Associate Controller, Accounting and Financial Services

Position Number: 40032211

Payroll Title: ACCOUNTING MGR 3

Job Code: 0687

Job Open Date: 5/14/25

Application Review Begins: Candidates who apply by 6/14/25 will be given priority consideration.

This search is being conducted in partnership with UC San Diego's Executive Recruitment Services. For additional details or inquiries, please contact Suzi Harris (suziharris@ucsd.edu).

Department Code (Name): CTLR (CONTROLLER)-Business and Financial Services

Percentage of Time: 100%

Union Code (Name): 99

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): MSP

Salary Grade: Grade 28

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $210,000 - $230,000 year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $145,200 to $289,000/year.

Work Location: 3201 SAASB

Working Days and Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid - BFS supports a hybrid agreement for this position and will continue to do so as long as it makes sense for the position and meets the campus policies. Weekly presence in office is required for this position.

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:

In support of the UCSB Mission and UC Statement of Ethical Values, Business & Financial Services is an integral campus and community partner, providing sustainable value-added services and solutions to ensure responsible compliance and stewardship.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

The Associate Controller is a senior level staff position and has campus-wide responsibility for the oversight of accounting activities and financial services. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor and Controller, the Associate Controller delivers efficient and effective financial services; supports decision-making based on timely and accurate financial information; provides best practice financial guidance and consultation; promotes accountability and the management of risk; and is an advocate for sensible policies and practices. The Associate Controller, through subordinate management, develops and monitors the internal control environment; interprets and implements policies; develops and issues internal and external reports; and oversees financial systems.

The Associate Controller directs accounting and financial operations which include general and plant accounting, extramural funds, accounts payable, student billing and collections, sundry receivables, payroll, banking services, credit card management and cashier's office. This team also manages long term debt service transactions on long term bond indebtedness. Responsibilities also include the oversight and monitoring of the Business and Financial Services budget, currently in excess of $7.3 million.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's Degree Required-Masters in Business Administration and/or Certified Public Accountant.
• 10+ years Bachelor's degree and 15 years experience, inclusive of 5 years management experience, or an equivalent of education and experience.
• 10+ years Extensive and comprehensive work experience in accounting and financial management at a similar level of complexity and responsibility in a complex, decentralized public organization.
• 7-9 years Demonstrated working knowledge of GASB, FASB, generally accepted accounting principles, accounting theory and practices, fund accounting, and internal control principles and their application, and demonstrated skills in applying controls in similar environments.
• 7-9 years Demonstrated experience in developing and monitoring service standards and performance metrics to ensure a high level of customer and employee satisfaction.
• 7-9 years Demonstrated experience in developing and monitoring budgets and identifying alternative funding resources.
• 4-6 years Demonstrated working knowledge of federal costing principles, regulations, administrative and audit requirements for colleges and universities as well as federal agency and university interpretations of those regulations.
• 4-6 years Demonstrated experience and a track record of success in establishing strategic plans and goals for a large and complex financial services organization, and in leading and motivating large numbers of professional staff to accomplish organizational goals.
• 4-6 years Demonstrated leadership and visionary skills in planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, controlling, evaluating, and delivering cost-effective, efficient, and integrated administrative and financial services in a complex, decentralized organization.
• 4-6 years Demonstrated experience in selecting, implementing and managing complex automated financial systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working in higher education.
• Prior experience working in a research institution.

Other Information

• Candidates who apply by 6/14/25 will be given priority consideration.
• This search is being conducted in partnership with UC San Diego's Executive Recruitment Services. For additional details or inquiries, please contact Suzi Harris (suziharris@ucsd.edu).

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Limited time off during fiscal close
• Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests Filer
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employee sponsorship
• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegation or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

• 80% Leadership and Strategic Planning - Develops and executes the vision and objectives for the Accounting and Financial Controls Team within Business and Financial Services. Through subordinate managers, has overall accountability for the objectives of each unit and evaluates performance towards meeting goals. These units have a broad scope of influence, providing campus-wide oversight, administration, and support in the following areas:

-General Accounting/Plant Accounting Responsible for management of the accounting procedures, systems, and human resources required for the production of accurate, and comprehensive statements of operations. Responsible for the management of the University Plant Funds Group, and for the production of accurate and comprehensive statements of operations and net position.

