Full Job Description: Financial Executive

Salary: $165,000 - $175,000

Location: Schenectady, NY

Job Description

Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, regular full-time

Supervisor: Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF)

Position Purpose: As the Controller is a key member of the VPAF team, this position requires the chosen individual to be an effective and trusted partner that is able to provide direction and guidance in financial and accounting matters. This successful candidate will provide leadership and coordination of the College’s accounting, tax, and financial operations, and reporting functions in a manner that ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and regulatory requirements, promotes effective, efficient work processes, and aligns with the strategic goals of the College. The Controller also establishes effective, collaborative working relationships with members of the College community and external vendors serving as a resource and key liaison within the College community.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Financial Reporting and Accounting: Coordinates and manages the monthly, quarterly and year end closing processes, partnering with the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis as appropriate and necessary. Manages all general ledger activity including maintenance of chart of accounts, data accuracy and timely reconciliation of accounts. Responsible for accounting posting rules and accounting management using the College’s Workday platform. Coordinates and manages the Controller team, working with campus stakeholders in the production of financial reports and analyses on topics such as research grants, endowment funding, and other internally-managed funds.
2. Financial Compliance: Coordinates the external audits of the college including financial statement, single and 403(b) audits. Works with stakeholders to prepare 990 and 990-T; review of annual Form 5500 filing and other regulatory and external reporting as may be required. Manages debt compliance and reporting for the College. Manages compliance with federal, state, and private granting agencies in partnership with various College departments including management of all grant related accounting and reporting.
3. Treasury Management, Endowment Analysis, Risk Management: Works with VPAF as necessary on effective investment and deployment of available cash balances. Performs necessary Investment and Endowment analysis for efficient management and effective spending. Manages the insurance portfolio for the College including ongoing assessment of operational risk, maintenance of adequate liability and property coverage, and coordination of annual renewals.
4. Finance Team Supervision and Development: Hires, supervises, and coaches financial services team members. Directs the goals and priorities of two Assistant Controllers, the Bursar’s Office and the Payroll Office. Sets the direction and operating standards for delivering financial services to Union departments. Seeks out, applies, and shares knowledge of higher education accounting and financial services trends and innovations through research, participating in peer networks and professional associations, and continuing education.
5. Administration: Serves on college committees as assigned. Works closely with the Vice President for Administration and Finance on projects and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting and 10+ years of progressively increasing responsibility, preferably in not for profit/higher education accounting and/or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience.
2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification required.
3. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
4. Experience supervising other financial services or administrative professionals.
5. Ability to independently manage multiple deadlines and priorities with the highest degree of accuracy and efficiency.
6. Ability to exercise exceptional judgment, ensure strict confidentiality, and demonstrate outstanding professionalism in a range of situations.
7. Able to support, contribute to, and strengthen a vibrant, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community of students, alumni, faculty, and fellow staff colleagues.
8. Ability to proactively identify and pursue relevant learning and professional development opportunities and apply new knowledge, insights, and skills to enhance results.

Preferred qualifications:

1. Higher education and/or a large nonprofit experience.
2. Endowment oversight and related accounting knowledge.
3. ERP (enterprise resource planning) implementation experience; Workday experience strongly desired.
4. Masters in Business Administration (MBA) or other advanced degree in business or accounting.