Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Controller | Full-Time | Exempt | Chico State Enterprises (CSE) | Chico, CA

Chico State Enterprises (CSE) is a 501(c)(3) auxiliary organization supporting California State University, Chico through research, education, public service, and campus-related programs.

Position Summary:

The Controller is the senior accounting leader responsible for the accuracy, integrity, compliance, and timeliness of CSE financial accounting and reporting. This position oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, audits, budgeting support, internal controls, cash management, and compliance with GAAP, federal and state regulations, CSU requirements, contractual obligations, and CSE policies. The Controller partners with executive leadership, Sponsored Programs, Human Resources, auditors, financial institutions, and program administrators to support decision-making, maintain strong internal controls, and improve financial processes.

Essential Duties:

Lead accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, journal entries, reconciliations, fixed assets, accruals, and deferred revenue. Ensure accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes. Review accounting transactions, resolve discrepancies, and maintain accounting records and structures.

Prepare and review financial statements and management reports. Support budgeting, forecasting, cash projections, and financial analysis. Analyze variances, trends, and financial risks, and improve reporting processes.

Coordinate annual financial statement audits, Single Audits, and other federal, state, CSU, and sponsor reviews. Maintain audit-ready records and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Develop and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls. Ensure compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.

Monitor cash flow, banking activity, liquidity, and forecasting. Oversee bank reconciliations and treasury controls. Coordinate with banking and investment partners.

Support accounting for grants, contracts, and sponsored projects. Ensure compliance with sponsor requirements and financial reporting obligations.

Provide leadership for accounting systems, reporting tools, workflow improvements, and process automation. Participate in system implementations and upgrades.

Supervise, coach, and develop accounting staff. Establish priorities, accountability, cross-training, and backup coverage. Promote collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. Five or more years of progressive accounting experience, including financial reporting, month-end and year-end close, budgeting, audit support, and general ledger accounting. Supervisory or team leadership experience required. Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, reconciliations, AP/AR, cash management, and financial analysis. Advanced Excel and accounting systems proficiency. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

CPA, CMA, MBA, Master's in Accounting, or related graduate degree. Experience in nonprofit organizations, higher education, auxiliary organizations, or research foundations. Experience with grants, contracts, federal funding, Single Audits, external audits, process improvements, and financial system implementations.

Core Competencies:

Financial stewardship, GAAP expertise, internal controls, risk management, audit and regulatory compliance, analytical problem solving, leadership, staff development, collaboration, communication, process improvement, and systems thinking.