Job Title: Controller
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Type: Full-Time
Location: Lowell, Massachusetts (Hybrid)
Salary Range: $110,000-$125,000
Job Summary
The Controller is responsible for the oversight of all finance and accounting activities at UTEC. They are responsible for ensuring quality, accuracy, and timeliness in all financial operations. The Controller contributes to UTEC's success by ensuring strong fiscal oversight of all contracts and budgets, detailed review of accounting, and accuracy in all transactions. The ideal candidate will have experience managing contracts and the ability to partner with non-finance team members to set budget priorities. This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department staff, including two direct reports.
Key Responsibilities
Compliance & Fiscal Oversight
- Oversee operations of the Accounting Department, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and payroll.
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
- Maintain financial records in compliance with contract management requirements.
- Set and oversee the monthly closing calendar; review closings with staff.
- Ensure all journal entries are reviewed and approved before posting.
- Review all monthly billing for state and federal contracts with the CFO and Budget Analyst; liaise with external partners to confirm contract details, budget amendments, and process adjustments as needed.
- Review aged accounts with the CFO and oversee collection efforts.
- Maintain schedules for recurring tasks such as building improvements and manage related reimbursements.
- Manage year-end schedules and lead the annual audit to a timely and successful conclusion.
- Manage day-to-day banking relationships.
- Oversee internal and external financial reporting to required institutions.
Team Supervision
- Manage training programs and assess ongoing training needs.
- Provide direct supervision to the Senior Accountant and Budget Analyst.
- Hold regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to provide feedback and address performance concerns.
- Conduct annual written performance reviews for all direct reports.
- Coach the Senior Accountant to effectively manage the accounting team.
- Identify professional growth opportunities for all direct reports, align with available resources at UTEC, and ensure staff understand the impact of their roles on agency-wide goals and metrics.
Budget Tracking & Oversight
- Access contract funds via portals and monitor payments against billings.
- Review and enhance UTEC staff's allocation workbook to prevent duplication.
- Participate in the development of annual contract budgets.
- Responding to finance-related questions from staff across the UTEC team.
- Collaborate with the CFO to review the monthly billing forecast and escalate potential issues.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting/finance roles, preferably with nonprofit organizations, including experience as a Financial Controller, is required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration, or comparable professional experience required
- Experience managing accounting for a $10M (+) organization, with a strong preference for experience managing contracts
- Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
- Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process
- Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work with minimal supervision
- Ability to effectively communicate with contacts outside the organization
- Demonstrated expertise collaborating with team leaders outside the finance department to ensure effective budgeting and tracking
- General ledger accounting software experience is highly preferred
- CPA or CMA preferred, but not required
Required Skills/Abilities
- Excellent management and supervisory skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Proficient in accounting and software
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
- General ledger accounting software experienced highly preferred
- Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks
- Ability to work with a minimal amount of supervision
- Works with individuals both internal and external to the organization
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration required
- Proven working experience as a Financial Controller required
- Minimum 5-10 years experience in accounting/finance
- Experience managing the accounting for a $10M (+) organization
- CPA or CMA preferred but not required
- Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
- Experience with creating financial statements
- Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process
Compensation
The salary range is
$110,000-$125,000. UTEC offers a competitive benefits package that starts with 3 weeks of vacation plus a week off between the Christmas and New Year holidays, 12 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 personal days, and 3 bereavement days, as well as health, dental, and vision insurance starting day one. We also offer life insurance, first-time homeowners down payment assistance, cost-of-living increases, a paid sabbatical after three years, and a 401K retirement plan with up to $2,000 savings match. See more about our benefits here.
