Financial Analysis Manager (Administrator I)

Looking for a role where financial analysis directly influences the future of a major public university? San Diego State University is seeking a Financial Analysis Manager to evaluate strategic investments, real estate initiatives, and revenue-generating opportunities that shape the University's long-term growth. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys tackling complex business questions, building sophisticated financial models, and turning data into recommendations that drive executive decision-making.

Unlike traditional FP&A or budgeting roles, this position focuses on project-based financial analysis and strategic advisory work. You'll evaluate initiatives such as real estate development projects, public-private partnerships, infrastructure investments, and other large-scale business opportunities by developing financial models, business cases, company valuations, ROI analyses, and executive-level reporting that help determine long-term financial viability. Working closely with senior leadership, you'll help guide decisions that have a lasting impact on SDSU's future. This is a newly created position with the opportunity to help build and shape this strategic function.

• →Develop financial models and business case analyses that support strategic investments, real estate projects, and revenue-generating initiatives.
• →Evaluate the financial performance and long-term viability of enterprise projects through scenario analysis, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• →Prepare executive-level reports and recommendations that support strategic decision-making and organizational priorities.
• →Partner with campus leaders and cross-functional teams to evaluate new opportunities and advance high-impact initiatives.

• Outstanding analytical, financial modeling, and strategic thinking skills.
• Proven success working independently and managing complex projects with minimal oversight.
• Experience translating complex financial data into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

San Diego State University is a dynamic and innovative organization and is one of 22 campuses in the California State University (CSU) System.  The Division of Business and Financial Affairs (BFA) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university’s financial, administrative, and auxiliary enterprises. The Department of Financial Operations is responsible for the financial and budgetary controls and procedures of the University and is directly responsible to the Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs. Financial Operations is committed to advancing data-informed decision making, operational excellence, and inclusive practices that support the university’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term financial sustainability.

For more information regarding the Department of Financial Operations, click here.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in one or more of the following areas: financial analysis, management consulting, advisory services, project finance, strategic planning, or a related field.
• Experience working in complex organizations with multiple funding sources or business lines; higher education or public sector experience is a plus.

• Advanced knowledge of financial modeling, forecasting, and analytical methodologies.
• Good understanding of budgeting, accounting principles, and financial reporting practices.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and translate findings into actionable insights for executive audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Proven experience exercising independent judgment, managing multiple priorities, and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling and data analysis.
• Experience with data visualization and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or similar).
• Proven critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with experience assessing financial and operational risk.

• Experience synthesizing large datasets into meaningful financial narratives and recommendations
• Master’s degree in finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience with infrastructure, Public-Private Partnerships, real estate development, or higher education finance is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of CSU, governmental, or nonprofit financial policies and practices (e.g., GASB).
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CFA, or similar.

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At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) 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. SDSU 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. 

SDSU 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 SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.