Controller - Union College
Schenectady, NY
About the Job
This position requires the chosen individual to be an effective and trusted partner that is able to provide direction and guidance in financial and accounting matters. This successful candidate will provide leadership and coordination of the College’s accounting, tax, and financial operations, and reporting functions in a manner that ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and regulatory requirements, promotes effective, efficient work processes, and aligns with the strategic goals of the College. The Controller also establishes effective, collaborative working relationships with members of the College community and external vendors serving as a resource and key liaison within the College community
Controller
Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, regular full-time
Supervisor: Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF)
Position Purpose: As the Controller is a key member of the VPAF team, this position requires the chosen individual to be an effective and trusted partner that is able to provide direction and guidance in financial and accounting matters. This successful candidate will provide leadership and coordination of the College’s accounting, tax, and financial operations, and reporting functions in a manner that ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and regulatory requirements, promotes effective, efficient work processes, and aligns with the strategic goals of the College. The Controller also establishes effective, collaborative working relationships with members of the College community and external vendors serving as a resource and key liaison within the College community.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
+ Financial Reporting and Accounting: Coordinates and manages the monthly, quarterly and year end closing processes, partnering with the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis as appropriate and necessary. Manages all general ledger activity including maintenance of chart of accounts, data accuracy and timely reconciliation of accounts. Responsible for accounting posting rules and accounting management using the College’s Workday platform. Coordinates and manages the Controller team, working with campus stakeholders in the production of financial reports and analyses on topics such as research grants, endowment funding, and other internally-managed funds.
+ Financial Compliance: Coordinates the external audits of the college including financial statement, single and 403(b) audits. Works with stakeholders to prepare 990 and 990-T; review of annual Form 5500 filing and other regulatory and external reporting as may be required. Manages debt compliance and reporting for the College. Manages compliance with federal, state, and private granting agencies in partnership with various College departments including management of all grant related accounting and reporting.
+ Treasury Management, Endowment Analysis, Risk Management: Works with VPAF as necessary on effective investment and deployment of available cash balances. Performs necessary Investment and Endowment analysis for efficient management and effective spending. Manages the insurance portfolio for the College including ongoing assessment of operational risk, maintenance of adequate liability and property coverage, and coordination of annual renewals.
+ Finance Team Supervision and Development: Hires, supervises, and coaches financial services team members. Directs the goals and priorities of two Assistant Controllers, the Bursar’s Office and the Payroll Office. Sets the direction and operating standards for delivering financial services to Union departments. Seeks out, applies, and shares knowledge of higher education accounting and financial services trends and innovations through research, participating in peer networks and professional associations, and continuing education.
+ Administration: Serves on college committees as assigned. Works closely with the Vice President for Administration and Finance on projects and strategic initiatives.
Qualifications:
+ Bachelor’s degree in accounting and 10+ years of progressively increasing responsibility, preferably in not for profit/higher education accounting and/or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience.
+ Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification required.
+ Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
+ Experience supervising other financial services or administrative professionals.
+ Ability to independently manage multiple deadlines and priorities with the highest degree of accuracy and efficiency.
+ Ability to exercise exceptional judgment, ensure strict confidentiality, and demonstrate outstanding professionalism in a range of situations.
+ Able to support, contribute to, and strengthen a vibrant, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community of students, alumni, faculty, and fellow staff colleagues.
+ Ability to proactively identify and pursue relevant learning and professional development opportunities and apply new knowledge, insights, and skills to enhance results.
Preferred qualifications:
+ Higher education and/or a large nonprofit experience.
+ Endowment oversight and related accounting knowledge.
+ ERP (enterprise resource planning) implementation experience; Workday experience strongly desired.
+ Masters in Business Administration (MBA) or other advanced degree in business or accounting.
Compensation:
The annual salary range for this position is $158,000-$162,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady, NY
We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.
We offer exceptional benefits including:
+ Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
+ Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays
+ Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
+ Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
+ Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
+ Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
+ Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
+ Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents
Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy (http://www.union.edu/human-resources/background-check-policy?_ga=2.164769983.1635496244.1717465945-1000516401.1717465945) , finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.
E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/) and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar) (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf) .
Union College
Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth-oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem-solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.
Accommodations
If you require an accommodation throughout the interview process, please don't hesitate to contact our Human Resources department at hr@union.edu or 518-388-6108. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates have equal access to opportunities and can participate in a fair and inclusive hiring process.
