Controller

    Controller     Category: Staff Subscribe: Department: Business Office Locations: Framingham, MA Posted: Oct 28, 2023 Closes: Open Until Filled Type: Full-time Position ID: 169322

About Framingham State University:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good.  At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry.  FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and, while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them.  Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it.  Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, and working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham. FSU is unapologetically a public institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast. 

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of antiracism, encouraging a challenging yet collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and professional students, offers 39 undergraduate majors, and enrolls 41% BIPOC students in our undergraduate programs.  Ideally situated between Boston and Worcester, FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Controller is responsible for providing overall leadership and direction of the accounting staff and operations of the University. This includes maintenance of the system of accounting records; production of related financial reports; and adherence to internal controls to mitigate risk, enhance accuracy of the University's financial position, and ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices as well as generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This position oversees and is responsible for: accounts payable and receivables, payroll, grants post-award, capital projects, budget, cash and investment accounting, general accounting activities, and tax compliance and is a key liaison with the Commonwealth's Comptroller's office and with auditors.

The Comptroller is responsible for establishing and maintaining accounting policies, procedures, and forms necessary to maintain compliance with GAAP, Governmental Accounting Standard Board (GASB) standards, and state/federal requirements. The Controller works closely and in conjunction with the Associate Vice President of Fiscal Affairs (AVP) in formulating and administering university policies and procedures pertaining to all fiscal matters of the University. This position provides support for programs and the mission of the University.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Associate Vice President of Fiscal Affairs (AVP)

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Directly manages an Assistant Controller and through this position indirectly manages a Staff Associate of General Accounting, an Accountant IV, an Accountant II, and 5 Accountant I positions; also indirectly manages a Staff Associate of Capital Projects and a Staff Associate of Grants, A/P & Accounting.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Undertake all actions necessary to effectively and efficiently carry out the accounting functions of the University as described in the General Statement of Duties, with a standard of excellence. Responsible for the coordination and oversight of the day-to-day activities of the department and monthly and yearly closings of the accounting records.
2. Assist the AVP with the evaluation, development, and dissemination of accounting , fiscal, and internal control-related policies and procedures; Ensure that all new or revised business processes are properly and clearly documented, stored and updated consistently. Develop, implement, test and monitor strong internal accounting controls and sound financial procedures and processes and ensure Internal Control Plan is updated.
3. Foster and develop an environment of quality customer service to both internal and external "customers."
4. Oversees all external financial reporting and / or audits including, but not limited to, yearend audits and audited financial statements, A133 (Federal), FISAP, IPEDS, Department of Higher Ed (DHE) HEIRS, Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) HE 4, OSC Receivables reporting, etc. Ensures reports are consistent to the university's general ledger for the reporting period and complies with both GASB and GAAP.
5. Oversees the reporting and recording of student revenues, deferrals, receivables and allowances including the online payment gateway, misc. receipts, Advancement batches, & student account cashiering sessions.
6. Coordinate with the student accounts, financial aid and other offices on all accounting requirements from such areas to include, but not limited to, cash, credit card, ACH reconciliations, Title IV and other financial aid accounting, and other regulatory and accounting requirements. Recommend corrective actions as necessary.
7. Directly manages the development, adjustment & review of a decentralized annual budget process for all FSU trust funds. Provides ongoing budget to actual reporting for effective program administration & identifies deficiencies / surpluses. Reviews/approves budget changes & JVs. Oversees operational, functional education, & support to faculty / staff in the use of budgets and budget information.
8. Assists / directs treasury services re: the disbursement & transfers of funds between BofA &/or investment accounts. Acts as an authorized signatory on BofA checking accts., oversees and monitors access to the BofA accts. to authorized users.
9. Directly manages the posting of MMARS activity including payroll expenses, state receivables, etc. Manage fund activity & reconciliation of MMARS appropriations to internal Banner accounting system. Reviews the recording of bi-weekly payroll costs including adjustments for all university payroll expenses;
10. Oversees the accounting and reconciliation activity of general and operating ledgers for over 50 federal, state and trust funds and their sub funds, fund reporting, various bank reconciliations, Federal Title IV cash management, refunding and reporting, MA Management Accounting & Reporting System (MMARS) statutory reporting and reconciliation, petty cash distribution, cash advance processing / monitoring, department chargeback processing;
11. Reviews pre-award grant budgets for accuracy and compliance, oversees post-award grant activities including timely and accurate drawdowns of external funds from Federal, state or other agencies; billing activities; reporting activities; and compliance with grant terms and conditions.
12. Acts as the MMARS Liaison; Reviews and approves MMARS payment request for grants, operating and capital project funds, etc.
13. Works collaboratively with other University departments, and state agencies which include but are not limited to: DCAMM (Commonwealth's Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance), MSCBA (Massachusetts State College Building Authority) in the planning and accounting for capital projects and related debt, the Office of State Comptroller, and State Auditor's Office.
14. Professionally maintain an ongoing awareness of changes in the field through active participation in professional development activities, networking, and interaction with other professionals such as auditors. Plan for upcoming GASB Pronouncements and any regulatory changes.
15. Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned, including, but not limited to, providing direct support and/or participation in activities related to strategic university enrollment initiatives and the participation in various campus committees as assigned by the AVP of Fiscal Affairs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Night and/or weekend work may be required during peak periods such as the yearend audit; vacation limits required during peak periods.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or other closely related field required.
2. Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive accounting or financial reporting experience, of which the last five (5) years have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity and included supervising, hiring, and evaluating staff; seven (7) years of audit experience of public higher education with managerial responsibilities may be substituted.
3. Extensive working knowledge of computerized accounting / general ledger related applications.
4. Excellent analytical skills & demonstrated effectiveness dealing with complex processes & systems; Knowledge of report writing applications.
5. Demonstrated success managing staff & office operations; Strong leadership & team building skills.
6. Strong time management and planning skills required to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously while adapting to changes in business requirements in a fast-paced environment.
7. Ability to work effectively with professional, non-professional, student personnel and/or various outside agencies in a professional & friendly manner; Demonstrated success & commitment to exceptional customer student service.
8. Ability to clearly & effectively express self in written & oral communication.
9. Ability to function independently with a minimum of supervision, but willingness to receive & respond to direction.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's degree in a related field including IT or a CPA, CMA, CFA or CGFM certificate. CPA or CMA preferred.
2. Extensive experience working with either Ellucian Banner, Argos Reporting, and / or the MA Management Accounting and Reporting System (MMARS) and other MA state systems.
3. Experience working in a Commonwealth of MA state entity or MA public institute of higher education. Experience with the financial systems and accounting principles of Commonwealth of MA state university is preferred.
4. Advanced skill in Microsoft Excel, Access, and other Office Suite programs.
5. More than ten (10) years of experience managing general accounting and / or financial reporting.
6. Bi-lingual speaking and writing skills, with special preference to Spanish and / or Portuguese.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Executive Director. The starting salary range is $120,000-135,000.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter addressing any areas of specialization/expertise
• CV/Resume
• Equity and Inclusion Statement*
• Names and contact information for three professional or academic references (referenc...