Assistant Controller and Director of Budget

Description

The Assistant Controller and Director of Budget oversees accounting operations, budget and financial reporting at the College, reporting to the Associate Vice President and Controller. Key responsibilities include managing the accounting office functions and software, leading the budgeting process, mentoring staff in budget development, ensuring strong financial controls and is the College audit liaison. With a focus on collaboration and engagement, this forward-facing position requires effective communication and leadership, making it vital to the College’s financial health and strategic direction.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily accounting operations and financial reporting to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Update accounting policies to align with federal and state regulations, provide necessary training, and assist with annual and quarterly budget reporting.
• Oversee the annual budget process, ensuring accuracy and offering staff training. Manage the Syntellis and Banner systems, create budget scenarios, track salaries, and develop multi-year financial plans while collaborating on capital and maintenance budgets.
• Identify efficiencies and leverage technology to streamline processes, providing support to both internal and external customers regarding financial accounting.
• Oversee the financial management of federal, state, and local grants, including Title IV and AmeriCorps funds.
• Ensure that staff comply with grant regulations and receive proper training.
• Manage accounting data in the College’s ERP system, including account creation and compliance with financial reporting policies.
• Review and approve grant financial reports, managing the mapping of general ledger accounts between payroll and the College's financial system, and ensuring the timely posting of payroll files.
• Manage fixed assets in Banner.
• Create journal entries for the debt service, plant fund, and investment accounts. including the finalization of fixed assets and the depreciation process for the annual audit.
• Collaborate with Payroll and HR to guarantee proper coding and oversees budget coding for all student, faculty, and staff positions within the Banner HR/Finance system.
• Supervise the monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes, ensuring that these closings and reconciliations are completed accurately and on time. Ensure proper recognition of revenue and expenses in accordance with GAAP.
• Direct the preparation of audit schedules and the organization of audit workpapers.
• Serve as the main point of contact for both internal and external auditors regarding accounting-related questions and testing.
• Responsible for preparing financial statements and annual tax returns, including Form 990, 990-T, MA Form PC, M-990-T, and Form 3ABC.
• This also involves completing financial survey reports for the College, which include federal surveys, NACUBO, IPEDS, NCAA, EADA, and internal FactBook reports.
• Additionally, assist with year-end tax reporting, such as issuing 1099s for tuition waivers and annuities. Duties also include supporting journal entries, reconciliations, and loan drawdowns, processing weekly wire transfers, and reviewing monthly American Express payments.
• Provide high-level budget analysis for quarterly reports to the VP of Finance and the Board of Trustees.
• Prepare budget forecasts for senior leadership and the Board. Create reports, meet with department heads, and assist with the annual budget required for accreditation.
• Oversee and manage the accounting team by focusing on hiring, training, professional development, and performance management, all while fostering an inclusive and innovative work environment. Supervise intern, handle annual surveys.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required in the field of accounting, finance, management or similar field with 5-8 years of directly related experience.
Master’s degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of GAAP, accounting best practices, and experience with annual audits.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables) and other Office applications; knowledgeable in financial systems and technology.
• Familiar with grant funding policies, Title IV regulations, and Federal Single Audit requirements.
• Experienced in budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and reporting in a higher education setting; able to develop and implement budgetary procedures.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, work ethic, and enthusiasm for collaboration; strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Well-organized with good time management, decision-making, and customer service abilities; can work independently or in a team.
• Capable of assessing issues, recommending solutions, and maintaining confidentiality with strong attention to detail.
• The position requires excellent attention to detail in order to maintain the highest quality standards.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems and system conversions a plus.