OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Controller                                                                   

DIVISION: Budget and Finance                                                                                                                                                

DEPARTMENT: Finance

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: Non-unit              

REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer

SUPERVISES: Provides direct supervision to the Associate Controller, Accountant III, and functional supervision of staff in the Controller’s Officer

SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION:   

The Controller is a senior leadership position that manages the activities of the Controller’s Office and provides expert guidance on the impact of accounting issues on the University’s objectives and policies in accordance with federal, state and university regulations. The focus of this job is on the strategic implications of business decisions.  The Controller must understand how decisions will translate into current as well as future financial statements and overall financial health.  The Controller must communicate impacts to higher levels with suggested course of action reports that include scenario planning.  The Controller works with managers in the areas of general accounting, bursar, accounts payable, travel, financial aid, grants, and other business units.  The Controller is the principal audit liaison for all internal and external audit activity on campus, including preparation of campus annual and interim financial statements with the system office and external auditors.  The Controller manages the integration of the university finance system (PeopleSoft/Oracle) with accounting operations and actively analyzes financial information through the use of queries, spreadsheets, databases, and other reporting tools for trend analyses, forecasts, and financial ratios.  The Controller will have access to and provide input regarding data collection and analysis for all collective bargaining proposals prior to their submission to the unions.  As such, the incumbent is a confidential employee as defined in M. G. L. Chapter 150E, Section 1.

EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Operations and Accounting

• Oversees fiscal operations, reporting, financial analysis, and planning, including the development and management of complex financial models, interpreting and applying generally accepted accounting practices to campus operations
• Directs the University’s accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintenance of accounting records, and implementation of internal controls to mitigate risk
• Prepares and analyzes a wide range of financial reports including audited financial statements, variance analyses, cash flow reports, disbursement and debt analyses, and capital/depreciation schedules
• Collaborates with the UMass system Controller, Treasurer, Budget Office and other campus Controllers to develop policies, implement procedures, and manage accounting and operational changes
• Establishes and evaluates accounting policies and procedures, refining online policy guidelines for clarity and accessibility and confers with the CFO on matters not addressed by existing policy or when exceptions are warranted
• Oversees the integration of the University’s financial systems (e.g. PeopleSoft, Concur), reporting platforms, and feeder systems to ensure alignment with accounting operationsServes as liaison to campus constituents to accomplish department goals and acts as primary liaisons between Budget and Finance and the campus research community
• Coordinates with post-award sponsored accounting to ensure compliance with federal regulations and monitors cash flow and accounts receivable related to drawdowns, billing, and collection of sponsored activity
• Coordinates with campus partners to prepare required financial reports for institutional, state, federal, and accreditation purposes
• Analyzes business decisions and translates their impact on the University’s financial statements
• Maintains and safeguards the University’s official financial records

Compliance and Risk Management

• Serves as principal audit liaison for internal and external audits
• Coordinates preparation of annual and interim financial statements with President’s Office and external auditors, responds to audit findings, and oversees corrective action plans and Chapter 647 reporting
• Coordinates with UMass System tax office to manage campus compliance with tax regulations, including preparation of UBIT returns, private-use tracking, and 1098-T adjustments
• Serves as campus ecommerce representative to ensure merchant compliance with PCI DSS standards
• Oversees compliance with University travel and expense policy, including student travel

 Strategic Leadership and Resource Management

• Serves as data custodian, establishing and monitoring access to financial systems for campus users
• Promotes the University's commitment to service excellence by building effective partnerships across campus
• Provides team-oriented leadership in resource management, project supervision, and financial analysis, with emphasis on strategic planning, team development and performance measurement
• Serves on committees, attends meetings, and provides regular updates to departmental leadership
• Performs other duties that may be assigned and/or the job duties changed periodically to reflect changing organization needs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Master’s degree in related field (CPA may be substituted for degree requirement)

EXPERIENCE:  

• Significant (8 years) of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience, including management responsibilities
• Experience with integrated financial systems and reporting and analysis software

OTHER: Weekend and evening hours required, as projects dictate.  Occasional local, regional, and national travel required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience in financial and strategic planning within higher education
• Expertise in fund accounting, financial reporting, and GASB standards
• Experience managing financial operations for colleges, universities, or other complex non-profit organizations
• Experience leading or supporting the implementation of a new ERP system
• Possession of a professional accounting certification, such as CGMA or CMA            

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Demonstrated ability to motivate, lead, and develop staff
• Extensive knowledge of financial reporting and analysis software and familiarity with complex, integrated financial systems
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to interpret and explain complex regulations, policies, and procedures
• In-depth understanding of US GAAP and GASB standards
• Proficiency in spreadsheets and databases for data analysis and reporting
• Advanced financial analysis skills, with the ability to connect detailed data to strategic decision-making
• Strong strategic planning ability and creativity in developing long-term solutions
• Skill in analyzing systems and processes to maximize efficiency, ensure compliance, and improve customer service
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across administration, faculty, and staff
• Experience working collaboratively and promoting customer service in a decentralized environment
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (speaking, writing and reading) to perform all essential job functions

SALARY: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:

• 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• State Pension Retirement Plan
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
• Twelve (12) paid holidays
• Paid personal, vacation, and sick time
• And More!

Benefits for Non-Unit Professional: Non-Unit Professional

Applicants must be authorized for employment in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.   

To apply please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and the contact information for three professional references.

The review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.