-Extramural Funds Accounting Responsible for the overall management of the central accounting and post-award administration function related to contracts and grants funded by the Federal government, Private Sources, State and Local Government, Private Endowments, Private and Corporate Gifts, and Special Research Projects awarded from the Office of the President. The total funds administered through the Extramural Funds (EMF) area are approximately one-fifth of the operating funds of the University.

-Accounts Payable/Travel and Entertainment/Tax Services Responsible for supporting the travel and entertainment needs of the campus by providing a broad range of services, including expense reimbursement, and Travel & Entertainment Card (Corporate Card) program management. Responsible for ensuring that payments for travel and expense reimbursements are processed and reported in accordance with university policy, and state and federal laws and regulations. Responsible for tax compliance and provides tax leadership to the campus and UC-wide in areas of taxation to improve compliance and minimize the university's overall tax liability in a manner consistent with the organizational objectives. Prepare tax returns and related reports necessary for external and internal compliance requirements; provide tax advisory services to departmental personnel and visiting Researchers/Speakers in a variety of tax areas, including but not limited to; Unrelated Business Income, International, Tax Treaties, Employment, Independent Contractors, Non-Resident Aliens, Sales and Use, and Property Tax.

-Receivable and Banking Services Responsible for management of student billing, sundry receivables, debt recovery support, and campus-wide cash handling operations. Key areas of responsibility include overseeing student billing and collections, campus credit card merchant processing, cash handling controls, petty cash programs, departmental bank deposit processing, electronic payment processing, and payment processing for students and other miscellaneous transactions. Functional owner of systems for student receivables, cashiering, and non-student receivables, ensuring their effective operation. Responsible for the campus PCI credit card security compliance program.

This position is responsible for monitoring BFS budgetary resources, currently in excess of $7.3 million annually, and develops annual operating budgets to achieve strategic objectives set forth by the Controller.

Has full responsibility for personnel-related matters. Sets clear and measurable goals. Provides professional development opportunities. Manages performance issues.

Provides leadership for a variety of ad hoc initiatives, including but not limited to financial system improvements, new system implementations, process enhancements, accounting structures for new business models and relationships, etc.

Represent campus in system-wide projects, initiatives and working groups. Leads other senior managers to establish campus strategic plans and objectives and advises management of opportunities, risks, and external audit activity. Provides training and communications to all stakeholders about the financial operation, policies and procedures and related projects and services. Leads the campus through policy and/or systems changes by practicing excellent change management techniques. The Associate Director makes final decisions in areas where errors can have a serious impact on the overall success of the unit or the campus as a whole.

Member of the BFS Senior Management Team; leads weekly senior manager meetings and coordinates topics of discussion.

Acts on behalf of the Controller during absences.

• 20% Financial Controls, Audit, and Compliance - Serves as one of the primary internal control policy and program advisors for the campus. Responsible for interpreting federal and state laws, and university policies. Consequences of error could result in significant financial and reputational damage to the campus.

Responsible for campus user provisioning processes and controls in Oracle Financial Cloud.

Conducts comprehensive departmental reviews that include the evaluation of process, policy, systems, and organizational structures. Applies a wide range of appropriate professional principles and best practices to discover and mitigate potential weaknesses. Creates and administers ongoing self-assessment and continuous improvement programs for the campus.

Manages and tracks audit comments relating to both internal and external financial audits. Coordinates audit responses, working with the Controller and unit managers to meet requirements.

Administers and maintains Statement of Auditing Standards (SAS 115) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) controls documentation. Responsible for ensuring SAS 115 and OMB documentation is updated and complete. Consequences of error could result in campus audit findings, significant financial penalties, and/or lowered credit ratings.

Promotes appropriate financial ethics and values and effective accountability methods through proactive campus communication and training. Collaborates with campus Internal Audit and Advisory Services to develop annual internal audit plans.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.
As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit:

* UC Santa Barbara COVID-19 Information - https://www.ucsb.edu/COVID-19-information
* University of California Policy on Vaccinations - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodations:

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