Budget and Finance Lead

Location: California State University San Marcos Corporation (CSUSM Corporation)

Appointment: Full-time, Regular with Benefits, Non-Exempt

*Based on health insurance coverage for employee + family

Competitive salary with outstanding low cost comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, life and disability insurance plans, Generous employer contributed 403(b) Retirement Plan with an 8% Employer Contribution - 100% immediate vesting - with a 3% Employee Contribution, great time off benefits to include 14 paid holidays and office closure the final week of the year and so much more! Full benefits and other information can be found on the CSUSM Corporation website, https://www.csusm.edu/corp/hr/benefits/summary.html.

Posted: October 12, 2026

Application Deadline: First review October 26, 2026 - Open Until Filled

Summary

The Budget and Finance Lead is a professional, full-time staff member reporting to the Director of Housing Operations and Facilities. The Budget and Finance Lead provides administrative and technical support for budget development, routine monitoring of financial performance, financial reporting, reconciliations, and audit processes; maintains financial records in accordance with CSUSM Corporation and CSU policies; processes and coordinates established procurement, contracts, and accounts payable processes; and serves as a liaison and collaborative partner to CSUSM Corporation staff as well as Cal State San Marcos colleagues in Finance, Accounting, and Student Financial Services. Additionally, the Budget and Finance Lead is a primary contact for vendor relations within housing. The Budget and Finance Lead supervises the Business Operations Coordinator.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, economics, finance, or closely related discipline, minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience which includes knowledge of accounting procedures, office methods, procedures and practices, budgets and analysis; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience working with accounting processes such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, journal entries/transfers, and account reconciliation
• Experience processing a high volume of invoices for multiple entities or departments
• Experience performing assigned work in accordance with verbal and written instructions, guidelines, and objectives
• Extensive computer experience including but not limited to MS Office software (Word, Outlook, Adobe, and PowerPoint); Intermediate to advanced Excel skills-including pivot tables, v-look ups and creating formulas
• General office methods, procedures, and practices
• Experience prioritizing projects and successful record of meeting deadlines
• Experience gathering and analyzing data and generating reports

Preferred

• Adobe Sign and Planning tools (Teams, Planner,)
• Experience managing vendor relationships
• Experience with PeopleSoft or integrated financial software applications, including procurement software
• Experience in a higher education setting, business environment, and/or non-profit corporation

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and financial record keeping procedures
• Ability to develop or run financial reports and extrapolate and compare relevant data
• Accounting Skills & Experience - Required (work with and interpret general ledger data)
• Ability to handle confidential documents and materials
• Ability to compile financial data for use in reports and presentations
• Working knowledge of and ability to use financial accounting software (PeopleSoft-preferred) for inquiry, review of departmental budget activity, account transactions and reconciliations; ability to learn new software programs as necessary
• Ability to understand and follow established office policies and procedures, and identify potential process improvements for management consideration
• Must be self-directed and able to complete projects with limited supervision
• Excellent organizational skills necessary to handle multiple tasks, achieve results, and expedite projects
• Must have high attention to detail and excellent oral and written communication skills
• Able to prioritize day-to-day work to meet timelines
• Ability to compose correspondence for general distribution
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; must be flexible and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to interact effectively with a variety of people at various levels both internal and external to the Corporation and the campus

Other Employment Requirements:

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 Revised July 21,
2017 as a condition of employment.

Mandated Reporter Classification = Limited Reporter

This position is subject to a background check including, but not limited to, employment verification, education
verification, reference checks and criminal record checks. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may
affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSUSM Corporation employees who apply
for the position.

Must participate in CSUSM Corporation, CSU, and university-wide training as required.

The marginal functions of this position have not been included. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. An employee will be required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other job-related duties requested by the supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Budget/Finance:

• Compile information and provide administrative and technical support for the development, tracking and reconciliation of department budgets.
• Prepare and update periodic financial reports using established formats, including revenue and expense reports, budget variance reports, projections, and collection activity reports, for management review.
• Compile, reconcile, and summarize financial information to support management's financial planning and forecasting activities. Identify significant discrepancies or unusual transactions and refer them to management for review.
• Process and maintain accounting and financial records in accordance with established requirements, procedures, and CSUSM Corporation and CSU policies. Escalate unusual or potentially noncompliant transactions to the appropriate manager.
• Process and ensure timely and accurate payment of invoices and other financial documents, including chargebacks, expenditure transfers, and billing uploads.
• Compile financial data and prepare worksheets and supporting documentation used by management in determining annual license fee rates and other housing fees.
• Serve as a departmental contact for routine budget, finance, and accounting matters with staff within CSUSM Corporation and Cal State San Marcos.
• Process and track deposits.
• Compile records, schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation requested for internal and external fiscal and compliance audits.
• Support reconciliations related to staff Universal Cards.
• Review and reconcile prepaid card transactions for Residential Education in accordance with established procedures and report discrepancies for review.

