Assistant Controller

Massachusetts Teachers Association; Quincy (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) seeks an Assistant Controller to oversee the general ledger, close processes, and financial reporting for multiple entities.

This role partners with the Controller to drive process improvements, manage accounts payable, payroll closings, and budgeting support, with a focus on accuracy and compliance.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's degree and 7+ years of accounting experience, with proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, and accounting systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in financial accounting or related field.
• 7+ years of financial accounting and budget experience.
• Strong Excel/Word/Outlook and financial systems proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Accounts Payable operations and achieve timely payments.
• Manage monthly general ledger, payroll closings, and entries.
• Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements vs budget.
• Assist with annual audit preparation and reports.
• Design and write accounting system reports for audits.
• Maintain confidentiality of Association records.

Skills

Excel

Word

Outlook

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Accounting software

Payroll systems

General ledger systems

Job description

The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) represents over 117,000 members and nearly 400 locals across the state and employs a full-time staff of over 170. Our members are public school teachers, faculty, professional staff, and education support professionals working at public schools, colleges, and universities. As a member-driven organization and the largest union in New England, our collective power makes MTA an influential voice for educators, students, and their communities. We are proud to be an advocate for social, racial, and economic justice and for a public education system that provides one of the cornerstones of a democratic society.

Major Responsibilities:

The Assistant Controller ensures the accuracy of the MTA general ledger and financial reporting, compiles budget data and financial analysis for all MTA entities and manages the Accounts Payable operations. Works with Controller to review Finance & Accounting systems and transactional workflow to identify opportunities to simplify and streamline processing. The solutions may include process automation, a new system set up to facilitate processing/ reporting, documentation of MTA practices and assisting in the training of staff.

Essential Job Functions:

• Supervise Accounts Payable operations.
• Calculates, records and enters complex general ledger journal entries. Manage monthly general ledger, accounts payable, and payroll closings.
• Maintains the general ledger and reconciles certain general ledger accounts.
• Reviews and analyzes monthly financial statements, versus budget, including financial reporting packages for the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and Management.
• Prepare, maintain, and analyze weekly cash flow and review cash position with Finance Management as needed.
• Reviews and analyzes summarization and reporting of the organization's budget; including correspondence to division or department heads, as required.
• Works with manager to identify and prioritize automation/process improvements.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Research resources needed to implement improvement (External consulting, Internal staff,) and work with manager and accounting staff to implement low-cost opportunities.
• Oversee the Accounts Payable process to ensure accurate and timely payment of vendor invoices in accordance with organization policies
• Ensure accurate and timely Form IRS 1099 reporting.
• Calculates, records, and enters complex general ledger journal entries.
• Maintains the general ledger and reconciles certain general ledger accounts.
• Attend budget committee meetings, Executive Committee meetings and Board meetings, as required.
• Maintains confidentiality of Association records.
• Initiates and/or prepares correspondence for the division management.
• Serves as supervisor in the Manager’s absence as required.
• Assists with all aspects of annual audit preparation.
• Design and write reports in the accounting system to accommodate the informational needs of the organization and the financial audit requirements.
• Provides information in response to inquiries of members, vendors, and employees.
• Serve as substitute for other Finance and Accounting department staff as needed.Assist with the training of accounting staff.
• Prepares intercompany reporting and entries.
• Prepare annual MTA property tax returns.
• Review External Print transactions to ensure accuracy of monthly MA sales tax return.
• Review monthly benefit invoices to ensure coded in accordance with MTA policies.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience in a broad range of financial accounting and reporting is required).
• A minimum of seven years of a broad range of financial accounting and budget experience is required.
• Excellent verbal/ written interpersonal skills and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently
• Proven ability to deal with the public.
• Strong attention to detail and extreme accuracy.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and auditing standards
• Extensive experience in financial operations, including accounting and control and financial systems, including accounts payable, general ledger, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook.
• A strong work ethic and adherence to departmental and organizational financial and operational ethical standards.
• Proven ability to work as a team member in a fast-paced financial environment. Nights and weekends may be required.
• Travel is required.
• Any qualification may be waived if it is in the best interest of the association to do so.

The MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.