Assistant Controller - Financial Analysis

RFCUNY Research Foundation of the City University of New York; United States; Hybrid; USD 101,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

RFCUNY is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to oversee financial reporting, forward funding, and general ledger maintenance within a nonprofit university environment.

Reporting to the Deputy Controller, the role leads the Agency Fund team, coordinates audits, generates monthly Workday reports, and develops policies and manuals to improve financial operations. A strong commitment to ethics, staff development, and high-quality client service is essential, with hybrid work flexibility.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Accounting or related field from an accredited institution.
• 10+ years of professional accounting experience, preferably nonprofit.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting in university or research settings.
• Strong proficiency with Workday Financial Management and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quarterly, mid-year, and year-end financial statement preparation.
• Oversee the forward funding process and reporting with Grants offices.
• Create reports and trend analyses of Workday activity.
• Lead Agency Fund team for college recovery accounts and monitor financial position.

Skills

Nonprofit accounting

Workday

Financial reporting

Data analysis

Communication

Education

BA/BS degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

Workday Financial Management

Job description

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY). The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries. We are pleased that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join RFCUNY.

Primary Location: RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF C.U.N.Y.

Bargaining Unit: No

Summary:

This is a management position reporting directly to the Deputy Controller and primarily responsible for assisting with financial reporting, the management of college recovery accounts, summer salary, released time, general ledger/chart of accounts maintenance, and RF forward funding. The position is charged with a full range of supervisory responsibilities, including directing the activities of the unit, monitoring work progress, and providing feedback to ensure goals are understood and met. The position oversees staff in identifying and resolving complex issues, maintaining standards for quality customer service, carrying out special assignments and supporting the development of new staff skills. The position requires exemplary standards of professional ethics and participation in activities that keep the individual current in the field of financial management. The Assistant Controller will work closely with Finance staff to support the day-to-day activities of the department and assist with documenting policies and developing procedural manuals.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee quarterly, mid-year, and year-end financial statement preparation.
• Oversee the forward funding process, generate reports and work closely with Grants & Contracts and Grants Officers to ensure funds are used appropriately and returned timely.
• Create reports and trend analysis of activity processed through Workday.
• Direct the operations of the Agency Fund team responsible for administering college recovery accounts and monitoring the financial position of all colleges; analyze activity and highlight potential issues.
• Coordinate the annual year end audit process, including preparation of audit schedules, reconciliation of financial statements, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring timely resolution of audit findings.
• Create monthly management reports using Workday; explain and interpret trends and variances when applicable.
• Perform audit checks and review and approve EFT and wire transfer payments.
• Review and analyze existing procedural documents for clarity and efficiency; develop new procedures and manuals as needed.
• Assist staff with complex or difficult issues; handle escalated customer service matters when referred and use these cases to coach staff on improved customer service practices.
• Routinely inform the Deputy Controller of work progress; provide timely updates on all critical matters; identify problems and implement solutions.
• Prepare the annual federal Form 990 and New York State CHAR500 filings.
• Manage and develop staff by establishing performance standards and expectations; review work assignments both in progress and when completed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in Accounting or a related field from an accredited institution.
• 10+ years of professional accounting experience, preferably within a nonprofit organization.
• Knowledge and experience in nonprofit accounting, preferably within a university or research related environment.
• Strong financial systems experience, preferably with Workday Financial Management.
• Advanced proficiency in Workday Financial Management, including report writing, data analysis, business process workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality work, including strong writing skills and preparation of detailed financial reports.
• Experience presenting financial information and communicating effectively with diverse constituencies, including senior management and external organizations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to research complex issues and provide guidance and training to staff.
• Proven ability to build collaborative working relationships, resolve customer concerns, and make timely and effective decisions.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.

Pay Range: $101,292 - $115,000

RFCUNY Benefits RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. The Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) is a nonprofit educational corporation founded in 1963 to provide post-award fiscal and administrative support for CUNY’s research and sponsored programs. RFCUNY’s services allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries, on projects and programs that serve our local and global communities, proposing concrete solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. RFCUNY serves as a fiscal agent and works closely with all the CUNY campus Grants Offices to perform the core functions of post-award financial management for CUNY research projects and sponsored programs. These functions include legal assessment and signing of agreements where RFCUNY is named as a fiscal agent; setting up award accounts; preparing sub-awards and assisting PIs in monitoring the work of the recipients of sub-awards; supporting project directors with hiring and managing research project and sponsored program staff; supporting the purchasing and paying for goods and services with grant and program funds; managing financial aspects of projects including accounts receivable, financial reporting, invoicing, budget monitoring, and cost compliance with uniform guidance; ensuring that sponsor financial requirements are met; monitoring compliance with applicable project and financial management rules and laws; supporting the management of independent and external audits and financial reviews; and providing data, information, management expertise, and other supports to CUNY’s research and sponsored programs.