Foundation Controller, Senior Director of Finance (CSUN employees only)

At CSUN we aspire to continually grow as an inclusive, cooperative community!

CSUN strives to be a destination workplace, where everyone understands that they belong to a community that is vital in advancing student success and providing exemplary service to all stakeholders. We foster an environment of success, both for our students and our employees. We have a relentless passion for celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as being an employer of choice. You will also have the opportunity to realize your own personal goals and be recognized for the work you do and enjoy the unique value the CSUN community can offer. As a leader you will have the opportunity to thrive in a community in which our leaders share common traits as identified in our Leadership Principles https://www.csun.edu/leadership-principles . If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place.

Responsibilities

Under general supervision, the Foundation Controller/Senior Director of Finance directs fiscal planning, financial analysis, accounting oversight, investment coordination, audit support, and compliance activities. The incumbent partners with university and foundation stakeholders to strengthen financial stewardship, reporting accuracy, operational effectiveness, and informed decision-making.

• Provides strategic leadership in budget planning and financial management for the Division of University Relations and Advancement (URA) and the CSUN Foundation, including oversight of the annual budget development process, comprehensive financial analysis, and ongoing expenditure monitoring across all University Advancement units.
• Directs quarterly budget-to-actual analyses and develops forward-looking financial projections informed by investment portfolio performance, expenditure trends, and planned initiatives to safeguard the long-term fiscal health of URA and the CSUN Foundation.
• Supports the Foundation CFO in the preparation and execution of the annual GAAP audit, serving as a liaison to external auditors. Oversees the development and review of audit workpapers, ensures timely provision of supporting documentation, and facilitates clear communication throughout the audit process.
• Actively manages Foundation bank accounts and assesses short- to medium-term cash flow needs while providing recommendations regarding fixed income strategies and liquidity requirements.
• Supervises the Foundation Accounting Manager and accounting staff in performing daily accounting functions, reconciliations, and reporting.

• As a leader, demonstrates a commitment to student success that is mission aligned with the university’s vision, values and priorities. Establishes an ethical and collegial work environment, promoting a collaborative, accountable and inclusive team. Encourages a courageous and resilient solution-oriented environment by participating in new opportunities to further the mission of the university. Participates in developing initiatives that further support the campus mission with a service-oriented and catalytic mind set. Strengthens employees by being communicative and a talent builder that develops team attributes, furthering departmental goals.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

*NOTE: To view the full position description copy and paste this link into your browser: https://mycsun.box.com/s/ee69oc853urf1lq6m6m8jhyjhsmekmad

Qualifications:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited institution with a Master's degree in a job related field.
• Minimum of six years of progressively responsible fiscal or administrative management experience, including three years of supervisory responsibility.

• Experience with enterprise systems such as PeopleSoft and Questica.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with donor/auxiliary databases.
• Experience in higher education, CSU, or nonprofit foundation environments.
• Familiarity with CSU fiscal policies, auxiliary operations, and endowment administration.
• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Leadership

• Knowledge of fund accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. Extensive knowledge of fund accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and GAAP principles.
• Ability to analyze complex data and communicate findings clearly.
• Ability to perform complex financial modeling, forecasting, and analytical reporting.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with university leadership, auditors, consultants, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to develop high-performing teams through effective communication, coaching, accountability, and employee development. Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of audit processes, internal controls, compliance requirements, and fiscal governance.
• Skill in interpreting financial data and presenting findings to executive leadership, boards, and stakeholders.

• Lead diverse teams to support the operational mission and vision of employers by fostering an ethical, inclusive and collegial work environment.

• Demonstrated ability to support ongoing improvement through courageous, resilient, and catalytic leadership.
• Lead varying initiatives through a collaborative, service-oriented and communicative approach.
• Demonstrated commitment to employee development, recognition, and accountability to further operational goals.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

• Salary is commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience. The University offers excellent fringe benefits.
• The anticipated HIRING RANGE: $155,000 - $170,000 per year, dependent upon qualifications and experience.
• The position is currently hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote); however, this is subject to change based on student and/or operational needs.

General Information

• This position is a sensitive position as designated by the CSU.
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
• The person holding this position may be considered a 'limited 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.
• In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California.
• This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
• Please note: California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is not currently sponsoring staff or management positions for H-1B employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
• Education Code 89521 Requirements: 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.
• Candidates should apply by completing the CSUN on-line application. To submit an application and for more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit this link: www.csun.edu/careers
• Applications received through June 5, 2026, will be considered in the initial review and review of applications will continue until position is filled.
• The CSU recommends that faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities at any university location be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CSUN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of Age, Disability (physical or mental), Gender, Gender Identity (including Nonbinary or Transgender), Gender Expression, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Nationality, Pregnancy or related conditions, Race or Ethnicity (including color, caste, or ancestry), Religion or Religious Creed, Sex (including Sex Stereotyping or Sex Characteristics), Sexual Orientation, and Veteran or Military Status. Our nondiscrimination policy is set forth in the Interim CSU Nondiscrimination Policy. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Talent Acquisition at 818-677-2101.

Work with purpose at the CSU.
Your career can change lives, communities, and futures. Watch why CSU is more than a job: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VXk4PPlSl4

Advertised: Jun 01 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 05 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

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• California State University (CSU) Northridge

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