Diversity at Union College
Union College is an equal-opportunity employer and is strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social, and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social, and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities who request such accommodations.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws and supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.
Controller
Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, regular full-time
Supervisor: Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF)
Position Purpose: As the Controller is a key member of the VPAF team, this position requires the chosen individual to be an effective and trusted partner that is able to provide direction and guidance in financial and accounting matters. This successful candidate will provide leadership and coordination of the College’s accounting, tax, and financial operations, and reporting functions in a manner that ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and regulatory requirements, promotes effective, efficient work processes, and aligns with the strategic goals of the College. The Controller also establishes effective, collaborative working relationships with members of the College community and external vendors serving as a resource and key liaison within the College community.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
+ Financial Reporting and Accounting: Coordinates and manages the monthly, quarterly and year end closing processes, partnering with the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis as appropriate and necessary. Manages all general ledger activity including maintenance of chart of accounts, data accuracy and timely reconciliation of accounts. Responsible for accounting posting rules and accounting management using the College’s Workday platform. Coordinates and manages the Controller team, working with campus stakeholders in the production of financial reports and analyses on topics such as research grants, endowment funding, and other internally-managed funds.
+ Financial Compliance: Coordinates the external audits of the college including financial statement, single and 403(b) audits. Works with stakeholders to prepare 990 and 990-T; review of annual Form 5500 filing and other regulatory and external reporting as may be required. Manages debt compliance and reporting for the College. Manages compliance with federal, state, and private granting agencies in partnership with various College departments including management of all grant related accounting and reporting.
+ Treasury Management, Endowment Analysis, Risk Management: Works with VPAF as necessary on effective investment and deployment of available cash balances. Performs necessary Investment and Endowment analysis for efficient management and effective spending. Manages the insurance portfolio for the College including ongoing assessment of operational risk, maintenance of adequate liability and property coverage, and coordination of annual renewals.
+ Finance Team Supervision and Development: Hires, supervises, and coaches financial services team members. Directs the goals and priorities of two Assistant Controllers, the Bursar’s Office and the Payroll Office. Sets the direction and operating standards for delivering financial services to Union departments. Seeks out, applies, and shares knowledge of higher education accounting and financial services trends and innovations through research, participating in peer networks and professional associations, and continuing education.
+ Administration: Serves on college committees as assigned. Works closely with the Vice President for Administration and Finance on projects and strategic initiatives.
Qualifications:
+ Bachelor’s degree in accounting and 10+ years of progressively increasing responsibility, preferably in not for profit/higher education accounting and/or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience.
+ Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification required.
+ Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
+ Experience supervising other financial services or administrative professionals.
+ Ability to independently manage multiple deadlines and priorities with the highest degree of accuracy and efficiency.
+ Ability to exercise exceptional judgment, ensure strict confidentiality, and demonstrate outstanding professionalism in a range of situations.
+ Able to support, contribute to, and strengthen a vibrant, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community of students, alumni, faculty, and fellow staff colleagues.
+ Ability to proactively identify and pursue relevant learning and professional development opportunities and apply new knowledge, insights, and skills to enhance results.
Preferred qualifications:
+ Higher education and/or a large nonprofit experience.
+ Endowment oversight and related accounting knowledge.
+ ERP (enterprise resource planning) implementation experience; Workday experience strongly desired.
+ Masters in Business Administration (MBA) or other advanced degree in business or accounting.
Compensation:
The annual salary range for this position is $158,000-$162,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady, NY
We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.
We offer exceptional benefits including:
+ Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
+ Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays
+ Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
+ Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
+ Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
+ Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
+ Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
+ Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents
Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy (http://www.union.edu/human-resources/background-check-policy?_ga=2.164769983.1635496244.1717465945-1000516401.1717465945) , finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.
E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/) and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar) (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf) .
Union College
Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth-oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem-solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.
Accommodations
If you require an accommodation throughout the interview process, please don't hesitate to contact our Human Resources department at hr@union.edu or 518-388-6108. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates have equal access to opportunities and can participate in a fair and inclusive hiring process.
Diversity at Union College
Union College is an equal-opportunity employer and is strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social, and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social, and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities who request such accommodations.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws and supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.
Source : Union College
