Associate Controller: Close Leader & Finance Transformation

Vaco by Highspring; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

A financial services firm in Massachusetts is seeking an Associate Controller to oversee accounting operations and ensure timely financial reporting. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance, 5-8 years of accounting experience, and strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP. The role involves leading month-end close activities, managing journal entries, and driving finance transformation efforts. Candidates must be local to Massachusetts. This position includes potential bonuses and benefits.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of progressive accounting experience with close and reconciliation ownership.
• Hands-on experience with month-end close and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in finance transformation and automation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end, mid-year, and year-end close cycles ensuring accuracy.
• Prepare and approve journal entries and other period-end adjustments.
• Maintain strong internal controls supporting audit and compliance activities.
• Drive standardization of accounting policies and close processes.

Skills

Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP

Proficiency with ERP systems

Advanced Excel skills

Analytical abilities

Problem-solving skills

Organizational abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA or CPA-track preferred

Job description

The Associate Controller plays a key role in overseeing core accounting operations and ensuring accurate, timely financial close and reporting. This role is responsible for managing month?end, mid?year, and year?end close activities, including journal entries and balance?sheet reconciliations, while also leading and partnering on finance transformation initiatives focused on automation, simplification, and standardization of accounting processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute month?end, mid?year, and year?end close cycles, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and timeliness
• Prepare, review, and approve journal entries, accruals, and other period?end adjustments
• Own and oversee balance?sheet reconciliations, investigating and resolving variances in a timely manner
• Maintain strong internal controls and support audit and compliance activities
• Partner with FP&A, tax, payroll, and other cross?functional teams to ensure alignment of financial data
• Lead and support finance transformation projects, including accounting process automation, workflow improvements, and system enhancements
• Drive standardization and simplification of accounting policies, procedures, and close processes
• Document processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the accounting function
• Support the Controller with special projects, reporting, and ad?hoc financial analysis as needed
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CPA?track preferred
• 5-8 years of progressive accounting experience, including close and reconciliation ownership
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and general ledger accounting
• Hands?on experience with month?end close, journal entries, and balance?sheet reconciliations
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading finance transformation, automation, or system improvement initiatives
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem?solving abilities
• Ability to partner effectively with cross?functional stakeholders and lead process change
• Must be local to Massachusetts
  

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan.