University Controller

University Controller
(Administrator III)

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated hiring salary range is $120,000 - $140,000 and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 14 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here .

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Assistant Vice President for Financial Services (AVP – Finance), the University Controller is responsible for managing the University’s financial records through the direction of the Financial Reporting, General Accounting, Student Financial Services, and Accounts Payable departments. The University Controller is primarily responsible for the accuracy of all University financial records, the timeliness of financial transactions, response to financial audits, preparation of financial reports and the appropriate operation of Student Financial Services and Accounts Payable departments.

Key Qualifications

• General knowledge of the principles and practices of effective management, supervision, and motivation of staff.
• Knowledge of principles of institutional planning and financial planning.
• Knowledge of computer office systems and ability to use a broad range of technology, systems, and software packages.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations and current trends, developments, and best practices relative to the field of financial reporting and services.
• Skills/Ability to:
  • Must be able to work independently, be self-motivated, highly productive and a problem solver.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks and projects under competing deadlines and maintain flexibility in response to constantly shifting priorities.
  • Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication skills with ability to effectively present.
  • Exercise sound administrative judgment and initiative in the development of new methods and procedures and in the solution of difficult personnel problems.
  • Ability to review and evaluate program service delivery methods and systems and identify opportunities for improvement; implements changes to standard operating procedures to enhance services.
  • Fosters employee development through coaching, counseling, training and providing timely, specific performance feedback so that employees can improve.
  • Develop and implement short and long-term plans and initiatives to meet established goals and advance the vision of the university.
  • Interpersonal, and communication skills, including ability to work effectively with within a diverse multicultural environment and collaborate across organizational lines.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration.
• Five years’ experience managing accounting and reporting activities of a complex institution preferably in higher education.
• CPA certification preferred.
• Specialized Skills:
  • Must have ability to interpret and apply GASB, GAAP pronouncements, principles and policies.
  • Must be able to work independently, be self-motivated, highly productive and a problem solver.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.
  • Must have strong oral and written skills.
  • Microsoft Office products, experience with automated financial systems, complex spreadsheets, databases, adhoc, financial reporting tools, email, and calendar tools.
• Preferred Skills:
  • Knowledge of University financial software preferably PeopleSoft.
  • Knowledge of California State University accounting policies and guidelines.
  • Knowledge of State of California State Controller Office policies and procedures.

Department Summary

Accounting Services is dedicated to facilitating the primary mission of the University by seeking the most cost-effective methods of delivering services while continuing to implement improvement of services to students, employees and all other customers.



Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by February 5, 2023 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.



Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Vaccination Interim Policy

CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu .

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

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 may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)

Advertised: 03 Jan 2023 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: