Innovation Works

Susan Kijowski

Controller

Susan Kijowski is the longest tenured staff member at Innovation Works. She has served in a variety of positions within IW and the Ben Franklin Technology Center of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and currently serves as the Controller. Susan has the overall responsibility for the financial management of IW, which includes oversight of the Finance, Purchasing, CRM system and Accounting departments. Susan is also responsible for developing the annual financial plan and budget for IW, payroll administration, benefits management, audit, taxes, asset management, and reporting and compliance with funding source requirements in accordance with IW policies and procedures. Susan has overseen systems conversions and improved financial processes to handle government contracts.

Before joining IW, Susan worked for the University of Pittsburgh’s Learning Research & Development Center (LRDC) as an Administrative Specialist.  In this capacity, Susan managed the accounting and budgeting system for LRDC’s grants and contracts and prepared special financial reports. Prior to joining the Learning Research & Development Center, Susan served as Fiscal Manager at the University of Pittsburgh’s University Center for International Studies. Her responsibilities included management of accounting, financial reporting, budgeting and payroll.

Susan has a degree in Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh.

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I started working at Innovation Works, Inc. as a Pitt employee under the  Western PA Advanced Technology Center, a joint department of Pitt and CMU.  The office was located in Oakland and I was the accountant.  Shortly after we became a non-profit, we moved to a new building on a former steel mill site on Second Avenue.  We were located in Technology Drive for about 3 years before we changed our name to Innovation Works, Inc.  There were many changes during that time to personnel.  It was at this time that I became the Controller.  Innovation Works moved once again to the Northside of Pittsburgh in 2015.  I have seen many colleagues come and go and try to keep in touch with many of them.  Most have stayed in the area and some still attend meetings at Innovation Works in other capacities.

As the Controller of the company, I work behind the scene making sure that all the funding is appropriately allocated and ensure our audit is clean.  I have three staff members that assist me  on the  accounting team.  We all work together to ensure our efforts are moving the company in the right direction.  I am in charge of Finance, Purchasing, CRM System and Accounting departments as well as developing the annual financial plan and budget for IW, payroll administration, benefits management, audit, taxes, asset management, and reporting and compliance with state, federal, private and foundation funding source requirements in accordance with IW policies and procedures.  I also attend presentations from companies seeking support.  I enjoy hearing the innovative ideas and wish all of the companies success and good fortune.

When I am not at the office, I enjoy gardening, spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and attending the theater.