Procurement:

• Process and coordinate purchase requisitions, purchase orders, amendments, and related procurement documentation in accordance with established policies and procedures. Review submissions for required information and documentation, generate routine reports, follow up on outstanding transactions, communicate with vendors regarding transaction status, and refer exceptions or policy questions to management or appropriate Corporation staff.

Problem Solving/Projects:

• Research and resolve routine transactional discrepancies and operational issues by applying established policies, procedures, guidelines, and past practices. Identify issues that fall outside established procedures and refer them to the Director or appropriate functional area for guidance or resolution.
• Provide administrative, financial, and technical support for assigned projects, including gathering information, maintaining project records, tracking deadlines, coordinating activities, and preparing status updates. Projects are performed within established objectives and under general direction of management.

Supervision:

• Provide direct supervision for a full-time professional staff member (Business Operations Coordinator).
• Plan work, train, advise, establish goals, and set expectations of supervisee.
• Complete annual performance review and manage employee performance.
• Oversee time and attendance reporting and absence approvals, and ensure timely approval of payroll.
• Create a culture of positive and cooperative teamwork.
• Assure that a climate of dignity, respect, and inclusion is established and supported among all staff.
• Implement training and practices to provide a safe and clean working environment, free from workplace discrimination, harassment, or violence.
• Ensure staff compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as well as CSUSM Corporation and CSU policies and procedures.

Customer Service

• Ensure a positive resident experience by handling inquiries and explaining financial policies and information about items posted to student accounts.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with students, parent/families and colleagues by interacting in a friendly, constructive, and professional manner in all interactions.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality about student records consistent with campus policy and federal regulations (FERPA).
• Provide students and parents/families with appropriate information and referrals to supportive campus resources (such as Student Financial Services, Financial Aid, Cougar Care Network, Cougar Pantry).
• Refer instances of misconduct or abuse appropriately to supervisors or other managers.

Other Duties and Support Functions

• Serve on CSUSM Corporation and University committees as appropriate.
• Support department-wide initiatives such as, but not limited to, move-in and move-out, unit inspections, damage billing, campus new student orientation, and admissions recruiting days such as Discover CSUSM and Cougar Blue Day. These will require some evening or weekend work as assigned.
• Participate in cross-training to understand multiple functional areas within the department.
• Provide support to community Service Desk operations as needed, including conducting tours, receiving packages and mail, and answering phones.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Latitude and Judgment:

Works under the general supervision of the Director of Housing Operations and Facilities. Performs recurring financial, accounting, procurement, and administrative assignments within established policies, procedures, guidelines, and deadlines. Exercises judgment in organizing assigned work, researching discrepancies, determining appropriate established procedures, and identifying issues requiring additional review.

Non-routine transactions, policy exceptions, significant financial discrepancies, and matters for which established procedures do not provide clear direction are referred to the Director or appropriate Corporation/University functional area for guidance or approval. The position may provide technical information and procedural guidance to colleagues but does not independently establish departmental policy, commit significant financial resources, or make management-level decisions on behalf of the department.

Will have no authority to hire and fire employees. Errors in judgment may result in poor service to and reputation with the University community. Errors in judgment may result in adverse financial outcomes.

Work Environment:

This is an in-person/on-site role. The work environment will include normal office conditions and use of a computer. Moderate physical effort is required to respond to day-to-day activities (carry boxes and supplies). Participation in activities, and both on and off campus meetings. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

"JEANNE CLERY ACT AND CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW" NOTIFICATION - See website located at http://www.csusm.edu/clery/.

Application Procedure:

Please apply by clicking "Apply" and be sure to submit a cover letter and resume. CSUSM Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, ancestry, and veteran or military status or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

For questions or if you experience any difficulties with the online application process, please contact CSUSM Corporation Human Resources at (760) 750-4700 or [email protected].