The Assistant Vice President and Controller (AVP & Controller) is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the institution in compliance with SUNY system policies, New York State regulations, and federal laws. Reporting to the Vice President for Business and Finance, the AVP and Controller manages key financial functions, including general accounting, revenue accounting, payroll, financial reporting, compliance, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, and bursar operations.

This role ensures fiscal integrity, operational efficiency, and financial transparency while providing strategic financial guidance and ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and SUNY-specific financial requirements.  This is a full-time, twelve (12) month, Management Confidential position requiring an on-campus presence and is not eligible for a remote or hybrid work schedule.

Duties:

Leadership and Management:

• Provide strategic financial leadership, aligning processes with institutional and SUNY goals.
• Supervise and mentor finance team members to ensure accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Serve as a financial advisor to senior leadership and SUNY system representatives.

Accounting and Financial Oversight:

• Oversee timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with GAAP, GASB standards, and SUNY policies.
• Oversee financial transactions, including general ledger, journal entries, reconciliations, and cash management.
• Oversee audits, ensuring compliance with SUNY and New York State regulations.

Bursar Operations:

• Direct billing, collections, and reconciliation of tuition and fees following SUNY policies.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management and Financial Aid to optimize student financial services.
• Implement policies to enhance efficiency and customer service within bursar operations.

Budgeting and Resource Management:

• Develop and monitor budgets in alignment with institutional and SUNY objectives.
• Ensure compliance with New York State and SUNY budget guidelines.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Develop and maintain internal controls and financial policies to safeguard institutional assets.
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and SUNY regulations.

SUNY-Specific Compliance and Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation and submission of financial reports to SUNY system offices, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain knowledge of SUNY financial practices, including capital project financing and state procurement policies.

Technology and Process Improvement:

• Evaluate and implement financial systems to enhance efficiency and reporting capabilities, leveraging SUNY-supported platforms.
• Collaborate with Information Technology Services to ensure data integrity and system integration.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Act as a liaison with SUNY system offices and external stakeholders on financial matters.
• Provide regular updates to campus leadership on financial performance and strategic initiatives.
• Represent the institution in SUNY-wide financial discussions, task forces, and committees.

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may evolve or be modified as needed to meet the organization's changing needs.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Seven to ten (7-10) years of progressive financial leadership experience, including supervision of staff.
• Comprehensive knowledge of GAAP and/or GASB standards.
• Experience managing budgets, audits, financial reporting, processing payments, issuing refunds and managing accounts. 
• Proficiency in financial systems and ERP platforms.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Cultural competence and ability to communicate effectively with diverse constituencies.
• Excellent report presentation skills.
• Strong customer service and listening skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Commitment to the success of the students and the University and meeting and sustaining enrollment goals.

Preferred Requirements:

• CPA certification or advanced degree (e.g., MBA, Master's in Accounting/Finance).
• Experience in public sector finance or higher education financial management.
• Familiarity with SUNY-specific financial processes, policies and procedures, and New York State regulations procurement policies.
• Proficiency in SUNY-supported financial systems and ERP platforms, such as SUNY BI or Oracle/PeopleSoft.
• Knowledge of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
• Knowledge of compliance requirements for grant accounting and tax reporting.
• Certification in financial management disciplines (e.g., CFM, CGFM).

Application Instructions:

Please submit the following online at www.oldwestbury.edu:

1. cover letter,
2. resume,
3. contact information (name, email address and telephone number) for three references and,
4. a fully completed Old Westbury employment application (available during the online application process).

Only applications submitted online will be considered.

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:  March 21, 2025

VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

We encourage protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, women and minorities to apply.

Employment in this position will be contingent on the College's verification of credentials and any other information required by federal or state law, and SUNY Old Westbury polices, including the completion of pre-employment screening.

About SUNY Old Westbury

The State University of New York at Old Westbury is a dynamic and diverse public liberal arts college that fosters academic excellence through close interaction among students, faculty and staff. Old Westbury weaves the values of integrity, community engagement, and global citizenship into the fabric of its academic programs and campus life. In an environment that cultivates critical thinking, empathy, creativity and intercultural understanding, we endeavor to stimulate a passion for learning and a commitment to building a more just and sustainable world. The University is a community of students, teachers, staff, and alumni bound together in mutual support, respect, and dedication to the Mission. SUNY Old Westbury serves large populations of underrepresented, first-generation, and non-traditional students. Candidates with experience working with a similar student body, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting these populations, are strongly encouraged to apply. Since its foundation in 1965, SUNY Old Westbury has been committed to social justice, diversity, and the empowerment of traditionally underserved populations. The University serves a large proportion of non-tradi...tional students and has earned the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from Insight into Diversity magazine for seven consecutive years. Located on a 604-acre campus on Long Island, Nassau County, about 40 miles from New York City, SUNY Old Westbury comprises four Schools (Education, Business, Arts and Sciences and Professional Studies) with total enrollment of 4400 students. For more details about the SUNY Old Westbury, please refer to our website at www.oldwestbury.edu.

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