Controller

College of the Holy Cross•Worcester, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Controller provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the College’s financial infrastructure. This role is responsible for external financial reporting, financial accounting, tax, debt compliance, payroll, accounts payable, the procurement card program, treasury operations, sponsored programs post-award compliance, restricted giving, financial policies, and internal controls. Leveraging the Workday Financial Management platform, the Controller ensures the integrity of the College’s fiscal health while driving process efficiency for faculty, staff, and students.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
CPA certification is required
10+ years of progressive financial leadership, specifically in Higher Education or complex Non-Profit sectors.
Advanced proficiency in Workday Financial Management
Exceptional emotional intelligence and the ability to build "bridge-building" relationships with faculty and administration.
Highest standards of honesty and integrity.
Consistently dependable and accountable for the accuracy of institutional data.
A strategic, yet policy-minded focus; proactive and innovative thinker.
Possesses a bias towards action, with a sense of urgency to implement timely decisions that balance risks and opportunities.
Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to express complex concepts in a clear, practical, and accessible manner.
Demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders in planning and decision-making.
Excellent problem-solver with diplomacy and conflict-resolution skills.
Strong advocacy and interpersonal skills; able to maintain effective working relationships with the College community, external vendors, and third parties.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to handle multiple projects and competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent capacity for innovation and creativity to improve departmental functions.
Strong teamwork and team facilitation.
Understands, values, and respects diversity in individuals and groups while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

Responsibilities

Provide oversight of financial, tax, and compliance reporting to ensure accuracy and on-time delivery.
Coordinate the year-end closing process across all relevant departments.
Prepare the College's financial reports and serve as the primary liaison for the financial statement audit, defined contribution/benefit plan audits, Uniform Guidance audit, NCAA agreed-upon procedures, and other required reviews.
Prepare the College's annual tax returns, including Form 990, 990-T, state unrelated business income (UBI) tax returns, and other regulatory filings.
Remain apprised of changes in GAAP, tax guidance, Department of Labor pay guidance, and Uniform Guidance.
Understand and interpret complex accounting and compliance regulations for the enterprise.
Serve a critical role in IT systems governance.
Recommend and implement system changes in Workday to promote accuracy, efficiency, and sophisticated data analysis.
Establish and maintain systems and internal controls to verify the integrity of all processes and data.
Ensure proper accounting standards and procedures are implemented and maintained.
Evaluate and update financial policies and procedures to support College requirements.
Identify software needs to support departmental programs and lead the policy update process.
Serve as a resource to the College community on financial and compliance questions.
Build collaborative relationships across the enterprise to optimize decision-making and inspire high standards of financial performance.
Work as a liaison between departments to balance service, quality, and costs.
Solicit frequent feedback from campus constituencies to drive change and evolve the College's financial culture.
Conceive and implement innovative solutions leading to continuously improved services.
Prepare and maintain operational budgets, upholding accountability for operating within approved limits.
Manage financial functions with an emphasis on strong customer service by every person in every job every day.
Monitor workflow and adjust duties to meet deadlines.
Recruit, hire, train, and manage direct reports.
Complete performance management programs to ensure goals are communicated in alignment with the College mission.
Support staff by setting clear goals, providing timely feedback, and encouraging continuous learning.
Maximize the use of technology as an aid to job performance and encourage an environment where staff assume authority and accountability.
Develop goals for program implementation and service improvements to prevent corrective actions.
Institute administrative procedures that facilitate the work of the staff while providing a service-oriented structure for the campus.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the Office of Finance and the broader mission of the College.