Assistant Director of Student Financial Services

Job Summary


Under the general direction of the Director of Student Financial Services, this position supports the operations of SFS by performing a broad range of technical, administrative, and analytical functions. The position assists with the daily management and coordination of departmental activities such as accounting for registration, housing and dining fees, receipting and disbursement of university funds, cash handling, loan servicing, and collection efforts. This role contributes to continuous improvement efforts by supporting the integration of new technologies and process enhancements and helps maintain high standards of customer service in a dynamic, student-focused environment.



Department Summary


Student Financial Services (SFS) is a department within the Financial Services that provides strategic and operational leadership in managing student financial services in compliance with federal, state, California State University (CSU), and campus policies. SFS encompasses the operations of the Student Accounts Office and University Cashiers Office and is responsible for billing, collecting, receipting, and reporting all student fees, including tuition, housing, and dining.


In addition to managing student fees, SFS oversees the proper receipting and safeguarding of all incoming payments and deposits to the University, ensures the accurate disbursement of payroll, travel reimbursements, tuition and fee refunds, financial aid, and maintains the integrity of financial records related to student activity. The department also ensures compliance with internal controls, cash handling procedures, and the secure transport and processing of all funds. Additionally, the department is responsible for communicating all financial deadlines, policy updates, and services to students, ensuring clarity and timeliness. It promotes financial literacy by educating students on tuition responsibilities, financial holds, and available resources.



Key Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of Student Accounts and University Cashiers operations, and their essential role in supporting a successful university environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex operational and procedural issues within Student Financial Services, propose effective solutions, and clearly communicate changes to stakeholders.
• Familiarity with current PCI and PA-DSS compliance standards and their application in a higher education financial services context.
• Demonstrated tact and diplomacy in handling high-level, sensitive interpersonal situations across diverse groups, with the ability to resolve conflicts constructively.
• Knowledge of personnel management best practices, including experience with hiring, training, goal setting, performance evaluation, professional development, and corrective action.
• Proven excellence in customer service, with a high degree of professionalism and the ability to manage sensitive or difficult interactions effectively.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field and three (3) years of professional level experience with demonstrated success in the supervision of staff.
• Qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Salary and Benefits


The anticipated hiring range for this role is $88,000 - $105,000. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.


Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).


Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.



Cal Poly


Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly's hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu .



Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment


This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly 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. Cal Poly 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.


Cal Poly 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 Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.



Supplemental Information


Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly 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. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.


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.


Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.


This position may be "Designated" under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This would require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within 6 months of assuming office and every 2 years thereafter.


Advertised: Apr 07 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: