Controller

Position Title

Controller

Overview

St. John Fisher University is an independent, liberal arts institution that provides a transformative education to approximately 3,800 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students each year. Across its five Schools, Fisher offers nearly 40 majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and nursing; 11 pre-professional programs; and master’s and doctoral programs in business, nursing, education, pharmacy, and public health. The University’s residential campus boasts a robust living and learning community and a successful intercollegiate athletics program. Fisher is a community where all are welcome, regardless of religious or cultural background.


The University continues to honor its founders, the Congregation of St. Basil, by embracing their motto, “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.” We are located in Pittsford, N.Y., seven miles outside of the city of Rochester. The campus is situated on 164 park-like acres—a beautiful setting for a warm, friendly campus community.

Job Responsibilities

The Controller serves as the chief accounting and financial reporting officer of the University, responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of all financial operations. Reporting to the VP for Finance & Administration and CFO, the Controller provides strategic leadership and oversight of accounting, budgeting, treasury, financial systems, compliance, and internal controls. This role ensures the University’s financial health and supports its mission through effective stewardship of resources and informed decision-making.



Financial Operations & Reporting

• Directs general accounting, financial reporting and analysis, grants management, payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, non-student accounts receivable, and events and reservations.
• Oversees the preparation of year-end financial statements, footnotes, and tax return schedules; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Coordinates internal and external audits and ensures timely resolution of audit findings.

Treasury & Investment Management

• Manages cash flow, operating funds, and working capital.
• Oversees endowment funds, investment portfolios, and debt service obligations.
• Executes investment transactions and monitors compliance with debt covenants.

Budgeting & Strategic Planning

• Leads the development of the University’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Prepares financial presentations for senior leadership, the Finance & Facilities Committee, Audit & Risk Committee, Investment Committee and the Board of Trustees.
• Monitors budget performance and collaborates with departments to ensure fiscal discipline.
• Participates in strategic planning and prepares financial models for new initiatives and program development.

Systems & Compliance

• Maximizes the utility of financial systems (e.g., Banner, Prophix, Unimarket, Fundriver) to support robust reporting and decision-making.
• Develops, reviews, and implements fiscal policies and procedures.
• Establishes and monitors internal controls to safeguard University assets and ensure compliance with GAAP, GASB, and other regulatory standards.

Campus Engagement & Support

• Provides financial guidance and training to campus departments.
• Coordinates with Advancement to ensure accurate accounting for pledges, gifts, endowments, and scholarships.
• Ensures timely dissemination of financial information to support effective decision-making.

Education / Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required with five to ten years of progressively responsible financial management experience, related experience preferably in a not-for-profit or higher education environment.
• Experience analyzing financial data, using pertinent data sources to independently gather, compile and analyze financial information and coordinate and manage financial projects.
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
• Strong PC based computer skills, including advanced knowledge of spreadsheet products.
  

Preferred:

• MBA or CPA
• Previous Banner applications experience (or another enterprise system)

Competencies / Skills

Must possess strong written and oral communication; a strong customer service orientation; consensus building skills; as well as a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Must work independently with minimal supervision and exercise professional judgment in carrying out all assigned responsibilities.

Physical Demands

Supervision of Employees

Supervises and coordinates all Controller’s Office functions including Assistant Controller, Financial Reporting, Budgeting, Treasury Management, Grants Management, Payroll, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, and Events and Reservations. Direct supervision of seven employees and department headcount of thirteen.

Work Environment

Pleasant, well-lit office environment. Significant computer time required.

Equipment to be Used

Computer, phone, copier/fax

Job Type

Full-time

Work Hours

12 months, 35 hours/week

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Minimum Number of References Requested

0

EEO Statement

It is the policy of St. John Fisher University to provide Equal Employment Opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with the applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in each locality in which the University has employees.


The University does not discriminate against applicants or employees in hiring, promotion, termination or the terms and conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, perceived sex, gender identity, gender expression, the status of being transgender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status, military status, veteran status, predisposing genetic, characteristics or genetic information, arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by law.


The Title IX Coordinator is the designated University official with primary responsibility for coordinating compliance with Title IX and related federal and state laws. The Title IX Coordinator, Meg Flaherty, Ph.D., can be reached by phone (585-385-8232), email ( [email protected] [email protected]>), in-person in Campus Center 209, or outside of business hours by contacting the Office of Safety and Security (585-385-8111).

Work Location

3690 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14618

FLSA

Exempt

Salary / Hourly Range

$125,375.00 - $147,500.00 per year

Notes

The salary range for this role is set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to internal equity, qualifications, experience, and education. The above hiring range is one component of the University’s competitive Total Rewards package which can be viewed here

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

S00749P

Desired Start Date

Open Date

Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicant