"Manager of Financial Reporting"

Position Summary

San Diego State University (SDSU) is seeking a dedicated accounting professional to serve as Manager of Financial Reporting within the University Controller's Office. This role offers the opportunity to apply strong accounting and audit skills in a public university setting where accuracy, transparency, and thoughtful stewardship truly matter. This position is well-suited for someone who values meaningful work, professional judgment, and long-term impact-and who is interested in contributing their expertise to an institution that serves students, research, and the broader community.

About the Role

The Manager of Financial Reporting is responsible for coordinating and maintaining the university's external financial reporting, with primary responsibility for the GAAP reporting ledger. The work focuses on ensuring that SDSU's financial information is complete, accurate, and compliant with applicable accounting standards, while reflecting the underlying activities of a large and complex public institution.

In this role, you'll work closely with colleagues across campus to understand new initiatives and ensure they are reflected appropriately in financial reporting. You'll also serve as a key contact for the university's external auditors, helping coordinate the annual audit process and resolve accounting questions as they arise. The position also supports specialized financial reporting for SDSU's Division I Athletics program by coordinating NCAA-required agreed-upon procedures.

What You'll Work On

This role blends technical accounting work with collaboration across the university. Key areas include:

• Financial Reporting and GAAP ComplianceMaintain the GAAP reporting ledger; ensure accurate transfer of activity from the legal accounting ledger; prepare required journal entries; and complete the annual GAAP financial reporting package in alignment with CSU guidelines.
• Audit CoordinationSupport and coordinate the annual external financial statement audit; serve as a primary point of contact for auditors; prepare schedules and documentation; and collaborate with campus partners to address audit questions in a timely and constructive manner.
• Capital Assets AccountingHelp maintain the capital assets subsidiary ledger, including monthly reconciliations; collaborate with campus departments to ensure appropriate capitalization of expenditures; support construction project funding certifications; and ensure compliance with CSU and IRS documentation and bond retention requirements for a capital assets ledger representing nearly $1 billion in university assets.
• Collaboration and Team SupportProvide day-to-day guidance to a small team; support consistent and accurate work practices; and contribute to continuous improvement of financial reporting processes.

Why Join Us?

• Support SDSU's strategic goals around student success, research excellence, and institutional sustainability by ensuring accurate, transparent, and compliant financial reporting.
• Apply your accounting and audit expertise to meaningful, campus-wide work, including GAAP financial reporting, external audits, and stewardship of a capital assets ledger representing nearly $1 billion in university assets.
• Work in a collaborative, service-oriented environment within the University Controller's Office, partnering with colleagues across campus to support sound decision-making and responsible use of public resources.
• Engage with a diverse and dynamic campus community while contributing to high-impact initiatives that advance SDSU's growth, accountability, and long-term resilience.
• Join a university committed to integrity, continuous improvement, and public service-where your work helps build trust and enables the mission every day.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with on-site work in San Diego after the training period.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in the finance and audit areas, including managerial experience, preferably in higher education.
• Experience participating in or supporting substantial audit engagements, including coordination with auditors and preparation of supporting documentation.

Key Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and related financial reporting requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of AICPA and governmental auditing standards, including accounting for leases and subscription-based IT arrangements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial data, apply accounting standards appropriately, and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Demonstrated experience planning and managing work with multiple priorities and deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Working knowledge of accounting and tax considerations relevant to higher education or nonprofit organizations, including unrelated business income tax and nonresident alien tax.
• Experience using data query tools, financial systems, or reporting platforms to support analysis and reporting.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that's just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $95,000-$102,000