AVP of Finance and Controller

The New England Conservatory, an independent not-for-profit institution, is recognized internationally as a leader among music schools, educating and training musicians of all ages from around the world. With music students representing more than 40 countries, NEC cultivates a diverse, dynamic community for students, providing them with performance opportunities and high-caliber training by 225 internationally esteemed artist-teachers and scholars. NEC pushes the boundaries of making and teaching music through college-level musical training in classical, jazz, and Contemporary Improvisation. It offers unique interdisciplinary programs such as Entrepreneurial Musicianship and Community Performances & Partnerships that empower students to create their own musical opportunities. As part of NEC's mission to make lifelong music education available to everyone, the Preparatory School and School of Continuing Education delivers training and performance opportunities for children, pre-college students, and adults.

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller (AVP/Controller) directs and manages all the accounting functions of the New England Conservatory (NEC). The AVP/Controller makes recommendations for improving financial management, directs financial audits, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, and provides strong leadership and management skills while effectively supervising staff and building an effective team. The AVP/Controller oversees and supervises the accounting department and the multi-fund accounting systems, operating funds, restricted funds, student loan funds, and building/plant funds. This position will assist in coordinating the activities within the Business Office ensuring proper use of internal controls and adherence to NEC’s accounting policies. The AVP/Controller is a member of NEC’s Leadership Council.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accounting and financial management responsibilities

• Oversee and direct business and accounting activities; provide technical accounting guidance; and ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, applicable law and regulation, NEC policies and guidelines, and best practices

• Manage all areas of accounting and financial reporting, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, student billing and collections, procurement, fixed assets, and cash management

• Establish, monitor, and enforce internal controls to safeguard the institution's assets and ensure accurate financial reporting

• Oversee donor and endowment accounting, annual scholarship budgeting, and spending rates, coordinating closely with the Advancement team

• Prepare financial statements and reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, for internal and external audiences, including leadership; board of directors; local, state, and federal government agencies; accreditors; and others as may be required or appropriate

• Monitor cash flow and investments, working with the CFO to ensure adequate liquidity is available to meet NEC’s obligations

• Oversee the external audit, preparation of annual financial statements, and audit reports and the 403(b) retirement plan audit

• Prepare or review all governmental tax returns including but not limited to, Forms 941, 990, 990-T, 5500, as well as Charitable Solicitations filings and PILOT

• Collaborate with the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis on the budgeting processes by working with different departments to create and analyze financial plans. Monitor expenditures and ensure alignment with the approved budget

• Complete other external reports and provide oversight as needed

Technology Leadership

• Responsible for managing the computerized accounting system, and coding of accounts on an organizational level between operations, and other funds (restricted, unrestricted) using proper fund accounting.

• Manage general ledger integrations with systems for donations, student accounts, financial aid, payroll / HRIS, and banking and financial institutions

• Lead the adoption of innovative financial technologies and tools, including AI-driven financial analysis and other processes

• Manage and fully utilize the financial systems capabilities to create process improvements; develop and implement systems and policies to improve efficiency

Administrative Duties

• Oversee the Conservatory’s insurance policies and provides risk avoidance and mitigation recommendations

• Maintain, update, and implement accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and business processes to support compliant, transparent, and efficient execution of NEC’s business.

• Coordinate with Human Resources to manage and administer the accounting and compliance for the 403(b) Retirement Plan. Ensure that benefit deductions and payments are reconciled.

• Ensure compliance and oversight of tax-exempt bond financing and accounting

• In collaboration with the CFO, serve as key staff support for the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee of the Board of Trustees and other Committees as applicable, such as the Finance Committee and Investment Committee

• Serve as NEC’s representative on the Board of Directors of the Independent Schools Compensation Corporation

• Provide user documentation and training to foster a culture of compliance and a good internal control environment

• Design, establish, and maintain an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the Business Office’s overall goals and objectives; direct and oversee the hiring, development, management, and evaluation of staff. Address complaints and resolves issues; grow the team's ability to provide outstanding customer service

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ten (ten) years of experience as a senior, proactive accounting professional in a non-profit or higher educational setting; advanced expertise with fund accounting.

• Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP and GASB accounting rules and accounting standards related to not-for-profits and higher educational institutions and industry best practices

• Proficient in complex accounting systems and possess a strong understanding of the use and potential of technology in the area of financial management

• Effective leader and people manager with demonstrated abilities to mentor subordinates, build strong collegial relationships across all levels of the organization, and lead effective work groups

• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to relate to people from all backgrounds and at all levels of an organization, including students, parents, faculty, Board of Trustee members, and colleagues

• Strong presentation skills including the ability to translate complex financial or accounting concepts for non-accountants

• Demonstrated ability to implement new and/or improved technologies in mission critical environments

• Commitment to high ethical standards, integrity, and confidentiality; possess the ability to be pro-active and take initiative; be organized, timely, efficient and have excellent attention to detail; strong creative problem-solving skills with the ability to develop and recommend practical solutions

NEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Annual Clery Report

In accordance with the federal Clery and Campus SaVE Acts, New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) commits to providing all current and prospective students and employees with access to the annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report. This report will provide the reader with a record of statistics regarding crimes that were reported in the NEC community during the previous three years as well as College policies and procedures, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. This report may be accessed here. A paper copy can be requested by contacting NEC's Director of Public Safety at 290 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115.