Manager of Financial Reporting

Company: San Diego State University
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

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 Compliance Maintain 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 Coordination Support 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 Accounting Help 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 Support Provide 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. Department Summary San Diego State University is a nationally recognized public research university and one of 23 campuses in the California State University (CSU) system. Within the Division of Business and Financial Affairs, the Department of Financial Operations supports the university’s academic, research, and student success mission through strong financial governance, controls, and reporting. The division has played a key role in major institutional initiatives in recent years, including significant capital projects and systemwide financial modernization efforts. The University Controller’s Office is responsible for maintaining the university’s general and subsidiary ledgers and for coordinating the reconciliation and reporting of financial activity across operating and self-supporting funds. The office oversees internal and external financial reporting in accordance with Legal/Budgetary Basis, FIRMS, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and serves as a central point of coordination for audit and compliance activities. Within the Controller’s Office, the Financial Reporting Department maintains the university’s GAAP reporting ledger, coordinates the annual external financial statement audit, and manages the capital assets subsidiary ledger. The department works closely with campus partners to ensure accurate financial reporting, responsible stewardship of public resources, and compliance with CSU, state, and federal requirements. For more information regarding the Department of Financial Operations, click here . 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 SDSU Values At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion. Principles of Community At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all. Supplemental Information Apply by February 25, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled. The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated 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. San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here . Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Casie Martinez at cmartinez12@sdsu.edu .

Keywords: San Diego State University, La Quinta , Manager of Financial Reporting, Accounting, Auditing , San Diego, California