CONTROLLER

Controller 

Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, regular full-time 

Supervisor: Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF)

Position Purpose: Provides leadership and coordination of the College accounting, tax, 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. 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:

1. Financial Reporting and Accounting: Coordinates and manages the monthly, quarterly and year end closing processes, partnering with the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis on timely financial and management reporting. Manages all general ledger activity including maintenance of chart of accounts, data accuracy and timely reconciliation of accounts.  Partners with stakeholders in the production of financial reports, financial forecasts, and budget reports and analyses.
2. 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. 
3. Treasury Management, Endowment Analysis, Risk Management: Oversees the treasury management function ensuring that operating cash is invested in accordance with the College’s short term investment policy. 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.
4. Finance Team Supervision and Development: Hires, supervises, and coaches financial services team members. Directs the goals and priorities of Bursar, Payroll and Procurement Offices. 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.
5. Administration: Serves on college committees as assigned. Works closely with the Vice President for Finance on projects and strategic initiatives. Offers to assist colleagues during crunch times and overlapping deliverables. 

Qualifications:

1. 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.
2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification required.
3. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
4. Experience supervising other financial services or administrative professionals. 
5. Ability to independently manage multiple deadlines and priorities with the highest degree of accuracy and efficiency.
6. Ability to exercise exceptional judgment, ensure strict confidentiality, and demonstrate outstanding professionalism in a range of situations.
7. Able to support, contribute to, and strengthen a vibrant, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community of students, alumni, faculty, and fellow staff colleagues.
8. Ability to proactively identify and pursue relevant learning and professional development opportunities and apply new knowledge, insights, and skills to enhance results.

Preferred qualifications:

1. Master’s of business administration.
2. Experience working in higher education and/or a large nonprofit. 
3. ERP (enterprise resource planning) implementation experience or experience with Workday.

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

Note: All new hires of Union College are subject to a thorough education, work experience, and criminal history background check.

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.

Diversity at Union College

Union College is an equal opportunity employer and 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 that 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, 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.