Controller

Controller Position

The Controller is a hands-on, critical leadership role responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the financial operations and reporting for the New England College of Optometry and its affiliate. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller will oversee the full accounting cycle, internal controls, financial compliance, and preparation of monthly financial reports, including the direct supervision of the accounting staff and Accounts Payable. This position is central to the College's month-end and year-end close processes and acts as the primary liaison for the annual financial audit.

This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary: $110,000-$125,000, salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule: Full-time. Hybrid schedule after orientation: 3 days per week on-site, two days remote. Additional days in the office during peak times such as during first week of classes, the audit and the year-end close.

Principal Areas of Responsibility

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Manage and lead all aspects of the College's accounting operations ensuring compliance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) under FASB, including ASC 958; revenue recognition (ASC 606); endowment accounting under UPMIFA, and other relevant regulatory requirements for higher education and non-profit organizations.
• Oversee the efficient and accurate execution of the month-end and year-end closing processes, including all general ledger activities, journal entries, reconciliations, and account analyses.
• Prepare and issue timely, accurate, and comprehensive internal financial statements and management reports.
• Maintain the integrity of the College's financial records, chart of accounts, and financial management systems, currently Jenzabar.
• Responsible for fund accounting, including the proper tracking and reporting of donor-restricted funds, endowment activity, and investment transactions.

Leadership and Management

• Lead, mentor, and evaluate four Business Office staff, including direct supervision of the accounting team and the disbursements manager.
• In collaboration with the CFO, develop, document, and enforce internal control policies and procedures to safeguard College assets and ensure efficient financial operations.
• Work closely with Institutional Advancement on best practices for gift processing and tracking restricted gifts and pledges. Ensure accurate accounting for pledges (discounting, allowances), restricted funds tracking, endowment spending in line with policy/UPMIFA, investment accounting, and reconciliations.
• Collaborate with the CFO on strategic operational matters, including risk management and insurance policies (owned vehicles, D&O, medical liability, etc.).

Compliance, Audit, and Tax

• Serve as the secondary contact and coordinator for the annual external financial audit, providing necessary workpapers, explanations, and support to auditors.
• Oversee 1098-T and Form 1099 annual reporting processes.
• Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200); manage Single Audit preparation if federal grant thresholds apply.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Actively participate in and lead the upgrading, testing, and optimization of the cloud-based finance management system, including integrating other business processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline business office functions, reduce processing times, and enhance the quality of financial data and reports. Seek creative ways to leverage AI tools to enhance financial operations and reporting.

Position Requirements

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. A Master's Degree (MBA or equivalent) and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is strongly preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in higher education accounting, non-profit fund accounting, or public accounting serving non-profit clients.

Technical Skills: Advanced knowledge of GAAP, especially related to non-profit financial reporting. Demonstrated experience with complex financial accounting systems; experience with Jenzabar is a significant plus. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas, data analysis).

Competencies: Solid leadership skills with the proven ability to build, motivate, and manage a high-performing team. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.

Background Check: Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check conducted in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state laws. For this role, screening may include criminal history, employment and education verification, reference checks, and—due to financial responsibilities—a credit check. Background checks are initiated only after a conditional offer of employment and with your written authorization. NECO will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law; a record does not automatically disqualify you from consideration.

NECO is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

New England College of Optometry offers a robust benefits program including:

• 3 plan options for BCBS medical coverage (employer subsidized at 75% or greater)
• Mental Health and Wellness benefits
• BCBS Dental
• Discounted vision services
• 13 paid holidays and generous paid time off for sick, vacation, and personal days
• Employer-paid life insurance, and short-term and long-term disability
• Voluntary Insurance: life, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident
• Voluntary Benefits: employee discounts and pet insurance
• 9% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan after 1 year of service with no vesting schedule or match requirement
• Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employer