KPBS Director of Finance & Accounting in San Diego, California at San Diego State University Research Foundation

San Diego State University Research Foundation
KPBS Director of Finance & Accounting

US-CA-San Diego

Job ID: 2026-20282
Type: Full-Time Contract
# of Openings: 1
Category: Administrative/Clerical
KPBS

Overview

The salary range for this position is $11,250 - $12,958.33 per month ($135,000 - $155,500 per year) depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

This position is scheduled to close on 5/20/26 at 4:00pm (PST).

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and digital programming. KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego. Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS supports and furthers the university’s educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience. It does so not only by presenting national and locally produced programming of value to its San Diego audience, but also by producing programming about San Diego and its people for distribution nationwide.

The KPBS Finance and Accounting Department is responsible for all aspects of the finance, accounting, budget, internal controls and financial procedures of KPBS, including preparation, review and management of budgets, contracts, licenses, and insurance policies for KPBS with respect to SDSU and SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF).

The KPBS Finance and Accounting Department has specific responsibilities for various accounting functions including accounts receivable, accounts payable, trade inventory, purchasing, equipment inventory and equipment depreciation; liaison with SDSU and SDSURF management; the consolidation and preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial and budgetary reports; preparation of annual tax reports; preparation for the annual financial audit by outside, independent auditors, and providing internal financial data for the KPBS management team.

KPBS funding is maintained by SDSU and SDSU Research Foundation. The Finance and Accounting department is responsible for the management and integrity of all KPBS funds consistent with specific fund restrictions, accounting guidelines, laws and professional practices.

Perks you'll enjoy as a member of #teamKPBS

• Working on a college campus & in public media: Access to campus facilities and staff perks, weekly farmer's market, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc.

• Hybrid schedule (varies by position)
• 10 vacation days, 1 personal day & 13 holidays off (4+ days off over winter break)
• Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts
• Opportunity drawings to attend events
• Discounts on local attractions (theme parks, entertainment, restaurants, memberships)
• Free wellness classes & programs
• Staff pop-up events
• Full benefits packages that are unmatched (medical, dental, vision, life)
• Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
• On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
• Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
• Flexible spending account(s) (FSA)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Matching and voluntary retirement savings plan

Responsibilities

The Director of Finance and Accounting is a strategic partner to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), responsible for transforming raw financial data into actionable insights. This role goes beyond standard bookkeeping to lead the modernization of our financial reporting, streamline existing workflows, and ensure the integrity of our monthly and annual financial cycles.

This position will serve as a cross-functional resource, supporting all areas of the accounting function while driving data-informed decision-making across KPBS.

The Director of Finance & Accounting is responsible for but not limited to:

Strategic Reporting & Financial Analysis (20%)

• Insightful Reporting: Identify, design, and deliver high-impact financial reports and analysis that go beyond the "what" to explain the "why."
• Dashboard Innovation: Create and maintain dynamic, easy-to-understand data visualizations and dashboards to provide leadership with real-time visibility into key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Program Analysis: Partner with the CFO to evaluate the financial return on investment (ROI) of various programs and initiatives, providing data-driven recommendations for resource allocation.

Advanced Financial Management (35%)

• Full-Cycle Reporting: Direct the month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring accurate financial statements are produced timely.
• Annual Budget: Work alongside the CFO and station leadership on the annual budget development process and prepare the annual budget.
• Variance Analysis: Communicate monthly and quarterly budget-to-actual performance, identifying trends and recommending proactive solutions for deviations.
• Cash Flow Optimization: Develop and refine cash flow forecasting models to support strategic liquidity management.

Process Innovation & Accounting Management (15%)

• Operational Excellence: Continuously audit and streamline accounting workflows to increase efficiency, reduce manual entry, and improve data integrity. Ensure processes are accurately documented in desktop procedures and provide training to KPBS team members.
• Internal Controls: Maintain and modernize a robust system of internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Present at department and station level meetings when necessary on financial results, regulatory changes, and policy/procedure updates.

Audit/Review & Regulatory Leadership (25%)

• Audit/Review Ownership: Act as the primary liaison for outside auditors, managing the annual audit/review process to ensure a seamless cycle.
• Technical Compliance: In partnership with SDSURF accounting team, stay at the forefront of GASB pronouncements and federal tax issues (unrelated business income (UBI), charitable contributions), assessing their impact, implementing changes to financial statement presentation as needed and updating internal policies accordingly.
• Leadership: Lead a team through month end and year end accounting processes.
• Mentorship: Be a resource for other team members to support and guide on complex issues.

Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned (5%)

• Assist the KPBS CFO in the execution of their duties as requested
• Other duties may include, but are not limited to preparation of various financial and non-financial reports, chairing of committees, attendance at conferences and meetings,etc,
• Lead or assist with projects requiring broad-based analytical skills and make resulting recommendations or provide information as needed.

Qualifications
Knowledge and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience leading full-cycle financial reporting and auditing
• Advanced knowledge of fiscal management principles and operational best practices, with a demonstrated commitment to ethical decision-making and stewardship of financial resources.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with business and finance functions, with the ability to operate effectively within complex environments such as higher education or similarly structured organizations.

• Ability to design and deliver advanced financial reporting and dashboards
• Knowledge of non-profit accounting in accordance with GASB and U.S. GAAP
• Proven ability to build, maintain and strengthen trusted relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including internal leadership, donors, funding agencies, regulatory agencies, auditors, and affiliated partners such as SDSU Research Foundation and SDSU.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to diverse groups including non-financial stakeholders and leadership.
• Ability to present financial data, analysis and recommendations in a compelling and accessible manner to support informed decision-making
• Demonstrated ability to apply strong analytically and critical thinking skills to interpret finance data, identify trends and drive results-oriented outcomes.
• Ability to train, document and standardize accounting procedures.
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail while managing complex financial information and competing priorities
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and integrity in high-impact decision-making, balancing analytical precision with practical insight and urgency

• Ability to lead with initiative, adaptability and a solutions-oriented mindset in a dynamic and evolving environment
• Ability to drive progress town organizational and divisional goals, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and deadlines

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field (accounting, finance or other) or additional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis
  
  

Minimum Experience

• Six-years of related experience in a management or supervisory capacity

Preferred Qualifications

• At least five or more years of demonstrated experience with and knowledge of accounting principles and financial statement preparation, budget development, cost accounting and fiscal policy.
• Demonstrated experience leading, planning and managing personnel in a team oriented office.
• Experience in dashboard creation, financial modeling, and developing budgets.
• Significant experience with Microsoft office software, including Excel, Word and Powerpoint.
• CPA or Master’s degree.
• Flexibility to travel, if required.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII 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), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.