Assistant Controller

San Francisco Bay University (SFBU), a nonprofit, WASC‑accredited university located in Fremont, California, seeks an innovative and experienced Assistant Controller. SFBU’s mission is to offer inclusive, innovative, and inspirational education for lifelong careers, and its vision is to set the national model of higher education in service of the common good.

Students come first  university prioritizes student needs, fosters engagement among students, faculty, and staff, and is committed to providing affordable quality education with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

The Assistant Controller provides day‑to‑day oversight of accounting and business operations in accordance with GAAP, FASB, and best practices for non‑profit higher education. The role supervises the accounting team and is responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, student financial services, cash management, audit, and tax. The Assistant Controller supports the Controller and CFO with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, partnering with university leadership in developing and implementing financial strategies that support SFBU’s mission and strategic objectives.

Oversee and direct business and accounting activities; provide technical accounting guidance; and ensure compliance with GAAP, applicable law and regulation, SFBU policies and guidelines, and best practices.

Manage all areas of accounting and financial reporting, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, student financial services, procurement, fixed assets, and cash management.

Manage the university’s financial systems, including the general ledger and Sage Intacct ERP. Manage Sage Intacct integrations with systems for student accounts, financial aid, expense management, and banking and financial institutions.

Oversee student accounts management in Salesforce and integration with the general ledger system.

Oversee all daily accounting operations; review and approve all journal entries; manage monthly, quarterly, and year‑end close processes.

Maintain accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and business processes to support compliant, transparent, and efficient execution of the university’s business. Provide user documentation and training to foster a culture of compliance and a strong internal control environment.

Prepare financial statements and reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual statements, for internal and external audiences, including university leadership; board of directors; local, state, and federal government agencies; accreditors; and others as may be required or appropriate.

Oversee the financial administration of federal, state, and private grants, ensuring compliance with specific grantor requirements. Prepare financial reports for grantors and donors as required. Monitor the university’s cash flow and investments, working with the Controller and CFO to ensure adequate liquidity is available to meet obligations.

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional accounting staff. Provide training and guidance to campus departments on financial policies, budget monitoring, and system usage.

Participate in professional development to maintain current knowledge and skills in all areas of responsibility.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required).

8+ years of progressive experience in accounting (or 5+ years with a CPA credential).

In‑depth experience with GAAP accounting standards and technical accounting.

Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey technical and financial concepts to general audiences.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (mail, calendars, docs).

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to both financial and non‑financial audiences.

Experience supervising and mentoring a finance/accounting team, ensuring high performance and professional development.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred.

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