Empire State University Foundation Controller

Empire State University seeks a full-time Foundation Controller for the Empire State University Foundation (Foundation). The Foundation is a separately incorporated charitable entity whose sole mission is to support Empire State University through the provision of student scholarships, resources, and opportunities.

This Management Confidential position reports to the University Assistant Vice President for Administration and Assistant Treasurer of the Foundation and serves as the principal accounting authority for the Foundation and plays a key role in ensuring strong financial controls, transparency, and accountability of philanthropic resources entrusted to the university.

The Controller is responsible for the integrity of the Foundation's financial records, the oversight of accounting operations, and the establishment and implementation of sound financial policies, controls and accounting practices across the Foundation, the Student Government Association for which the Foundation serves as fiscal agent, and related agency accounts. The Controller also supervises the work of a Foundation Accountant supporting Foundation accounting operations. The Controller works in close partnership with the Assistant Treasurer, who provides strategic financial oversight of the Foundation's financial operations, including facilities planning, and long-term financial stewardship.

The Controller ensures that financial activities are conducted in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donor intent, and applicable regulatory and audit requirements. Working closely with the Assistant Treasurer, University Advancement, and campus partners, the Controller plays a key role in safeguarding philanthropic resources, supporting effective financial management and reporting, and ensuring accurate, transparent, and timely financial reporting for leadership, auditors, and the Foundation Board.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Accounting Leadership and Financial Operations

• Lead and oversee the accounting operations of the Empire State University Foundation, the Student Government Association fiscal accounts, and related agency funds.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of the Foundation's financial records and general ledger in accordance with GAAP.
• Establish and maintain new accounting software and general ledger structure.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously strengthen accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and financial administration practices that safeguard philanthropic assets and ensure proper management and compliance with donor intent of donor funds.
• Interpret and apply accounting standards and regulatory requirements relevant to nonprofit and foundation accounting.
• Advise the Assistant Treasurer on accounting matters, financial risks, and opportunities to strengthen financial management practices.

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of financial statements, reconciliations, and supporting schedules for internal leadership, auditors, and the Foundation Board.
• Assist with preparation and issuance of annual IRS Form 1099s, including coordination with auditors and verification of supporting documentation.
• Manage the accounting and reporting of restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring compliance with donor intent and board-approved designations.
• Perform and manage the tracking, reconciliation, and reporting of endowment activity including contributions, investment returns, spending allocations, and balances.
• Record, monitor, and reconcile pledges receivable and related revenue recognition.
• Prepare and review financial analyses and reports to support leadership decision-making and board oversight.

Cash, Investments, and Financial Operations

• Manage banking and investment account activity, ensuring timely reconciliation, accurate cash management, and appropriate internal controls.
• Maintain accurate accounting and reporting of investment activity, including endowment earnings allocations and portfolio reporting.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison with banking institutions and investment custodians, coordinating documentation and financial reporting related to investment activity.
• Support the Assistant Treasurer and Foundation leadership by preparing financial data and analysis related to investment performance and endowment balances.
• Oversee and manage the processing and authorization of payments, wires, and ACH transactions to ensure compliance with Foundation policies and appropriate financial controls.
• Develop and maintain sound risk management policies to ensure appropriate financial separation and reporting across multiple entities and account types managed by the Foundation.

Audit, Compliance, and Internal Controls

• Lead the Foundation's annual independent audit and support preparation of required tax filings, including coordination with external auditors and preparation of supporting documentation and schedules.
• Implement audit recommendations and continuous improvements in financial operations and controls.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, reporting, and audit requirements governing nonprofit and foundation operations.
• Evaluate and strengthen internal control processes and financial administration practices, inclusive of establishing appropriate financial policies.
• Design and maintain financial processes that provide appropriate segregation of duties and risk mitigation within a small operational environment.

Budgeting and Financial Planning Support

• Develop and monitor the Foundation's operating and programmatic budgets.
• Prepare financial projections, budget-to-actual analyses, and variance explanations.
• Provide financial data and analysis to support Foundation leadership and board-level financial oversight.

Collaboration and Institutional Partnership

• Partner with University Advancement, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and other campus offices to ensure accurate tracking and reconciliation of scholarships and donor-supported activity.
• Support the Foundation Finance Committee and Board through preparation of financial statements and materials, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Serve as a trusted financial resource for campus and Foundation partners on matters related to donor funds, scholarships, and financial stewardship.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Responsibility for financial reporting and audit management.
• Strong working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership and campus partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a foundation, nonprofit, or higher education environment.
• Experience with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks or similar systems).
• Experience tracking endowments, restricted funds, or donor-restricted accounts.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or progress toward certification.

Special Information:

• This position is located in Saratoga Springs, NY.
• Occasional travel may be required to fulfill department and university-wide commitments.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

Additional Information:

Rank/Salary: Management-Confidential / $95,000-$118,000, dependent upon experience and qualifications.

We are pleased to offer our employees an excellent benefit package which includes NYS health insurance, free dental and vision, competitive retirement options, and generous vacation, sick and holiday accruals; and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. We also offer professional-development activities for professionals and support staff.