Position Information Position Title Controller Position Category Full Time Staff Position Status 12 Month FLSA Exempt Advertised Salary $75,400 - $92,200 Department Business Office Working Hours Monday - Friday General Description SUNY Niagara is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Controller to join our team. The Controller will work closely with and under the direction of the Vice President of Administration to oversee the College’s accounting operations. This position is responsible for the development, maintenance, and supervision of all financial activities, including budget preparation, financial analysis and reporting, general accounting control, accounting for grants, cash management, inventory control, payroll, travel management, and records management.To excel in this role, the successful candidates must possess exceptional analytical skills to interpret financial data and provide strategic insights as well as advanced Excel skills for efficient data manipulation and financial modeling. The candidate should also possess strong organizational abilities to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Clear and effective communication skills are also crucial for presenting complex financial information to various stakeholders. Possessing a collaborative mindset, capable of working across departments and with senior management to achieve institutional goals is also important.SUNY Niagara provides phenomenal benefits to our employees. Please visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/hr/benefits to view our benefits offerings. Our exceptional work environment fosters growth and personal fulfillment. As an employee, you can expect:Work-Life Balance: When employees can balance their work and personal lives, they are happier, more productive, and better positioned to support our students. At SUNY Niagara, generous paid time off, holiday, and leave policies make this possible. Our college closes for winter break from late December through early January and a week in mid-March for spring recess. In the summer, employees observe a four-day workweek, allowing them to enjoy all that Western New York offers.Professional Growth: SUNY Niagara cares about employees’ professional advancement and development. You will have access to ongoing training, programs, and workshops. We support career growth and encourage employees to pursue further education.Welcoming Culture: SUNY Niagara values the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice as they create a sense of belonging for our students and employees. We foster a collaborative culture that respects and appreciates different perspectives, ideas, and backgrounds which contribute to the richness of our institution. We believe that our diverse, inclusive community enriches the experiences of students and employees alike.Meaningful Work: At SUNY Niagara, your work will directly impact the lives of our students and the region we serve. Our college is for all who are passionate about teaching and focused on supporting students. Our small class sizes facilitate engagement. You will shape students’ futures, prepare them for successful careers, and empower them to contribute to society. Your dedication and expertise will propel students to achieve their educational goals.Become part of an institution that values employees, positively impacts students’ lives, and invests in its community.Typical Work Activities
Coordinate the preparation of the College budget and gives budget presentations as required during the budget cycle.
Monitor the overall College budget throughout the fiscal year in accordance with approved budgetary allocations and ensures that internal controls are implemented and maintained.
Recommend and advise the Vice President of Administration on proper internal financial control policies and procedures.
Provide analysis, financial data, and statistical reports for operational and long-range planning.
Prepare required and requested fiscal reports and financial statements such as Middle States reports, IPEDS , SUNY Budget Report, Annual Report, etc.
Direct the College’s Payroll Department to ensure that payroll and all related tax reporting to Federal, State and Local Governments is processed timely and accurately. Responsible for the implementation, maintenance and supervision of payroll functions including developing internal payroll procedures.
Facilitate and monitor the payroll bi-weekly and monthly reporting of the College’s pension and retirement accounts.
Supervise and evaluate Accounting and Payroll staff to ensure that work assignments are completed correctly and efficiently. Responsible for training staff and ensure they are receiving professional development.
Oversee the College’s property inventory control mechanisms and procedures.
In concert with the Vice President of Administration, manage the College’s investment program and cash flow.
Govern the College’s capital projects to ensure adherence to budget allocation.
Coordinates the annual College Audit, participates in the development of audited financial statements, and ensures that all appropriate recommendations and concerns are properly addressed.
Works with the Vice President of Administration to ensure that College policies and practices are in accordance with Federal, State, and Local (Niagara County) Government regulations, State University of New York ( SUNY ) policies and procedures, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principals ( GAAP ).
Provides guidance and financial management advisement and counsel to the Grants Office regarding grant activities.
Perform special projects and initiatives for the College as deemed necessary.
Other duties as may be assigned by the Vice President of Administration.
Essential Functions
Ability to relate to a diverse academic community and maintain excellent working relationships among employees; ability to understand accounting rules and regulations, including GASB and AICPA ; ability to operate computers, especially spreadsheets; ability to make presentations to senior management; ability to manage numerous functions and tasks simultaneously; must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing detailed information and instructions; ability to prepare written reports and financial analysis; must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting;
Five (5) years of experience in financial management including budgeting, accounting, and financial analysis and reporting;
Three (3) years supervisory experience;
Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning ( ERP ) systems;
Experience using the Microsoft Office Suite applications;
Advanced skills in Excel.
