Under the general direction of the Vice President for Finance & Administration, the Controller provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University's financial management and business operations. This role leads and ensures the integrity of all accounting functions, fiscal controls, and regulatory compliance while stewarding the University's financial resources with transparency and accountability. As a key member of the University's leadership team, the Controller plays a…
central role in safeguarding financial integrity and supporting strategic decision-making.
The Controller oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, procurement, contracting, risk management in accounting and business operations, and other enterprise business functions. The role provides forward-looking financial analysis and insights that advance institutional planning, operational efficiency, innovation, and mission-driven decisions. Through effective leadership and strong financial stewardship, the Controller supports the University's long-term fiscal health and contributes to the achievement of its strategic goals.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the effective leadership and management of reporting units and employees by providing strategic guidance, support, and regular performance feedback to ensure alignment with the University's mission and goals.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment that promotes employee engagement and professional growth. Lead performance management processes, including timely completion of evaluations, goal setting, and development plans, while delivering constructive feedback and implementing improvement strategies to drive individual and team success.
- Responsible for all University accounting functions that include the University's external financial reporting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger functions; lead long-term forecasting and modeling to ensure fiscal strength, health and sustainability; deliver actionable insights through financial reporting and analytics to inform strategic decision-making. Develops and maintains financial policies and internal controls.
- Responsible for the University Procurement Services department, which includes the attainment of physical and electronic goods, University property, services, and contracting; monitor progress of high-profile procurements and ensure request for Proposals and Invitations for Bids are proceeding forward in a timely manner.
- Responsible for University mail services operations, copy/printing centers, ensuring cost-effective, customer-focused support for academic and administrative functions.
- Lead and provide oversight to the SUNY Student Loan Services Center (SLSC) ensuring financial stability, compliance, operational efficiency, and alignment with policies, rules and regulations.
- Identify and implement technological advancement to business functions.
- Draft, review, negotiate and execute University legal agreements which will include but not be limited to Memorandums of Understanding, Contracts, Service Agreements, and Procurement Agreements; Serve as a point of contact for new business activity, revenue-generating initiatives, cost accounting, revocable permits, and University partnerships that advance strategic goals; ensure new ventures are fiscally sound and provide a net-benefit for the University.
- Develop and maintain strong internal controls. Collaborate with the Chief Enterprise Risk Management Officer to identify and mitigate University financial and operational risks, including interpreting and implementing applicable University, SUNY, and New York State laws, policies, regulations, and procedures. Communicates risk assessments to University leadership.
- Serve as a liaison and University representative to SUNY System Administration, committees, and peer institutions. Participate in SUNY-wide initiatives, policy discussions, professional networks, and lead the implementation of SUNY-driven changes, directives, and key system projects to advance consistent and compliant fiscal and business operations.
- Other reasonable duties as assigned.
Functional and Supervisory Relationships:
- Reports to Vice President of Finance & Administration
- Supervises the following positions:
- Deputy Controller
- Director of Procurement Services
- Director of Student Loan Services Center
- Director of Mail Services and Rapid Copy
- May supervise others as assigned
- Works collaboratively and regularly with President, Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, Chairs, faculty, staff, and SUNY Administration leadership and peers.
Job Requirements:
- Working knowledge of procurement and accounting
- Strong knowledge of finance principles in a higher education environment
- Knowledge of Federal, State and SUNY regulations, policies, and compliance requirements
- Ability to:
- form and maintain successful and collaborative working relationships
- interpret laws, policies, and regulations
- draft and edit legal documents
- assess processes, workflow and technology for the purpose of implementing changes that increase efficiency and improve services
- recruit and retain exceptional staff
- develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community
- demonstrate support of diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging
- Creative and entrepreneurial mindset
- Strong verbal, written, and listening communication skills
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization
- 10+ years of relevant progressive professional leadership experience
- At least five years of supervisory and/or management experience in financial or business operations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
- Professional experience in higher education. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in public higher education, with additional preference for those with SUNY experience.
- Previous work experience as a Controller or equivalent.
Working Environment:
Typical office environment
Additional Information:
Professional Rank and Salary Range: Assistant Vice President and Controller, MP, $195,000 - $205,000
Special Notes: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, please note that UAlbany is not an E-Verify employer.
Please apply online via http://albany.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=196759