and CSU policies; advises leadership of changes that could impact the University; implements appropriate modifications to internal policies and practices.
Supervises the General Accounting and Financial Reporting staff. Supervisory responsibilities include hiring and training personnel, setting and monitoring goals, providing mentorship, administering disciplinary measures when applicable, preparing written performance evaluations, and creating annual professional development plans.
Reviews and ensures distribution of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports. Develops new and enhances existing financial reporting formats as necessary to meet internal information needs.
Leads the annual review of the cost allocation plan with auxiliary enterprises; documents policy for administration fee and ensures fair and equal application across all applicable trusts.
Oversees the preparation of financial analyses from accounting information. Provides input to staff who analyze financial details of past, present, and expected operations; provides guidance in identifying opportunities and areas where improvement is needed.
Ensures bank reconciliations are completed timely and accurately.
Leads month-end and fiscal year-end close.
Oversees preparation of external financial reporting, including preparation of tax and regulatory filings to the State and the CSU Office of the Chancellor.
Acts as liaison with external accounting staff to accomplish department goals (e.g., Chancellor's Office, University Corporation, etc.).
Provides direction to campus stakeholders regarding accounting policies and procedures and efficient control and utilization of financial resources. Collaborate with other divisions, departments and organizational units to solve problems and organize routine processes in a manner that provides customer service while supporting the appropriate internal controls and integrity of the accounting records. Attends regular internal CSUMB meetings to enhance collaboration and cross-team functionality.
Coordinates the annual financial audit for the University and acts as liaison with the outside accounting firm(s). Assists in the coordination of a variety of internal audits with the State Controller's Office and/or the Chancellor's Office.https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6246031&targetURL=
Ensures bank reconciliations are completed timely and accurately.
Leads month-end and fiscal year-end close.
Oversees preparation of external financial reporting, including preparation of tax and regulatory filings to the State and the CSU Office of the Chancellor.
Acts as liaison with external accounting staff to accomplish department goals (e.g., Chancellor's Office, University Corporation, etc.).
Provides direction to campus stakeholders regarding accounting policies and procedures and efficient control and utilization of financial resources. Collaborate with other divisions, departments and organizational units to solve problems and organize routine processes in a manner that provides customer service while supporting the appropriate internal controls and integrity of the accounting records. Attends regular internal CSUMB meetings to enhance collaboration and cross-team functionality.
Coordinates the annual financial audit for the University and acts as liaison with the outside accounting firm(s). Assists in the coordination of a variety of internal audits with the State Controller's Office and/or the Chancellor's Office.https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6246031&targetURL=[A3] Acts on behalf of the Campus Audit Liaison in their absence and/or at the direction of the Associate Vice President of Finance. [A4]
Participates as a member of, and maintains close working relationships with, other members of the Finance management team, including Business Support Services (procurement/contracts/corporate card administration),Bursar's Office, and Operations Support & Innovation (HR & financial systems support). Works closely with other Administration & Finance department leads and University units to develop, improve, and communicate policies, practices, and services.
Maintains relationships with bank officers; oversees cash and investment balances. Provides regular reports of cash balances to AVP of Finance and VP of Administration & Finance/CFO.
Participates as a member of various University committees, teams, and work groups as assigned by the AVP of Finance or other senior level administrator. Examples may include Financial Statement Advisory Committee (FSAC), Accounts Payable Affinity Group, Travel Leads, Auxiliary Investment Committee, Auxiliary Audit Committee, etc.

Other Functions:

Performs other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply general accounting principles and procedures, including internal control principles. Thorough knowledge of principles of business management; general knowledge of techniques of personnel management; demonstrated supervisory abilities or strong evidence of the possession of such aptitudes and abilities; general knowledge of public finance.

Skilled in: planning and directing the work of subordinates at various skill levels. Excellent leadership, collaborative approach, and communication skills with a commitment to quality service. Mindset toward continuous process improvement. Sensitivity to diverse customs and cultures.

Ability to: train and evaluate the productivity and performance of employees; analyze situations and take corrective action; maintain effective working relationships with administration, faculty, staff and all parties doing business with the department; communicate in a professional and effective manner, in both written and oral forms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting or closely related field AND ten years of progressively responsible accounting management experience, preferably in a higher education or non-profit setting, which includes at least five years of supervisory experience. Valid California CPA license required. https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6246031&targetURL=[A5] Other professional certifications may be considered as a substitute.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

Advanced degree in Accounting, Tax, Business Administration or other related field. Current or former experience working in the Accounting Office at the California State University system is highly desirable. Technical fluency with Oracle/PeopleSoft, CSU Common Management System or equivalent information system; Microsoft Office Professional Suite, and Google mail and calendaring programs.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND POSITION DESIGNATIONS:

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
The person holding this position will have a duty to report to the Campus Title IX Officer information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order EO 1095, EO 1096, and EO 1097 as a condition of employment.
The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
This position has been designated as a sensitive position with:
- access to, or control over, cash, checks, credit cards, and/or credit card account information
- access to and responsibility for detailed personally identifiable Level 1 confidential information about students, faculty, staff or alumni that is protected, personal or sensitive as defined in the CSU Information Security Data Classification Standards.
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). The position is required to participate in training at the direction of the Clery Director and must also promptly report allegations of reportable crimes according to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, its accompanying regulations; the California State Education Code, Chapter 15.5, of the Donahoe Higher Education Act, Section 67380; and the California State University system-wide policy, Code EO 1107.
This position will have responsibilities that require the employee to possess a license, credential or other certification in order to meet minimum job qualifications and/or to qualify for continued employment:
Required License: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license
May require occasional evenings and/or weekend work.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment with standard equipment and tasks. The position requires working at a computer and desk for extended periods of time. May require travel between campus offices and off-campus locations.

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. While on campus, students, faculty, staff, and the community will be expected to follow all campus safety mandates.

BENEFITS/PERKS:

This is a management-level position with an attractive benefits package, which includes: a vacation accrual rate of 16 hours per month; an excellent choice of medical, dental, and vision insurance; long-term disability coverage; life insurance; educational incentives; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS); and 14 paid holidays a year. For further information, please visit Employee Benefits Summary. As a perk, the University Corporation at CSU Monterey Bay provides access to affordable campus housing based on availability; visit Schoonover Employee Housing for more information.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

For full consideration, applicants must complete the required online application prior to the priority screen date found at Careers at CSUMB. Application submissions received after the application screening date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University. Materials submitted become the property of CSUMB and will not be returned.

CSUMB is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Human Resources at (831) 582-3389 or emailing humanresources@csumb.edu. All employees must be eligible for employment in the U.S.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

CSUMB hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States and is an E-Verify employer. In compliance with federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics, you can view the notice of availability and access the Cal State University, Monterey Bay annual security and fire safety reports at https://csumb.edu/clery/asr-and-fsr-notices-availability/.

CSUMB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

CSUMB is an Equal Opportunity employer seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. We consider qualified applicants for employment for their anticipated contributions and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

To apply, visit https://careers.csumb.edu/en-us/job/548065/university-controller