Assistant​/Associate Controller

Job Description Summary

The Assistant/Associate Controller leads the interim and annual audit and participates in the preparation of the financial statements of the University in coordination with the University Controller. This role may be filled at the Assistant Controller or Associate Controller level depending on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications. It is responsible for managing quarter‑end and year‑end accounting processes and for handling Treasury functions, bond compliance and debt accounting, and fixed asset accounting.

The role supervises four direct reports: a Senior Treasury Analyst, one to two Senior Accountants, and one Staff Accountant.

• Performs major role in preparation of annual University financial statements and footnote disclosures and other compliance audit reporting.
• Assists in preparing the federal OMB Uniform Guidance audit report.
• Coordinates consolidation of subsidiaries.
• Leads the external audit process, actively engaging with the auditors throughout the audit process on audit request status and audit issues, assigning and coordinating audit request items among University staff, and ensuring the audit remains on track.
• Oversees internal control and internal audit processes.
• Oversees the University’s cash flow and the day‑to‑day activities related to cash management, including line of credit management, cash projections and forecasts, approval of ACH and wire transactions within authorized limits, and administration of University bank accounts.
• Oversees preparation of all cash and banking reconciliations.
• Supports PCI compliance efforts in coordination with IT.
• Oversees and maintains the Workday Fixed Asset system, including monitoring and accounting for capital expenditures in accordance with GAAP.
• Maintains and enforces University policies for capitalization, depreciable lives, and depreciation.
• Ensures the accuracy of capital additions, retirements, impairments, and depreciation expense.
• Oversees preparation of capital asset roll‑forward.
• Coordinates with Facilities to track, monitor, and close out capital projects; oversees construction‑in‑progress project management.
• Ensures timely payment of principal, interest, and fees for outstanding debt.
• Ensures all debt instruments (bonds, notes payable, capital leases, line of credit, swaps) are accurately recorded in accordance with GAAP.
• Oversees preparation of amortization schedules for principal, interest, premiums, discounts, or issuance costs.
• Assists with tracking bond covenants, disclosures, and compliance reporting; coordinates preparation of annual continuing disclosure filings (e.g., EMMA).
• Assists in preparing materials for advisors, rating agencies, auditors, and other external agencies.
• Oversees staff responsible for loan billing, servicing, and collections.
• Ensures accurate recording, reconciliation, and reporting of student loan programs, including Federal Perkins and Institute loans.
• Monitors aging of loan receivables, calculates allowance for bad debt, reviews balances for potential write‑offs.
• Oversees preparation of the annual FISAP, in coordination with Student Financial Aid.
• Oversees pooled income trust, charitable gift annuities, and unitrust accounting.
• Calculates valuation for external trusts in coordination with Advancement.
• Works with Advancement to prepare documents for liquidation of trust gifts.
• Works with Advancement to record pledges receivable, including calculating fair value and establishing an allowance for uncollectible pledges.
• Leads the gathering of financial and operational data needed for mandated filings and external surveys.
• Prepares annual IPEDS survey and other IPEDS reporting.
• Prepares tax schedules for annual IRS Form 990 and MA Form PC.
• Ensures reports meet submission deadlines and follow regulatory requirements.
• Assembles annual insurance renewal forms in coordination with General Counsel and insurance company.
• Oversees preparation of other reports and survey requirements.
• Contributes to and presents relevant accounting/finance topics at meetings with University accounting and finance community.
• Ensures appropriate training materials are available to the accounting and…