California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Orfalea College of Business, Accounting and Law Area, invites applications for a full-time lecturer in Accounting for a two-year contract, with appointment beginning August 17, 2026, and ending approximately May 19, 2028. Primary duties and responsibilities include teaching introductory courses in financial and managerial accounting for business students. Additional teaching opportunities may include other accounting subject areas such as intermediate accounting, auditing, or related courses, depending on department needs and candidate expertise. Instruction may include large-enrollment lecture sections.
Applicants should demonstrate significant experience in delivering high-quality instruction at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. Appointment is contingent upon budget and enrollment.
Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. As of August 2025, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:
Lecturer A: $5,507-$6,677
Lecturer B: $6,221-$13,224
Lecturer C: $6,825-$14,523
Lecturer D: $8,593-$15,211
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s degree in accounting or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Professional certification (e.g., CPA or equivalent) is required.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching accounting at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Evidence of sustained professional engagement and currency in the accounting field consistent with AACSB standards for faculty qualifications.
• Demonstrated commitment to student-centered learning, innovative and inclusive pedagogy, and continuous improvement in instructional effectiveness.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and staff in multidisciplinary academic environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communication in English.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Ph.D. in Accounting or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations and to foster a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive academic environment.
• Relevant professional accounting experience with evidence of significant professional capabilities, leadership, and/or documented accomplishments in the field.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly 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. Cal Poly 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.
Cal Poly 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 Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
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.
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, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.
Please note: 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. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.
In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. It is also expected that faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.
For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.
Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas depends on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Located on California’s beautiful Central Coast in San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly is widely recognized as a premier public university distinguished by its hands-on, Learn by Doing philosophy and strong ties to industry. Our campus offers an exceptional quality of life, combining academic excellence with a vibrant, collaborative community in one of the most desirable regions in the country.
The Accounting and Law Area within the Orfalea College of Business is committed to preparing career-ready leaders who understand how businesses operate and who bring strong interpersonal skills to their professional roles. Our graduates are equipped to contribute immediately in the workplace.
The successful candidate will join a collegial and dedicated faculty committed to excellence in teaching, student mentorship, scholarship, and meaningful engagement with the business community.
To learn more about the Accounting concentration, please visit:
https://orfalea.calpoly.edu/undergraduate-programs/concentrations/accounting
To learn more about our faculty, please visit:
https://orfalea.calpoly.edu/about-us/directory/accounting-and-law-academic-area
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates must attach:
- Cover Letter addressing teaching experience and qualifications for the position.
- Current Curriculum Vitae.
- Teaching Philosophy Statement, including evidence of teaching effectiveness.
- Unofficial transcript(s) of highest degree as one document. These documents are not accepted in hard copy format. When completing the online faculty application, please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment.
For full consideration apply by the REVIEW BEGIN DATE: May 21, 2026. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered. Sealed official transcripts showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment. For questions, please contact the hiring committee chair, Dr. Li Dang by email at ldang@calpoly.edu.