Jobs and Careers
CA

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

California State University
Northridge, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 1 Jun 2026
💰 $170,000/yr($155,000/yr$170,000/yr)

About the role

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

Apply for this role

Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.

Apply Now →Generate Application Kit

Free account required — sign up in 30s

Company

California State University

View company profile →