The Southern Association of College and University Business Officers was founded in 1928 to inform higher education institutions in the southern region of the United States of issues that affect higher education. The purpose of the association is to foster, develop, and promote improved principles and efficient practices in the business and financial management of colleges and universities.

SACUBO is one of four regional associations that constitute the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). NACUBO is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and represents the needs of higher education as well as acting as a clearing house for information and professional development. The other three regional associations are CACUBO, EACUBO, and WACUBO.