"University Director of Financial Controls, Risk, and Tax Compliance"

POSITION DETAILS

The University Director of Financial Controls, Risk, and Tax Compliance is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing CUNY’s financial control systems, risk management strategies, tax, and other financial compliance policies. This position ensures the integrity of financial operations, adherence to regulatory requirements, and the safeguarding of university assets. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, the Director serves as the university’s primary expert on internal controls and non-payroll tax matters, providing strategic guidance and technical expertise to Central Office units and colleges.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive financial control policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular assessments of internal control systems to ensure effectiveness and compliance, while providing guidance on controls across both financial and non-financial processes.
• Identify and evaluate financial risks; develop mitigation strategies.
• Oversee the segregation of duties across financial systems and processes and approve exceptions.
• Serve as the university’s lead authority on tax policy, compliance, and strategy, while implementing and monitoring internal controls to ensure effective tax compliance.
• Analyze and interpret federal, state, and local tax laws; provide written guidance and training.
• Prepare and review tax filings (e.g., Form 990T) to ensure timely submission, while liaising with external agencies such as the IRS, NYS Taxation, and external auditors.
• Evaluate tax implications of business transactions and recommend compliance strategies.
• Develop and deliver training programs on internal controls, risk, tax, and other financial compliance topics; maintain up-to-date reference materials and online modules; promote a culture of compliance and risk awareness across the university.
• Prepare reports for senior leadership on internal controls, risk, and compliance; maintain accurate documentation of policies, procedures, and audit responses; manage responses to internal and external audit requests.

NOTE: Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum: Bachelor's Degree and eight years' related experience required.

Preferred:

• Degree in accounting, taxation, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in internal controls, auditing, or tax compliance.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), CIA, JD, LLM in Taxation, or other relevant certifications.
• Strong knowledge of financial control frameworks and tax regulations.
• Experience in higher education, not-for profit institutions or public sector organizations.
• Proficiency in financial and audit software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Directs the financial management function including supervision of professional staff and legal compliance.

• Develops strategic financial plans and ensures responsible fiscal stewardship across the University.
• Oversees the accuracy and integrity of the preparation of financial statements.
• Analyzes, interprets and implements new accounting guidance.
• Authorizes requests for additional funding for new projects.
• Makes recommendations to executive administration concerning projections, allocations and requests for funds.
• Liaisons with the University's internal and external auditors.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: University Financial Management Director

CUNY TITLE: Higher Education Officer

FLSA: Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $122,201 - $155,388, commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.

CUNY is in the process of implementing salary schedule increases. Once implemented, salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 3.5% effective 9/1/26, in accordance with the terms of the PSC-CUNY collective bargaining agreement.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.

The direct link to the job opening from external sources is: https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS*HRAM*FL.HRS*CG*SEARCH*FL.GBL?Page=HRS*APP*JBPST*FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=31465&PostingSeq=1

Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings.

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled; the review of applications begins two weeks from posting date.