Controller

Research Foundation of The City University of New York•New York, NY

20h•$162,178 - $189,208•Onsite

About The Position

This is a senior management position reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Controller is responsible for assisting the CFO in managing the Research Foundation's accounting, financial reporting, treasury, and financial operations functions while ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies. The Controller will play a key leadership role in strengthening the Foundation's financial infrastructure, enhancing internal controls, supporting financial systems and process improvements, and developing a high-performing Finance team. The incumbent will oversee the day-to-day accounting operations of the Finance department and serve as a strategic partner to the CFO in driving operational excellence, financial stewardship, and continuous improvement initiatives. Accordingly, the incumbent is charged with a full range of managerial and supervisory responsibilities, including communicating the mission of the Foundation and the objectives, policies, and processes of the Finance department. In addition to directing ongoing operations, the Controller identifies and resolves complex financial issues, promotes exemplary customer service, develops staff capabilities, improves business processes, and advances initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency. The Controller models the highest standards of professional ethics, maintains current knowledge of accounting and financial management best practices, and collaborates effectively with leadership and staff throughout the Foundation to support organizational goals and strategic initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting required.
CPA required.
Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience, including supervisory and leadership responsibilities.
Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience with financial systems, ERP platforms, and finance process improvement initiatives.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Sound judgment and demonstrated ability to make effective decisions in a complex operating environment.
Ability to develop collaborative relationships across departments and effectively partner with executive leadership.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
Team-oriented with a collaborative, inclusive, and hands-on leadership style.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, words and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Past experience as a Controller or Director of Finance preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists the Chief Financial Officer in managing the overall financial and accounting functions of the Finance department.
Supervises the Associate Controller, Assistant Controllers, and other Finance staff in the day-to-day operations of the Finance department, including oversight of monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities.
Oversees the preparation and review of financial statements, tax filings, regulatory reports, and other financial reporting requirements while ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and statutory requirements.
Reviews annual budgets, quarterly financial reports, forecasts, and financial analyses to support executive decision-making.
Establishes, maintains, and enhances accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to mitigate financial and operational risk.
Leads the annual external audit process and oversees the preparation of required financial statements, 990, Uniform Guidance single audit, pension audit including 403(b), and VEBA audits, compliance filings, and regulatory reports.
Ensures accurate recording and reporting of all grant activity, cost allocations, and indirect cost methodologies in alignment with funder requirements and organizational policies.
Monitors the collection of revenue, payment of expenditures, and recording of financial transactions to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
Oversees treasury-related activities and, in coordination with the CFO, develops and maintains key banking relationships.
Authorizes and approves bank transactions, debt investments, major expenditures, and capital project activities in the absence of the CFO.
Assists the CFO with the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Establishes and maintains organization-wide financial safeguards, strengthens control environments, identifies emerging risks, and implements process and system improvements.
Leads and supports financial system optimization initiatives, including process redesign, automation, reporting enhancements, and continuous improvement efforts.
Supports and helps oversee the Foundation's Workday Financial Management environment and related financial systems to ensure data integrity, effective business processes, and efficient financial operations.
Assists with the development and management of annual Finance department goals consistent with and supportive of the Foundation's mission and strategic objectives.
Ensures effective hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and development of Finance department staff.
Conducts performance evaluations and makes recommendations regarding employee development, disciplinary actions, and personnel matters as appropriate.
Serves as a trusted advisor to the CFO and senior leadership on accounting, financial reporting, operational, and compliance matters.
Performs other related duties as assigned