Controller

ThisWay•Stow, MA

6h•Onsite

About The Position

Masters Academy International (MAI) is an innovative, growing academy focused on holistic student growth, durable skill development, and real-world preparation. As a startup organization, MAI is laying the operational foundation that will support this long-term vision. The Controller will own the day-to-day financial operations while shaping the systems, rhythms, and guardrails that allow a startup school to grow. This is hands-on work with real influence: building processes, creating visibility, and helping leaders make better decisions. The financial foundation built should create clarity, trust, and momentum across the organization, enabling the team to trust the numbers, understand them, and move faster because of them.

Requirements

Bring strong accounting experience with the ability to think beyond the transaction level
Someone the team goes to—not because they have to, but because it’s helpful
Have a solid grasp of GAAP and financial operations
Notice details quickly and connect them to the bigger picture
Are comfortable being hands-on while also shaping how things should work long-term
Can work independently and alongside a small, growing team without layers of structure
Communicate in a way that makes financial concepts accessible and actionable
Enjoy being in an environment with students, positive energy, and movement
Believe in what education, sports, and mentorship can do for someone’s life trajectory

Nice To Haves

Strong knowledge base with ERP systems (i.e. NetSuite a plus) and implementing practical workflows
Experience building or improving accounting processes in environments that were still taking shape
Exposure to schools, athletics programs, nonprofits, or other mission-driven organizations
Comfort working in smaller teams where roles flex and priorities evolve
A mindset of “figure it out and make it better” rather than “wait until it’s defined”

Responsibilities

Own accounting operations (AP, AR, cash, general ledger)
Maintain clean, reliable and accurate financial statements
Oversee vendor setup, W-9s, 1099s, and support payroll + expense workflows
Support and partner with tax and treasury related projects and filings
Lead month-end close in a way that is disciplined and practical
Ensure compliance and reporting requirements are met
Design processes, controls, and workflows that fit a growing, evolving school—without reinventing what already works
Spot gaps early and put simple, effective structure in place while aligning with broader systems and standards
Navigate between what should be built locally (U.S.-specific needs) and where to leverage the parent company’s infrastructure and support
Establish financial rhythms (close, reporting, visibility) that are consistent, scalable, and connected across both organizations
Partner with leadership to make financials usable—not just accurate
Support budgeting and forecasting as the Academy grows