Director Of Accounting Services - Associated Students Of San José State University

Director of Accounting Services

Now Hiring: Director of Accounting Services - Associated Students of San José State University | San José, CA (On-Site) Ready to step into a high-impact finance leadership role serving 35,000+ students at one of California's largest public universities? The Associated Students of San José State University is seeking a strategic, mission-driven financial leader to guide accounting operations, safeguard fiscal health, and advise executive leadership and the Board on long-term sustainability. This is a pivotal opportunity to lead budget strategy, strengthen internal controls, oversee audits and compliance (GASB/FASB), steward investments and reserves, and mentor a dedicated finance team—all within a dynamic, complex organization inside the CSU system.

Compensation: $120,000–$140,000 annually Fully on-site in San José, CA Why You'll Love It Here:

• CSU benefits package that adds approximately 30–35% in total compensation value
• Up to 24 vacation days per year + strong work-life balance
• CalPERS pension or 403(b) retirement options
• Comprehensive medical benefits
• Tuition waivers for you and eligible family members across all 23 CSU campuses
• Access to vibrant campus life—athletics, arts, events, and renowned speakers
• Pre-tax commuter benefits

If you're a CPA (preferred) or seasoned accounting leader with 5–7+ years of progressive experience in complex, regulated environments—and you thrive where mission meets strategy—this is your chance to make a lasting impact. Another Source partners with A.S. SJSU on a retained basis and is committed to building inclusive candidate pools. Don't self-select out—if this excites you, let's connect.

Description: What You'll Be Doing

Another Source's client, Associated Students of San José State University (A.S. SJSU), is recruiting a Director of Accounting Services to join their team in San José, California. This is a fully on-site opportunity with relocation assistance available. Please note internally this title is Associate Director Finance and Business Operations.

Here's a little about Associated Students of San José State University: Associated Students (A.S.) SJSU is the official auxiliary organization representing the student body at one of California's largest and most dynamic public universities. Serving more than 35,000 students, A.S. plays a critical role in enriching campus life through student advocacy, leadership development, transportation services, student organization funding, and essential business operations. As a vital partner within the CSU system, A.S. operates with both entrepreneurial agility and public accountability. With a complex operating environment that includes multiple business units, student fee oversight, and regulatory compliance requirements, the organization requires strong financial stewardship to ensure sustainability and service excellence for the SJSU community.

About This Role: The Associate Director, Finance and Business Operations (ADFBO) serve as the chief financial strategist for Associated Students. This role is highly finance-focused (approximately 80–90%) and is responsible for safeguarding the organization's fiscal health while advising executive leadership and the Board of Directors on financial sustainability, policy, and long-term planning. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for a finance professional who thrives in mission-driven environments. You will guide accounting operations, strengthen internal controls, lead budget strategy, and ensure regulatory compliance—all while supporting student-centered programs that directly impact campus life. In addition to financial leadership, you will provide executive-level oversight to Transportation Solutions and the Print Shop. Each unit has its own manager handling daily operations; your role centers on financial stewardship, strategic guidance, and reporting-line supervision—not day-to-day operational management. You will also steward key external partnerships with banking, investment, insurance, and actuarial advisors, ensuring compliance, oversight, and responsible governance of organizational assets.

Scope & Impact

• Provide strategic leadership over all accounting functions including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, purchasing, asset management, and financial systems
• Direct monthly financial reporting and present fiscal updates to executive leadership, the Finance Committee, and Board of Directors
• Lead annual budget development and long-range financial planning efforts
• Monitor operating reserves and ensure investment allocations align with Board-approved policies
• Develop cash flow projections and financial forecasts to support informed decision-making
• Establish and maintain strong fiscal policies and internal control frameworks
• Direct financial, internal, government, and insurance-related audits; serve as primary liaison to auditors, the CSU Chancellor's Office, and the University Controller's Office
• Ensure compliance with GASB/FASB standards, CSU regulations, tax requirements, and insurance obligations
• Coordinate risk management processes and oversee insurance renewals
• Review contracts for financial and regulatory compliance
• Manage banking relationships and oversee operating cash management
• Maintain relationships with external investment, retirement, and actuarial partners to ensure policy compliance and fiduciary oversight
• Oversee financial administration of employee benefit programs, including collaboration on 401(k) and post-employment obligations
• Supervise and mentor accounting and finance staff, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Provide financial oversight for Transportation Solutions and the Print Shop through department managers
• Oversee financial processes and banking for 300+ recognized student organizations
• Partner with the Executive Director on lease negotiations, service expansion opportunities, grant funding, and revenue development initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited institution
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience in a similar role
• 2–3 years of supervisory or leadership experience within an accounting function (either within a large organization or overseeing all accounting operations in a smaller organization)
• CPA preferred
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and financial reporting standards
• Experience working with computerized accounting and budgeting systems
• Demonstrated ability to develop long-term financial strategies and process improvements
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to research issues, evaluate risks, and recommend sound solutions
• Ability to effectively present financial information to executives, Board members, and stakeholders
• Experience working in complex, regulated environments (higher education, nonprofit, or public sector preferred)
• Ability to build strong working relationships across diverse stakeholder groups

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $120,000–$140,000 annually
• Relocation packages on a case-by-case basis
• Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand

Why a Career with CSU is for You:

The CSU system offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet you where you're at in life and typically adds 30–35% to your total compensation package. For more information on programs available, take a closer look in the Employee Benefits Summary: https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

• Emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance with ample PTO and flexibility, which includes up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group/services)
• Enjoy the vibrant campus life with access to athletic and gym facilities, renowned sporting events, artist events, and world-renowned speakers
• Numerous professional development opportunities to advance your career including tuition waivers for yourself, a spouse, registered domestic partner or an eligible dependent child across any of the 23 CSU campuses
• Two different retirement plans catered to fit your personal saving goals: CalPERS Retirement Plan or 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan)
• Medical benefits tailored to support various life stages
• Pre-tax commuter benefits to help offset transportation costs

Additional Information

The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. This position may be exposed to sensitive or personal information and must comply with