Senior Finance Controller - Higher Education Workday Expert

The City University of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 131,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

The City University of New York's John Jay College is seeking a Finance Controller to lead accounting operations, ensure timely financial reporting, and drive strong internal controls. This senior role oversees audits, develops policies, and guides staff in a major public university setting in New York City.

Reporting to the CFO, you will supervise accounting staff, coordinate cross-departmental efforts, and manage transition to CUNYWork/Workday while maintaining compliance with GAAP and state

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience required.
• Clear and excellent communication skills.
• Knowledgeable of current financial and governmental accounting standards.
• Experience with an ERP platform, such as PeopleSoft, CUNYFirst, CUNY Buy, or Workday.
• Proven ability to reconcile financial data across multiple platforms.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and oversight of the College's accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, reconciliations, financial reporting, and related fiscal functions.
• Oversees monthly, mid-year and year-end closing activities and ensures the timely preparation, review, and submission of financial reports and statements.
• Establishes and strengthens accounting policies, procedures, workflows, and internal controls to safeguard College assets and ensure the integrity of financial information.
• Oversees cash and revenue accounting, accounts payable operations, transaction processing, and financial reconciliations, ensuring accuracy, appropriate approvals, and segregation of duties.
• Reviews accounting transactions, journal entries, reconciliations, and balance sheet activity to ensure accuracy, appropriate accounting treatment, and timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Coordinates internal and external audits and ensures compliance with CUNY, New York State, accounting standards, and other applicable requirements.
• Provides technical guidance on accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and complex financial matters.
• Supervises, develops, and evaluates accounting staff and promotes accountability, accuracy, professional development, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborates with Budget, Procurement, and other departments to strengthen financial processes, improve transaction processing, and align accounting and budget information.
• Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen controls, and mitigate financial and compliance risks.
• Leads and supports CUNYWork/Workday financial processes, including system implementation, testing, role and workflow design, process redesign, system controls, and continuous improvement.
• Represents the College with University Central Office, auditors, and other internal and external stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

PeopleSoft

CUNYFirst

CUNY Buy

Workday

Job description

The City University of New York's John Jay College is seeking a Finance Controller to lead accounting operations, ensure timely financial reporting, and drive strong internal controls. This senior role oversees audits, develops policies, and guides staff in a major public university setting in New York City.

Reporting to the CFO, you will supervise accounting staff, coordinate cross-departmental efforts, and manage transition to CUNYWork/Workday while maintaining compliance with GAAP and state