Assistant/Associate Controller

WPI•Worcester, MA

About The Position

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. This position 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 4 direct reports: a Senior Treasury Analyst, 1-2 Senior Accountants, and 1 Staff Accountant.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Accounting or Business
CPA or willingness to work towards CPA required
Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive responsibility in accounting positions, including 3 to 5 years in a supervisory role
Demonstrated competency with financial information technology and ability to support systems implementations
Flexibility and willingness to adapt to change
Strong project management and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education financial accounting preferred, with knowledge of accounting standards and federal and state regulations applicable to not-for-profits and universities
Workday experience is a plus

Responsibilities

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 rollforward
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 finance community
Meets with staff regularly to coordinate projects and priorities
Provides training and develops tools to produce staff efficiency and support staff development, supporting automation and process improvements where applicable
Participates in the development of policies and procedures to ensure efficient processes and controls in staff areas
Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor