Chris Atkinson

About Chris Atkinson

I currently serve as the Vice President of Finance for Central Park Conservancy (\"CPC\") responsible for directing the day-to-day fiscal functions of the Conservancy including oversight of all financial transactions, accounting and investment activities, capital and operating budgeting, audit and tax activities and financial reporting. Prior to employment at CPC I served as an audit senior manager in Grant Thornton\'s Higher Education and Not-for-Profit Industry Practice. I also served as an Associate Vice President for Finance and Budget Director at Long Island University where I was responsible for the monitoring of the operating and capital budgets, insurance and risk management, enrollment planning, monthly forecasting, post-award grant compliance and implementing the University’s Strategic Plan. I also served as the Comptroller of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory responsible for managing the day-to-day accounting operation, including financial reporting, compliance, benefit plan, internal, and other audits, asset management, insurance, depreciation, retirement, financial system modernization, financial reports, process improvements, and other duties as assigned to support effective and efficient Laboratory financial operations. I have over 14 years of experience servicing not-for-profit organizations of various sizes and complexities, including research institutions, colleges and universities, charities, social service, membership organizations, religious organizations and cultural institutions. My experience includes overseeing financial statement audits, offering recommendations on internal controls, operations and accounting issues, assisting clients with financing arrangements and acquisitions and leading various training courses for junior staff. I am a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Experience

1. Vice President Finance

   Central Park Conservancy

   Jan 2023 — Present · New York, NY, US

Education

• Saint John's University

  MBA, Accounting

  2006 — 2008

• Stony Brook School

  High School

  1998 — 2000

• New York University

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Political Science and Government

  2000 — 2005