University Controller

Careerwebsite; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 162,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Fullerton invites applications for University Controller (Administrator III). The role oversees financial accounting, reporting, and compliance in a highly regulated environment, requiring a track record of leadership and integrity.

The University seeks a candidate with a BA/BS in accounting/finance and at least ten years of related experience, including five years in leadership. Strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB, FASB, and public institution regulations is 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.

Responsibilities

• Leadership experience in applying federal, state, and institutional fiscal policies, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Experience in evaluating, improving, and implementing internal controls.
• Experience in leading staff and delivering a service-oriented approach in a highly regulated environment.

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Master's degree in related field

Tools

PeopleSoft

Job description

University Controller

Classification: Administrator III

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.

Salary Range: $14,500 - $18,000 per month

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

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.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

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: Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

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. Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status. As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. The scope of responsibilities for this position includes the making or participating in the making of decisions that may have a material financial benefit on the incumbent. Therefore, you will be required to file an initial "Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interests" within thirty (30) days from date of hire and on an annual basis; and complete the CSU sponsored ethics on-line training within thirty (30) days of appointment, and at least once during each consecutive period of two calendar years following the appointment. The person holding this position is considered a limited mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirement outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017. This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) position under the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. CSAs are responsible for reporting allegations of Clery Act Crimes reported to them or that they witness. CSA training is required. Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. 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.

Application Deadline: Oct 08, 2026 (9:00 PM)