**SF State Internal Applicants Only**
Working Title
Director of Finance
Administrator Level
This position is an Administrator II in the California State University Management Personnel Plan (MPP), reporting to the Dean of College of Liberal and Creative Arts.
SF State University
San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.
Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu.
San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus. Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.
The person holding this position may be 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.
This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Department
College of Liberal and Creative Arts
Appointment Type
At-Will
Time Base
Full-Time (1.0)
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Anticipated Hiring Range
$10,000 - $10,834 per Month ($120,000 - 130,008 Annually)
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Dean of the College of Liberal & Creative Arts (LCA), the Director of Finance leads the fiscal strategy, planning, and oversight for a complex, multi-unit college with an annual budget exceeding $40 million. This position is responsible for the effective management of all state, trust, auxiliary, and grant-related financial resources. The Director provides expert guidance on financial policies and procedures, ensures compliance with applicable regulations, supports strategic planning, and leads a finance team to deliver high-quality service to academic departments and college leadership.
Position Information
Financial Management & Strategic Planning
- Directs the development, implementation, and management of the College’s annual operating budgets, including General Fund, Trust, University Corporation (UCorp), ORSP, and fee-based funds.
- Prepares multi-year budget forecasts, monitors expenditures, and evaluates fiscal performance to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
- Leads year-end closeout, budget rollovers, and fiscal planning in collaboration with the Budget Office and Fiscal Affairs.
- Provides financial modeling, revenue projections, cost analyses, and recommendations for decision-making by the Dean and senior leadership.
Compliance, Reporting & Analysis
- Ensures compliance with CSU, state, federal, and institutional fiscal policies and regulations.
- Provides monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reports and presentations to LCA leadership.
- Manages all financial audits, reconciliations, and fund transfers; ensures proper documentation and transparency of financial transactions.
Team Leadership & Supervision
- Leads and supervises the College’s finance team, including analysts and support staff; provides training, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
- Establishes team goals and service standards that support college and university objectives.
- Builds a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Collaboration & Communication
- Serves as the primary financial liaison for LCA with Fiscal Affairs, Budget Administration, Human Resources, UCorp, ORSP, and other university departments.
- Advises department chairs, program directors, and administrative support staff on budget management and fiscal policy interpretation.
- Represents LCA in campus-wide budget and finance committees and workgroups.
Special Projects & Operational Support
- Provides leadership on college-wide initiatives such as space and resource planning, enrollment revenue strategies, and operational restructuring.
- Assists with special funding projects, grant-related financial planning, and philanthropic resource allocation as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
- At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, preferably in a higher education or public sector setting.
- Demonstrated knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, fund accounting, and financial analysis.
- Experience managing staff and leading cross-functional teams.
- Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with financial software systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, CFS, Data Warehouse) and Microsoft Excel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related discipline.
- Seven (7) or more years of experience in finance/budget leadership in a CSU or large academic institution.
- Knowledge of CSU financial systems and processes (e.g., CSU Budget Memo cycles, CO reporting, RRT processes, and UCorp/Trust funds).
- Experience with strategic planning, enrollment-based budgeting, or academic resource allocation models.
Pre-Employment Requirements
This position requires the successful completion of a background check.
Eligibility to Work
Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.
Benefits
Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions. SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.
We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.
Additional Information
**SF State Internal Applicants Only**
SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS).
Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU). CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception. While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.
CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process are encouraged to comply with this requirement. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to hrwww@sfsu.edu.
The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.
Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.