Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Research, the Assistant Vice President for Finance provides leadership and strategic oversight for the division of Research’s financial operations; is responsible for financial and resource analysis, projections, and modeling that supports the decision-making processes in the division of Research and enables the division to ascertain the impacts of proposed initiatives and meet institutional goals; and provides direction to division finance staff, as well as training and consultative services for department directors and division leaders.

Department Summary

The Division of Research promotes excellence in research at California Polytechnic State University as fundamental to the mission of the University and essential to California’s economic and civic vitality. The Vice President’s Office provides strategic leadership and oversight of the pre- and post-award research administration, research compliance, and student research support units, as well as serves as the administrative office for university centers and institutes and multiple internal funding programs that support Cal Poly’s research, scholarly and creative activities as well as the Teacher-Scholar model.

Key Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of accounting guidelines/practices, financial transactions and financial systems, as well as related policy, accounting and regulatory compliance requirements, and the ability to research and apply accounting principles and applicable rules.
• Experience in providing strategic leadership over financial systems and demonstrated success in supporting financial system implementations.
• Thorough knowledge of administrative concepts, practices and procedures to research, develop and evaluate policies and programs, including collection, evaluation and interpretation of data and information from a wide variety of sources to develop sound conclusions and make appropriate recommendations and to inform strategic decision-making at leadership levels.
• Demonstrable critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze situations, define problems, identify concerns, develop and implement solutions. Excellence in judgment and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and management skills to successfully operate in a complex environment.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field. Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in the area of financial management. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis.

Salary and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $155,000 - $175,000 annually. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.

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.

Diversity Statement

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer. 

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. 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.

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.

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.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).