Chief Financial Officer

California State University, Fullerton; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) in California is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead finance, accounting, operations, IT, audit, and facilities planning. The role partners with executive leadership and the Board to align resources with the campus mission and student experience.

The CFO will guide financial strategy for a multi‑entity nonprofit, ensure compliance, oversee budgeting, reporting, and risk management, and drive long‑term sustainability across ASI's programs and facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, Public Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible financial and operational experience in a nonprofit setting.
• 7+ years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong background in financial planning, reporting, and organizational operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cash management
• Oversee accounting, payroll, audits, and compliance with CSU, state, and federal requirements
• Develop and implement financial policies, internal controls, and operational procedures
• Review and approve contracts, financial agreements, and major expenditures
• Present financial reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee
• Partner with department leaders to assess budgets, evaluate program costs, and guide resource allocation
• Support capital planning, facility development, and long‑term financial sustainability
• Oversee IT systems, internal audit functions, and building engineering operations
• Manage relationships with financial institutions, auditors, and external partners
• Supervise senior leaders across accounting, IT, audit, and facilities

Skills

Financial leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Nonprofit governance

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Public Administration, or related field

Master's degree in a related field

CPA

Tools

ERP systems

IT systems oversight

Job description

FLSA: Salaried (Exempt)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $170,000 - $190,000

Direct Supervisor: Associate Vice President and Executive Director

Where purpose meets possibility, and every dollar supports the student experience

At ASI, finance isn't just about numbers. It's about impact.

Every budget decision, every contract, every policy ultimately supports students. That might mean funding programs, maintaining spaces like the Titan Student Union and Student Recreation Center, or ensuring the long‑term sustainability of services students rely on every day.

This role sits at the center of it all.

You'll work with executive leadership, department directors, and student leaders to make sure ASI's resources are used strategically, responsibly, and in ways that directly benefit the campus community.

The role

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as ASI's principal financial and administrative leader, overseeing finance, accounting, operations, IT, audit, and facilities planning.

You will guide the financial strategy of a complex, multi‑entity organization while ensuring day‑to‑day operations run smoothly and align with ASI's mission.

You will also serve as a key partner to the Executive Director and Board of Directors, helping translate financial data into informed decisions.

What you'll actually do

• Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cash management
• Oversee accounting, payroll, audits, and compliance with CSU, state, and federal requirements
• Develop and implement financial policies, internal controls, and operational procedures
• Review and approve contracts, financial agreements, and major expenditures
• Present financial reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee
• Partner with department leaders to assess budgets, evaluate program costs, and guide resource allocation
• Support capital planning, facility development, and long‑term financial sustainability
• Oversee IT systems, internal audit functions, and building engineering operations
• Manage relationships with financial institutions, auditors, and external partners
• Supervise senior leaders across accounting, IT, audit, and facilities

What this looks like in practice

• A department is planning a new program or service. You review budget impact, funding sources, and long‑term sustainability
• The Board is evaluating a major initiative. You present financial projections and risk considerations
• It is budget season. You lead the development of ASI's annual budget across all departments
• An audit is underway. You coordinate across teams to ensure compliance and accuracy
• A contract comes forward. You review financial terms and advise on risk and feasibility

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Public Administration, or related field
• 10+ years of progressively responsible financial and operational experience in a nonprofit setting
• 7+ years of supervisory or management experience
• Strong background in financial planning, reporting, and organizational operations

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field
• CPA
• Experience in higher education or auxiliary organizations

Who this role is for

• You can translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insight
• You are comfortable working across operations, not just finance
• You understand that financial decisions in this environment directly impact students
• You can partner effectively with both executive leadership and student governance

Why ASI

This is more than a CFO role. It is an opportunity to shape how resources support student success across an entire organization, making an impact on the campus community at large.

https://asi.fullerton.edu/benefits-pro/