Desirable Qualifications
CPA certification;
Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration or Public Policy and Administration;
Three (3) years experience in a fund accounting financial administration environment, preferably in an educational setting;
Experience with implementing new financial systems, particularly Banner;
Financial management experience that includes cash management and payroll;
Experience using ADP software.
License(s)/Certifications
About SUNY Niagara
SUNY Niagara is a thriving educational institution located between the picturesque landscapes of Niagara Falls and the vibrant city of Buffalo, NY. Our college serves a diverse student population and is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment. With a commitment to academic excellence and student success, SUNY Niagara offers a supportive and collaborative environment for both faculty and staff.
SUNY Niagara is an accredited institution of higher education that offers high-quality academic programs leading to degrees and certificates that are supported by outstanding student services. The top 4 majors of our students are Liberal Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Psychology, and Criminal Justice. In 2023, SUNY Niagara ranked #1 in graduation rate among community colleges in New York State!
SUNY Niagara provides a variety of cultural, athletic, social, and international experiences, as well as community education, small business, and workforce development that supports economic development that positively impacts the quality of life of valued stakeholders. The college operates through a collegial model of shared governance and transparency and is accountable for meeting the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
SUNY Niagara has two locations in western New York consisting of 287 acres and 11 buildings. The Sanborn, campus is minutes from Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and the Canadian border and is centrally located between the county’s three main cities of Lockport, Niagara Falls, and North Tonawanda. The Sanborn campus offers a traditional college experience with world-class academics, knowledgeable faculty members, state-of-the-art classrooms, NJCAA athletics, and on-campus housing. We continue to invest in our facilities with the addition of the Learning Commons Center, which has become the nucleus of the campus; a place for faculty to collaborate and help students develop critical thinking skills while incorporating state-of-the-art technology and innovative student support services. We also modernized our campus dining commons, providing quality meal options in a sleek, comfortable, collaborative environment.
The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute ( NFCI ) is located in the heart of one of the world’s biggest tourist destinations, Niagara Falls. Fully outfitted with modern labs and tools for students to use as they train in both classic and trendy techniques, NFCI is home to Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, and Hospitality programs. The college also operates Savor, a fine dining restaurant, and La Patisserie, a European-style pastry café, at NFCI .Our college nurtures and empowers its students and employees in ways that recognize and value our common humanity as well as the richness of our diversity. SUNY Niagara welcomes applicants who want to join a leading regional institution that provides a dynamic, educational environment, responds to students’ current and emerging needs, and strengthens its community. At SUNY Niagara we embrace diversity and promote inclusion throughout the institution by recognizing, accepting, and celebrating differences within our campus and surrounding communities. Therefore, we desire and pursue candidates who share those principles and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.EEO Statement SUNY Niagara does not discriminate and prohibits harassment or discrimination related to any protected category including creed, ethnicity, citizenship, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, marital status, political or social affiliation, age, race, color, veteran status, military status, religion, sexual orientation, domestic violence status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.Posting Detail Information Posting Number S307P Open Date 09/27/2024 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary For full consideration, applications must be submitted by November 3, 2024. If a viable candidate is not found during the initial review, applications submitted after November 3, 2024 will be considered.SUNY Niagara considers only those applications that clearly demonstrate the applicant meets all required qualifications as indicated on the posting, please review the qualifications before applying. Persons meeting the required qualifications as stated above should submit the following: cover letter that addresses each of the qualifications resume unofficial transcripts names and contact information for three (3) current, work related referencesIncomplete packets will be rejected for lack of information.Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ().
Do you have at least a Bachelor's degree in Accounting?
Yes
No
How many years of experience in financial management including budgeting, accounting, and financial analysis and reporting do you have?
No Experience
1-2 years
2-4 years
5 or more years
How many years of Supervisory experience do you have?
No experience
Less than 1 year
1 - 2 years
3 or more years
Do you have experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems?
Yes
No
Do you have experience using the Microsoft Office Suite applications and possess advanced skills in Excel?
Yes
No
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Transcripts
Optional Documents
Letter of Recommendation
Certifications/Licenses
Transcript 2
Transcript 3
