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University of Massachusetts

Associate Controller

🇺🇸 Boston, MA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 TBD 💻 Finance 🗓️ June 17th, 2026
PK GAAP

Edtech.com's Summary

UMass Boston is hiring an Associate Controller to ensure data integrity and accuracy within the University’s financial system and to produce financial statements in compliance with GAAP. The Associate Controller supervises accounting staff, manages general ledger functions, formulates accounting policies, prepares audited financial statements, and coordinates audit matters while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

Highlights
  • Supervise, train, and lead accounting staff within the Controller’s office.
  • Manage General Ledger upkeep, accuracy, and reporting functions.
  • Develop and implement accounting policies in line with state and university regulations.
  • Prepare audited financial statements and supplemental audit schedules compliant with GASB and external requirements.
  • Coordinate annual financial, federal assistance, and operational audits as the main point of contact.
  • Assist in cost rate calculations and negotiations with federal agencies (e.g., DHHS) following OMB and cost accounting standards.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) financial modeling.
  • Maintain relations with university departments and external agencies relevant to fiscal operations.
  • Requires Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, 4-7 years accounting experience, 2 years supervisory experience, and proficiency with GAAP, GASB, integrated financial systems, and Microsoft Office.
  • Preferred qualifications include MBA and/or CPA and experience in academic or public institution finance.

Associate Controller Full Description

 

General Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Fiscal Operations & Controller (“Controller”), the Associate Controller ensures data integrity and accuracy within the University’s financial system, in compliance with state and federal regulations, and produces financial statements that are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Exercises sound judgment within defined accounting procedures and practice to analyze and resolve complex assignments where analysis of data requires review of a variety of factors and sources. Recommend updates to policies and procedures as needed and implement approved changes. Performs all other duties assigned by the Controller.

 

 

Examples of Duties:

  • Supervise, train and lead the accounting staff within the Controller’s office. 
  • Under the supervision of the Controller takes primary responsibility for General Ledger upkeep and accuracy as well as all GL reporting functions.
  • Formulate and implement accounting policies and procedures in conformance with Commonwealth of Massachusetts, University of Massachusetts President’s Office, University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees and campus policies, for the review of the Controller
  • Assist in preparation of campus quarterly & annual audited financial statements, including the Statement of Net Position, Statement of Revenue, Expenses and Changes in Net Positon and all other statements as required, in compliance with GASB financial reporting standards.  Generate and verify supplemental audit schedules required by University of Massachusetts President’s Office and external auditors (e.g. footnotes, proofs and fluctuation analysis)
  • Serve as point of contact for preparation and coordination of all audit matters; annual general purpose financial audit, federal financial assistance for Uniform Guidance audit and operational audits requested by the University’s internal audit office.
  • Assist in the generating and defending the Facilities & Administrative Cost Rate calculation in compliance with OMB Circular A-21 and other cost accounting standards/requirements and to facilitate negotiation/agreement with DHHS.
  • Assist in preparation of other negotiated rate calculations (e.g. Workers’ compensation insurance rate, paid leave rate for Center for Survey Research) for agreement/approval by DHHS, and other related financial reports for campus and university audits.
  • Team subject matter expert for Unrelated Business Income Tax (“UBIT), responsible for developing financial model analysis for related campus operations.
  • Under the guidance of the Controller, maintains communications and relations with various University departments on matters that affect fiscal operations, as well as external agencies and institutions, including but not limited to; the University Controller, University Treasurer’s Office, University of Massachusetts Building Authority.
  • Ensure business processes and procedures for the Controller’s office and campus departments are sufficiently documented and periodically reviewed for accuracy.
  • Maintains standard of superior service to all customers. Fosters and maintains positive relationships and works collaboratively with faculty, staff and students.
  • May represent Controller and the campus at meetings of campus, university and external groups regarding university fund accounting.
  • Serves on University of Massachusetts President’s Office committees as assigned.
  • Requires occasional in-state travel to the President’s Office locations in Boston and Shrewsbury, and campuses in Amherst, Dartmouth, Lowell and Worcester.
  • May require periodic extended hours, nights and weekends, as necessary.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.

 

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a minimum of 4-7 years of direct experience in accounting/finance.
  • Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience.
  • Working knowledge of GAAP & GASB Accounting Principles and Financial Statement Preparation.
  • Demonstrated high level of proficiency in integrated financial management systems. Complementary database management reporting applications and the Microsoft Office suite of applications.
  • Ability to travel throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on a regular basis.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master of Business Administration and/or Certified Public Accountant, preferred.
  • Financial background in an academic or public institution environment, preferred.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and meet ongoing deadlines, while performing all essential functions of the position.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate and interact effectively with all levels of the campus community.

 

Supervision Received: Director of Fiscal Operations and Controller E.

 

Supervision Exercised: Supervise assigned staff within the University Controller's Of

 

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the HR@umb.edu or 617-287-5148.