In partnership with the University Advancement Division, the Tower Foundation of San José State
University is San José State University’s 501c3 auxiliary organization dedicated solely to philanthropy.
Tower Foundation assists with the development, investment, administration, and banking of all SJSU
philanthropic donations to build a culture of philanthropy among its alumni and the university community.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Controller is responsible for all aspects of accounting, financial management, and reporting including but not limited to monthly, quarterly, and annual general ledger accounting and reporting, fiscal year-end close, annual audit, oversight of tax returns and financial reports to local, state, and federal agencies and/or taxing government agencies. The Controller leads the Foundation’s accounting, contract compliance, and vendor management administration work and produces accurate and relevant financial reports for the Board of Directors, SJSU leadership, and the CSU Chancellor’s Office. The individual in this position will maintain the integrity of the Foundation’s general ledger and related accounting systems. The responsibilities include having entire charge of GL, A/R, A/P, and cash functions. This position will oversee cash management, including wire transfers, ACH payments, and check approvals, and they will provide weekly (or as requested) cash forecasts. The individual in this position must be a strong communicator and be able to build effective working relationships while providing excellent customer service across all functions.
This is a full-time, at-will position, offering comprehensive benefits. The position is designated exempt
under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. This position is approved for partial
telecommuting with onsite work on campus at San José University.
The Tower Foundation offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life
insurance, short and long-term disability, 403B retirement, tuition reimbursement, vacation, and sick
leave.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Financial Leadership
Provide leadership in creating, coordinating, and evaluating the financial operations including
but not limited to, financial reporting, budgeting, financial planning, and internal controls.
Ensure compliance with CSU, local, state, and federal fiscal guidelines.
Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close cycle, continually evaluating the process flows
and modifying as appropriate to ensure timely and efficient closing process. Ensure records are
maintained and in compliance with policies and regulations.
Maintain awareness of all FASB, GASB, and GAAP regulations impacting the Tower Foundation
financial statement requirements. Research and develop accounting policies and procedures to
comply with all regulatory and CSU requirements related to the Tower Foundation.
Oversee the approval and processing of revenues, expenditures, general ledger, account
maintenance, and data entry.
Responsible for leading the annual independent audit, including schedules, confirmations,
auditor requests, consolidating financial statements, and reviewing audited financial statements
for proper disclosures.
Oversee the Foundation’s 403(b) retirement plan and health and welfare plans in coordination
with the Foundation’s Human Resources Manager. Facilitate audits of these plans as needed.
Develop and implement internal controls to safeguard the organization’s assets.
Serve on campus and CSU systemwide committees as necessary/appropriate.
2. Lead Operational Support
Oversee day-to-day accounting, financial, and administrative activities of the Tower
Foundation.
Responsible for monthly reconciliations of financial (bank/investment) accounts, general
ledger accounts, and donor transactions. Review and approve all journal entries, deposits,
reconciliations, A/P disbursement, and postings for accuracy and completeness.
Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processing, accounting, and reconciliation.
Oversee endowment accounting, reconciliation, and reporting.
Oversee the Tower purchasing card program. Responsible for ensuring timely payment to the
card vendor and that the expenditures are allocated to the respective accounts properly and
accurately.
Oversee grant and contract accounting and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with
funding requirements.
Manage the establishment of new accounts and maintain all accounts across multiple databases.
Oversee the updates and maintenance of Fixed-Asset recordkeeping and reporting.
Monitor current-use accounts, fund designations, and other related data, ensuring transactions
have been recorded in accordance with donor intent.
Respond to account holder questions and research and resolve problems.
Perform confidential and ad hoc research and reporting for COO, CEO and Board of Directors as
needed.
Monitor outstanding payments from the Aging Report and work with the respective account
holders to facilitate payments.
Oversee statement distribution to administrators, deans, and department heads and ensure
corrections are made as needed.
3. Pledge, Bequest, and Charitable Trust Accounting
Ensure pledges are recorded appropriately based upon Memoranda of Understanding, donor
intent, etc.
Calculate net realizable value of pledges and bequests receivable based upon relevant
accounting guidance.
Maintain pledges and bequests receivable ledgers, including proper accounting for receivables
(recording, aging, and discounting).
Monitor collectability of pledges receivable and confer with appropriate members of the
Development team regarding collectability.
Monitor accounting for charitable trusts, review journal entries, and ensure trust accounts are
reconciled and recorded at fair value.
4. Federal and State Taxation
Oversee preparation and submission of quarterly sales and use tax returns.
Responsible for ensuring timely payment of tax withheld from payments made to nonresident
aliens.
Oversee the preparation of tax returns, including but not limited to Form 990/990T, Tower
Real Estate LLC, Form 1099, Form 1042, and Form W-2G.
Ensure compliance with regulatory reporting and filing such as raffle reporting, raffle
application, and out-of-state charity filing.
Respond to IRS Notices and take corrective action.
Responsible for Unclaimed Property compliance; evaluate outstanding liabilities, take
corrective action, and document an annual compliance roadmap.
5. Staff Supervision
Hire, train, evaluate, and supervise staff.
Set goals and expectations for individual and team success.
Address performance issues as necessary.
6. Other duties may be assigned as required
This position describes the general nature and level of work expected to be assigned to this role.
It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and
responsibilities are listed is insignificant.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
Undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
CPA license (active or inactive) or MBA
Seven years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or finance, with at least three years
in a supervisory or managerial role
Working knowledge of software applications: spreadsheet, word processing, database management
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working in higher education or non-profit organization
Detailed knowledge of and experience with generally accepted accounting principles, Governmental
Accounting Standards, accounting for charitable not-for-profit entities, financial record-keeping
methods, procedures, and practices
Ability to prepare and review financial statements prepared in accordance with Governmental
Accounting Standards
Experience in managing the accounting for endowments, grants and contracts, including compliance and
reporting
Knowledge of Blackbaud Financial Edge, FileMaker Pro
Knowledge of doctrines, theories, and principles of securities investments, including knowledge of
asset types and classifications, valuation techniques, calculation, and understanding of rates of
return
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in written and presentation formats
Ability to handle multiple complex work priorities and organize and plan work
Ability to work under time-sensitive deadlines with minimal supervision
Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with
employees and external agencies
Ability to quickly learn, interpret, and apply a variety of federal, state, IRS, CSU, and SJSU policies
and procedures
Ability to review financial documents for accuracy and completeness; ability to identify, trace, and
correct errors
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Must be able to operate general office equipment
Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time
Some physical labor may be required and must be able to lift a minimum of 20 lbs.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Tower Foundation of San José State University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during the application process to qualified individual with a disability. Applicants may request an accommodation by contacting Human Resources at (408) 924-1127.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To apply for this position, submit a resume and letter of interest to towerjobs@sjsu.edu. If offered the job, it will be contingent on a successful background check.
Tower Foundation is NOT a visa sponsoring organization
The Tower Foundation of San José State is a 501c3 not-for-profit auxiliary of San José State University.
Tower Foundation employment is separate and distinct from San Jose State University or State of California employment. Tower Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender status, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, or covered veteran’s status, consistent with all applicable federal and state laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.