Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Controller, the Assistant Director independently performs advanced accounting functions, requiring expertise in GAAP, FASB, and GASB standards. This position oversees the GAAP financial reporting process, audit procedures, and the preparation of various internal and external financial reports, ensuring compliance with regulatory and university standards. Additionally, the Assistant Director interprets financial pronouncements and effectively communicates technical accounting information to non-accountant stakeholders.

As a primary point of contact for UAR staff, this role provides training, guidance, and compliance oversight related to CSU accounting procedures and financial reporting changes. The Assistant Director also coordinates responses to internal and external audit findings and supports financial decision-making by monitoring and analyzing university financial data while advising the Controller.

This position is responsible for the accurate and timely completion of the year-end close process and the development of GAAP financial reports. Key responsibilities include ledger management, GAAP policy development, and compliance with CSU reporting deadlines.

Department Summary

University Accounting & Reporting (UAR) is an integral part of University Financial Services (UFS), a department within the Administration and Finance Division. UFS provides comprehensive financial and accounting services to students, staff, and faculty. These services include budget and fiscal planning, general accounting, cashiering, student accounts management, accounts receivable, property accounting, and financial reporting to support the university’s financial operations.

Key Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, and financial best practices, including GAAP, public administration, and fiscal management in complex environments.
• Ability to interpret, develop, and apply policies and procedures while ensuring compliance with CSU, state, and federal financial regulations.
• Experience with mainstream accounting systems such as PeopleSoft, Oracle, or SAP, and the ability to manage financial reporting and reconciliation processes.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including supervising staff, fostering teamwork, and maintaining professionalism in high-stakes situations.
• Expertise in problem-solving, strategic thinking, and data analysis to develop innovative financial solutions and process improvements.
• Familiarity with tax laws and regulations related to higher education and nonprofit organizations, with the ability to research and apply tax policies as needed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field and three (3) years of professional-level accounting experience with demonstrated success in supervision and first line management.

• Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Salary and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $85,000 - $120,000. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly 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. 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 Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

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.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

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