"Controller"

Job Details

Company Description:

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), part of the State University of New York and an internationally renowned college of art, design, business and technology with a strong emphasis on liberal arts, invites nominations and applications for the position of Controller.

Job Description:

Under the leadership of the Senior Associate Vice President for Finance & Administration, the Controller will oversee the operations of the Accounting Office, provide strategic leadership to the office concerning best practices in higher education accounting, and bring a knowledge of best practices relating to accounting for higher education endowments. S/he will work collaboratively with all finance departments of the College (budget, bursar, payroll and purchasing), along with the College's internal auditor. The Controller will be comfortable with writing and revising policies and procedures and interfacing at all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee daily financial operations of core accounting functions including accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, financial reconciliations and reporting for the College and its affiliated entities to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Assume responsibility for all cash management processes, managing daily cash operations, monitoring and maintaining banking and investment relationships, monitoring any and all fees, and monthly cash/ investment reporting.
• Manage and provide financial oversight of the Foundation's endowment portfolio.
• Work under the guidance of the Finance Committee and in coordination with external investment advisors to ensure adherence to the Foundation's investment policy, risk tolerance, and long-term financial goals.
• Coordinate and oversee year-end financial reporting; prepare fiscal year-end financial statements and supporting documentation for review by outside auditors in accordance with GAAP, GASB (for the College, Student Housing, and Student Association), and FASB (for the FIT Foundation); lead the coordination and submission of the annual SUNY year-end financial report and all related schedules.
• Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors, ensuring timely and accurate preparation of audit schedules, regulatory filings, including tax documents (e.g., Form 990 for the Foundation), fixed asset reporting, and compliance disclosures.
• Maintain deep knowledge of higher education accounting standards, including fund accounting, endowment and grant management, and restricted fund compliance. Stay abreast of changes in state and federal regulations affecting public institutions and endowment management.
• Generate detailed and informative financial reports for senior leadership, Trustees, and Board members, including presentations at the Audit and Finance Committees for the College and the FIT Foundation.
• Develop, implement, and update financial policies and procedures to support operational efficiency and institutional compliance. Continuously assess and enhance internal control systems across the College and its affiliated entities.
• Collaborate closely with the College's internal auditor to evaluate and strengthen risk management processes.
• Prepare reports for the Senior Associate Vice President for Finance & Administration and the Vice President for Finance & Administration, as needed.
• Supervise and develop accounting staff of 12 of varying levels of experience.

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position; other duties may be assigned consistent with the classification of the position.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management including accounting and financial analysis.
• At least 4 years of supervisory experience, preferably in a higher education setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree preferred, in areas such as Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance.
• Professional certification, such as a CPA preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Advanced analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to analyze complex financial data, identify trends and provide strategic insights.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and cross-functional initiatives simultaneously, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting and compliance.
• Strategic and clear communication skills with the ability to present financial information and strategic recommendations to diverse audiences, including executives and non-financial stakeholders, in a clear and compelling manner.
• Has a collaborative mindset, capable of working across departments and with senior management to achieve institutional goals and is comfortable interfacing with all levels of the organization (i.e. Department chairs, Deans, Vice Presidents, the President, Trustee and Board members).
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and writing skills, combined with sound judgment and leadership abilities to manage teams and influence decision-making at all organizational levels.

Additional Information:

Please note all offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the background check process.

Salary

$170,000 - $190,000 per year; commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Work Schedule

Days/Hours: M-F, 9am-5pm, in person; work schedule subject to change based on needs of the department.

Benefits

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) provides comprehensive employee benefit programs designed to help keep our faculty and staff and their families healthy, safe, happy, and productive. Our programs also include a variety of components to help our employees improve the quality and balance of their work and family lives, and to help them prepare for their futures.

• Retirement Plans
• Health Care Plan and Dental Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Commuter Benefit Plan
• FIT Tuition Exemption Program
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Personal, Sick and Holidays)
• 4-day Summer Workweek
• Qualifying Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

For a full list of FIT benefits, visit our benefits webpage.

Application Instructions:

In order to be considered for this position, please submit the following documents online: Resume, Cover letter, Unofficial Transcript, A list of three references with telephone numbers and email addresses.