Director, Finance and Treasury

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the AVP, the Director is responsible for managing CPF accounting systems and related implementations, quarterly and fiscal year-end financial reporting, reviewing and interpreting policies, communicating the impact of federal state and CSU legislative changes to accounting and reporting processes, and managing and mentoring a highly skilled team of finance and accounting staff that provides financial leadership to units across all functions of the University. Under the direction of the AVP, the Director also oversees the day-to-day activities for treasury/investment services and the financial affairs of the Cal Poly Foundation. This position provides day-to-day management of banking and investment relations, treasury, internal and external auditing, internal controls and accounting operations, risk management, tax compliance, purchasing, disbursement, general accounting and financial systems, financial reporting, and long-range planning.

As a primary point of contact for the Finance and Treasury staff, this role provides training, guidance, and compliance oversight related to CSU accounting procedures and financial reporting changes. The Director also coordinates responses to internal and external audit findings and supports financial decision-making by monitoring and analyzing financial data while advising the AVP as well as other executive leadership across campus.

Department Summary

The Finance and Treasury department is an integral part of Administration and Finance and is responsible for accounting, finance and treasury functions for the Cal Poly Foundation (CPF) and Cal Poly State University. The Director of Finance and Treasury (Director), reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Financial Services (AVP). The department of Finance and Treasury is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting for the Cal Poly Foundation and the University. Responsibilities include but are not limited to fiscal year end audit and tax returns, reviewing and processing accounting transactions, preparing financial policy drafts and updates, providing support for auxiliary organization board of directors, and continuously reviewing existing policies and procedures to incorporate efficiencies into day-to-day business processes.

Key Qualifications

• Serve as a strategic member of the Financial Services Leadership Team, providing financial expertise and executive-level perspective to advance shared goals; lead and contribute to the continuous development, cohesion, and high performance of the team.
• Direct and oversee the University’s cash management operations and Maritime Service Compliance programs; establish policies and controls to ensure institutional liquidity, regulatory adherence, and financial integrity across all related activities.
• Provide comprehensive administrative and operational leadership of the Finance and Treasury department; independently develop, implement, and evaluate programs, policies, and procedures that strengthen departmental efficiency, compliance, and financial controls.
• Direct the development, preparation, and delivery of University and Foundation financial reporting across monthly, quarterly, and annual cycles; ensure reports meet governing board standards, regulatory requirements, and institutional strategic needs.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience, with a minimum of three (3) years of which have been in a management or leadership role overseeing professional staff in a complex financial environment.
• Additional 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 $135,000 - $175,000. 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 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.