Finance Specialist

ITS Finance Specialist

California State University, Office of the Chancellor – Long Beach, CA

Salary Range: Up to $88,224 per year (step 13; CSU range $69,564–$101,340)

Classification: Administrative Analyst/Specialist – Exempt II

Telecommuting: Two days telecommuting, three days in‑office at Long Beach headquarters.

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking an ITS Finance Specialist to independently perform a broad range of complex analytical, fiscal, and administrative functions requiring advanced knowledge of financial management, accounting practices, contract administration, and procurement policy. The incumbent serves as a subject matter expert and key resource to ITS leadership on financial policy, compliance, and process improvement initiatives.

• Lead ITS Procurement and Contract Administration: oversee more than 300 contracts valued at $100M annually, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution.
• Prepare, review, and process purchase requisitions, contracts, MOU’s, and purchase orders; manage workflow in CSU Buy; enter related transactions into ITS master log and reconcile ledger.
• Advise ITS leadership on complex procurement scenarios, vendor negotiations, and contract compliance issues.
• Act as the primary fiscal liaison with Procurement and Accounting, ensuring contract terms, amendments, and renewals align with CSU policy.
• Procure equipment and materials ($574K annually) using One Card; conduct monthly reconciliations with accurate documentation and G/L coding.
• Develop and maintain internal fiscal controls and documentation procedures; analyze and reconcile account balances; verify budget allocations; recommend corrective actions.
• Independently prepare and process more than 500 complex financial transactions, including journal entries and inter‑agency billing.
• Serve as the lead resource for cost recovery and receivable account activities; coordinate with cross‑department, campus, and external partners.
• Design and maintain comprehensive financial reporting in Excel, Smartsheet, and Amazon Quick Suite to track contract utilization and spending.
• Resolve complex financial and contractual issues, interpreting CSU policy and applying independent judgment.
• Conduct financial analysis to support ITS strategic planning, budget forecasting, cost modeling, and cost recovery models.
• Collaborate with ITS leadership to shape strategic fiscal strategies that strengthen accountability and guide long‑term planning.
• Serve as subject matter expert for ITS travel and hospitality claims; review and approve 300+ employee travel and expense reports ($168K annually). Identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Support 193 ITS employees with payments for conference registrations, subscriptions, and memberships; handle third‑party billing and hotel payment forms, coordinating with vendors and Accounts Payable.
• Lead as advisor for the ITS Finance team; provide problem‑solving guidance, strategic recommendations, and policy‑aligned solutions.
• Act as a lead resource for internal and external stakeholders, interpreting CSU fiscal policy and ITS procurement processes.
• Evaluate and analyze financial and operational processes; recommend improvements to enhance accuracy, reduce risk, and increase operational effectiveness.
• Lead the financial work on major ITS initiatives with system‑wide impact, coordinating with key partners.
• Support the Fin Ops Community of Practice and division‑wide initiatives requiring fiscal analysis.
• Provide backup and support for other ITS Finance staff as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in any field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in the budget/financial field.
• Strong knowledge of accounting, budget administration, procurement, and contract management.
• Experience with IT vendors, software, hardware, or consultants.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply a wide variety of policies and procedures.
• High attention to detail and strong commitment to accuracy.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel, including formula‑driven features.
• Experience in a higher…