"Controller"

Company Description:

SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY Schenectady) is one of the State University of New York's finest two-year colleges located in upstate New York's vibrant and growing Capital Region, with easy access to Boston, NYC, the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, Montreal and scenic Hudson Valley, all of which are just a few hours away. SUNY Schenectady is a premier college that provides quality, comprehensive education for transfer, career, training and workforce development to a diverse population in a student centered environment. The College offers more than 50 transfer and career programs in science, aviation, culinary, music, and liberal arts, and serves more than 5,000 students. We take pride in being an urban campus with a small town feel.

Job Description:

SUNY Schenectady County Community College invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, unrepresented Controller- a key administrative leadership role reporting directly to the Executive Vice President of Administration & Finance. The successful candidate will lead the College's day-to-day financial operations, ensuring the utmost accuracy, compliance, and strategic alignment in support of institutional goals.

In collaboration with the Executive Vice President, the Controller will oversee essential financial functions- including accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, cash management, and payroll- and supervise a dedicated team of 10+ professionals.

The Controller is responsible for preparing the College's financial statements and reports, ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and maintaining compliance with federal, state, local, and College policies and procedures. In addition, the Controller will support the development and implementation of the annual institutional budget.

Why This Role Is Critical

• Comprehensive Leadership: Oversee all primary accounting operations and manage a team of more than ten finance staff members.
• Financial Integrity & Compliance: Ensure accuracy in financial reporting and strict adherence to GAAP and relevant regulations.
• Strategic Collaboration: Partner with senior leadership on budgeting and financial planning, influencing decision-making across the College.

We invite candidates who combine strong technical accounting proficiency with demonstrated leadership and a commitment to organizational excellence.

Responsibilities:

The Controller directs and controls all college financial activity covering the receipt, expenditure and safekeeping of funds and assets by performing the following duties personally or through direct reports:

• Writes, interprets and implements college policies and procedures. Creates clear and informative documents to ensure policies and procedures are followed.
• Develops and implements training and professional development programs for assigned staff.
• Ensure all college economic resource expenditures are in compliance in accordance with rules, regulations, and other mandates of the College's Board of Trustees, the County of Schenectady, the State University of New York and the United States Government.
• Prepares financial reports that summarize and forecast college economic and financial activity and position in areas of revenue, expenditures, and net assets based on past, present and expected operations.
• Advise management on operational matters to ensure compliance with federal, state, local codes, union agreements and regulations.
• Arranges for and serves as the college's liaison for audits of the college's official records, general ledger, financial statements and accounts.
• Prepares reports required by regulatory agencies and executive management.
• Provides management with fiscal reports on the college's programs and activities.
• Ensures the integrity and security of the college's financial ERP system in concert with the technology staff. Implements related ERP upgrades and modifications.
• Assists in preparation of the college's annual budget.
• Oversees and monitors expenditures to assure compliance within the approved budget allocations.
• Performs annual assessment of position responsibilities and action plan, in support of the College's Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Strategic Plan.
• Responsible for tax compliance and reporting to federal and state agencies.
• Assists college departments with fiscal oversight of externally sponsored programs.
• Perform job related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in finance and accounting.
• Minimum of five years of experience in a managerial level position with supervisory responsibility for a complex financial operation.
• Experience in an educational environment.
• Thorough knowledge of integrated financial systems and related automated system applications.
• Strong supervisory and team management experience in a customer-oriented environment.
• Ability to listen and clearly, effectively and decisively communicate both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related finance or business field.
• Experience with Ellucian/Banner enterprise financial systems.
• Certified as a Public Accountant (CPA), Financial Analyst (CFA), and/or Management Accountant (CMA)

Special Information:

• VISA sponsorship is not available for this position
• Offers of employment will be conditional based on the successful completion of a background check and verification of official college transcripts.

Additional Information:

Salary:

$85,000

Why You'll Love Working Here:

As a full-time member of our team, you'll enjoy a thoughtfully crafted benefits package that supports your health, wealth, growth, and life balance:

• Robust Health Coverage - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your loved ones well.
• Flexible Retirement Options - Choose the retirement system that fits your goals, plus a deferred compensation plan to boost your savings.
• Growth & Development - Access robust professional development opportunities to advance your career.
• Family-Savvy Perks - Two on-site childcare providers (based on availability), making your workday smoother and stress-free.
• Wellness Discovery - Discounted YMCA membership plus occasional wellness events-because mind & body matter.
• Extra Savings & Perks - Enjoy a suite of employee discounts and perks tailored to make life easier (and more fun!).

Application Instructions:

Applications Due By: Applications accepted until position is filled.

If you need a disability-related accommodation to apply to this position, please contact the Human Resources Office at (518) 381-1218 or humanresources@sunysccc.edu.

Applicants must submit the following documents to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Completed SUNY Schenectady Employment Application
• References: Please provide three professional references which include name, title, and contact information