Financial Controller

Keuka College; Keuka Park (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution located in New York is seeking a leader for financial accounting and reporting functions. The role involves managing operations within the Business Office, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and regulations, and overseeing audit processes. Candidates should have a BS in Accounting, 7-10 years of relevant experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems. This position requires strong analytical and communication skills to effectively manage and report financial data.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in finance, accounting, or fiscal management.
• Supervisory and leadership experience managing staff.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily Business Office operations including Student Accounts and Payroll.
• Manage daily cash operations and banking relationships.
• Prepare financial statements in accordance with GAAP.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Problem-solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Integrity

Education

BS in Accounting or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Ellucian Colleague

Axiom Budget software

Job description

Provide leadership and oversight for the institution’s financial accounting and reporting functions, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance with applicable standards and regulations. Manage and strengthen internal financial controls and risk management practices and coordinate all internal and external audits. Oversee purchasing, student accounts, and cash management to ensure efficient, timely, and well-controlled financial operations. Collaborate across the institution to support sound financial stewardship, operational effectiveness, and informed decision-making.

• Oversee daily Business Office operations, including Student Accounts, Purchasing and Payroll.
• Manage daily cash operations and banking relationships.
• Record, forecast, and budget quarterly accruals.
• Prepare and maintain financial and budget schedules.
• Oversee campus budgets and financial reporting.
• Maintain the general ledger and perform account reconciliations.
• Prepare financial statements in accordance with GAAP (FASB and, as applicable, GASB).
• Oversee daily operation and integrity of accounting and financial systems.
• Coordinate annual required audits, including financial and support of retirement plan audits.
• Manage federal funds accounting, compliance, and drawdowns.
• Prepare and oversee required annual reports and tax filings, including but not limited to IRS Forms 990 and 990‑T, CT‑13, Charitable Annuities NYS Insurance Report, IPEDS, U.S. News & World Report, FISAP, and Middle States reporting.
• Ensure assigned responsibilities are completed in compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manage, evaluate, and develop staffing needs within the Business and Finance Offices.

Requirements

• BS in Accounting, or another related field, CPA certification preferred.
• Seven to ten (7–10) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or fiscal management, preferably in higher education, nonprofit, or public‑sector organizations.
• Advanced computer proficiency required in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ERP. Knowledge of the Ellucian Colleague system and Axiom Budget software is a plus.
• Supervisory and leadership experience, including managing staff and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and communicate findings clearly to non‑financial audiences.
• High level of integrity and professionalism, with the ability to handle confidential and sensitive financial information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Some additional evening and weekend hours will be required.