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Worcester Polytechnic Institute · 21 hours ago

Associate Controller

Worcester, MA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$128K/yr - $134K/yr

5+ years exp

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is seeking an Associate Controller to lead the interim and annual audit processes and assist in the preparation of financial statements. The role involves managing accounting processes, overseeing Treasury functions, and supervising a team of analysts and accountants.

CommunitiesEducationHigher EducationSTEM Education

Responsibilities

Performs major role in preparation of annual University financial statements and footnote disclosures and other compliance audit reporting

Assists in preparing the federal OMB Uniform Guidance audit report

Coordinates consolidation of subsidiaries

Leads the external audit process, actively engaging with the auditors throughout the audit process on audit request status and audit issues, assigning and coordinating audit request items among University staff, and ensuring the audit remains on track

Oversees internal control and internal audit processes

Oversees the University's cash flow and the day-to-day activities related to cash management, including line of credit management, cash projections and forecasts, approval of ACH and wire transactions within authorized limits, and administration of University bank accounts

Oversees preparation of all cash and banking reconciliations

Supports PCI compliance efforts in coordination with IT

Oversees and maintains the Workday Fixed Asset system, including monitoring and accounting for capital expenditures in accordance with GAAP

Maintains and enforces University policies for capitalization, depreciable lives, and depreciation

Ensures the accuracy of capital additions, retirements, impairments, and depreciation expense

Oversees preparation of capital asset rollforward

Coordinates with Facilities to track, monitor, and close out capital projects; oversees construction-in-progress project management

Ensures timely payment of principal, interest, and fees for outstanding debt

Ensures all debt instruments (bonds, notes payable, capital leases, line of credit, swaps) are accurately recorded in accordance with GAAP

Oversees preparation of amortization schedules for principal, interest, premiums, discounts, or issuance costs

Assists with tracking bond covenants, disclosures, and compliance reporting; coordinates preparation of annual continuing disclosure filings (e.g., EMMA)

Assists in preparing materials for advisors, rating agencies, auditors, and other external agencies

Oversees staff responsible for loan billing, servicing, and collections

Ensures accurate recording, reconciliation, and reporting of student loan programs, including Federal Perkins and Institute loans

Monitors aging of loan receivables, calculates allowance for bad debt, reviews balances for potential write-offs

Oversees preparation of the annual FISAP, in coordination with Student Financial Aid

Oversees pooled income trust, charitable gift annuities, and unitrust accounting

Calculates valuation for external trusts in coordination with Advancement

Works with Advancement to prepare documents for liquidation of trust gifts

Works with Advancement to record pledges receivable, including calculating fair value and establishing an allowance for uncollectible pledges

Leads the gathering of financial and operational data needed for mandated filings and external surveys

Prepares annual IPEDS survey and other IPEDS reporting

Prepares tax schedules for annual IRS Form 990 and MA Form PC

Ensures reports meet submission deadlines and follow regulatory requirements

Assembles annual insurance renewal forms in coordination with General Counsel and insurance company

Oversees preparation of other reports and survey requirements

Contributes to and presents relevant accounting/finance topics at meetings with University accounting and finance community

Ensures appropriate training materials are available to the accounting and finance community

Meets with staff regularly to coordinate projects and priorities

Provides training and develops tools to produce staff efficiency and support staff development, supporting automation and process improvements where applicable

Participates in the development of policies and procedures to ensure efficient processes and controls in staff areas

Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor

Qualification

CPAFinancial AccountingProject ManagementWorkdayFinancial Information TechnologyCommunication SkillsFlexibility

Required

Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Accounting or Business

CPA or willingness to work towards CPA required

Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive responsibility in accounting positions, including 3 to 5 years in a supervisory role

Demonstrated competency with financial information technology and ability to support systems implementations

Flexibility and willingness to adapt to change

Strong project management and communication skills

Preferred

Experience in higher education financial accounting preferred, with knowledge of accounting standards and federal and state regulations applicable to not-for-profits and universities

Workday experience is a plus