Controller

ABOUT SIMMONS

Located in Boston's historic Fenway area, Simmons has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons University was one of the first higher education institutions to prepare women to become leaders and has evolved to become a university offering a women's undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all.

You're joining our community at an especially exciting time as one of our strategic goals is to become the most inclusive campus in New England. You'll find that people who work here are truly committed to our mission of preparing students to become champions of social justice and leaders in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace. Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience.

As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

JOB SUMMARY

The Controller reports directly to the Assistant Vice President for Finance ("AVPF") and serves as a senior level manager who is responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate recording and reporting of accounting transactions for the University. The Controller has supervisory responsibility for the Accounting Manager, Staff Accountant, Accounting Clerk and Lead Accounts Payable Clerk.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Perform and/or oversee day to day accounting activities, including accounts payable/receivables, investments, cash management, grant and gift accounting, fixed asset tracking, reconciliations, and monthly closing. Prepare the quarterly and annual financial statements for the University and coordinate the annual audit of the financial statements each year. Evaluate the current reporting process and update as needed. Manage relationship with internal audit, external audit and tax partners; organizes and facilitates their annual or periodic engagements. Serve as Simmons' expert on matters of accounting, internal controls, financial reporting and tax compliance, providing advice, direction and training to others in the community. Supports the preparation, review and presentation of the annual tax returns (including the Form 990, 990T, Mass Form PC, and other state returns) Oversees cash management functions, including cashiering, payables and serves as the day to day contact for operating bank relationships. Forecasts and monitors cash inflows and outflows to ensure efficient deployment of cash balances. Maintain strong relationships with key departments on campus, including Advancement, Student Financial Services, Institutional Research, Sponsored Programs, and others to improve the efficiency and quality of service, controls and information. Preparing responses to annual surveys and financial screening requests such as IPEDs, rating agencies and other regulators as required. Work closely with Institutional Research and the AVP Finance to ensure responses are accurate, consistent, and accurately reflect the University's financial position Document all policies, procedures and systems related to financial reporting, transaction processing, financial controls; regularly review for improvement. Work as a member of the Finance Team to assist in any requested financial reporting and analysis, planning efforts and special projects. Recruit, select, orient, and train direct reports. Set performance plans for direct reports, monitor progress and complete annual written appraisals; provide appropriate learning experiences; coach and counsel direct reports and hold accountable for meeting all performance standards. Coach direct reports who manage others in the same activities with their staff. Active participant in the implementation of new systems that impact the University's general ledger and financial reporting. Participate in policy and procedure discussions, ensuring that financial systems are designed to meet the needs of the community while also ensuring the accurate reporting of the University's financial results. Be an active participant in the development/implementation of broad initiatives for ensuring integrity of University's core financial systems and records, maintaining/enhancing institutional compliance with external financial regulations, and streamlining/enhancing financial processes/procedures. Performs other duties as assigned. Certain requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities. OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Other duties as assigned. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree required, and advanced degree or professional qualifications (MBA, CPA, CFA) preferred Minimum six years of related professional experience with financial reporting and controls Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), non-profit tax rules and codes, and federal grant compliance. Advanced Microsoft Excel user PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Work experience in higher education preferred Experience with Workday is a plus COMPETENCIES Exceptional quantitative and analytical skills; especially with financial projections and forecasting Strong organizational skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple assignments concurrently Advanced professional communication skills, including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences and non-financial management Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals. Demonstrated strategic planning skills WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS Hybrid eligible Work is normally performed in a typical home/office work environment. Limited physical effort required

Salary Grade
S12

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.