Assistant Controller

Springfield College; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield College in Massachusetts seeks an Assistant Controller under the guidance of the AVP Finance & Administration & Controller to lead the college's accounting operations, ensure GAAP compliance, and maintain internal controls. The role manages the ERP-based accounting, fixed assets, grants, and budget processes, and collaborates with Payroll and HR to ensure proper coding and timely postings.

Strong leadership of a five-person team is expected.

Qualifications

• Strong GAAP knowledge and willingness to ensure compliance.
• Experience with audits and financial reporting processes.
• Familiarity with grant funding policies and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily general accounting and financial reporting operations.
• Develop accounting policies to ensure regulatory compliance and training.
• Assist in annual budget process and quarterly reporting.
• Oversee grants management, including Title IV and other funds.
• Prepare data for financial statements and external audits.
• Supervise accounting team and coordinate with Payroll/HR.

Skills

GAAP

Excel

ERP systems

Audit coordination

Budgeting

Grant compliance

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting/Finance

Master's Degree preferred

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Under the general direction of the AVP Finance & Administration & Controller, the Assistant Controller serves as the chief accountant and is responsible for overseeing all of the College’s accounting operations. Manages the college’s software for accounting, fixed assets, and budget and is responsible for implementing and maintaining a system of internal controls that ensure integrity of financial reporting.

Actual salaries will vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to degrees attained, experience, and other considerations permitted by law. Comprehensive compensation details, including any additional benefits, will be communicated upon finalization of the employment offer.

• Provide direct oversight of the daily general accounting and financial reporting operations; ensure that all transactions are recorded in a timely manner and are in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Develop accounting-related policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and industry best practices; update and train community on policies and procedures when needed, ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Assist in the annual budget process; manage quarterly budget reporting process including capital and maintenance budgets.
• Identify operational efficiencies and leverage available technology in order to streamline processes.
• Oversee the financial management of federal, state, and local grants, including Title IV, AmeriCorps and other grant program funds.
• Ensure that staff are properly trained to comply with grant regulations, donor restrictions, and reporting requirements.
• Manage the associated accounting data in the College’s ERP system, including account and fund creation.
• Manage mapping of general ledger accounts between payroll and the College's financial system, and ensure the timely posting of payroll files.
• Collaborate with Payroll and HR to guarantee proper coding.
• Oversee budget coding for all student, faculty, and staff positions within the Banner HR/Finance system.
• Manage quarterly and annual fixed assets activity and investment in plant fund.
• Create journal entries for the debt service, plant fund, and investment accounts.
• Manage fixed assets and the depreciation process for the annual audit.
• Responsible for preparing data for financial statements and annual tax returns, including Form 990, 990-T, MA Form PC, M-990T, 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.
• 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 assistance to internal and external customers regarding financial accounting and general ledger information in a successful and professional manner.
• Supervise the monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes, ensuring that these closings and reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.
• Direct the preparation of audit schedules and the organization of audit workpapers for all external audits.
• 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.
• Leadership and management of the 5 person accounting team and intern, including hiring, training, professional development, and performance management. Promote and foster an inclusive and innovative work environment.

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Masters Degree in the field of Accounting, Finance, Management or similar field preferred
• 5-8 years of direct work-related experience required
• CPA preferred

• 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.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems and system conversions a plus.