Controller

Vista Higher Learning • Full-time • Hybrid in Boston, Massachusetts, United States • 1m ago

Fast Facts

The Controller position at a small education-technology company involves overseeing daily accounting operations, managing team dynamics, and driving continuous improvements while ensuring compliance with US GAAP.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include managing month-end closes, cash management, overseeing accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and sales tax returns, developing internal policies, and maintaining relationships with auditors and financial partners.

Skills: Required skills include a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, 10+ years of accounting experience, strong analytical skills, technical knowledge of US GAAP, and proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include CPA certification, experience in both public accounting and entrepreneurial settings, and familiarity with GreatPlains and ADP.

Location: The position is hybrid, requiring at least 2 days per week in the Boston office, with candidates needed to reside within MA, RI, or Southern NH.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $100,000 - $150,000.

WHO ARE YOU? You are a hands-on Controller with a passion for building teams and process improvement. As a dynamic Controller in a small education-technology company, you will oversee our day-to-day accounting operations, which includes managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, general ledger, and sales and use tax returns.

WHO ARE WE? We are passionate, lifelong learners, and creative thinkers working daily to develop culturally authentic language solutions for learners in the K12 through Higher Education space

WHAT IS THE ROLE ABOUT? The Controller position is hands -on – working closely with the team and actively engaged in the day to day as well as serving as a coach and people manager; developing and reviewing work, building teams, and serving as the point of contact for interdepartmental and external parties (including tax groups, auditors, and banks). As an accounting leader, you will lead the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy and compliance with US GAAP. And as a key player in our organization, you will drive continuous process improvement, deliver exceptional customer service, and measure success through performance objectives. You will ensure that our processes and procedures support organizational growth and effective program implementation, leading to clean audits.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

Oversee all internal accounting functions, including monthly and quarterly close, cash management, reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, fixed assets, general ledger, and sales tax returns.
Lead accounting functions to ensure accurate record-keeping, reporting, and compliance with US GAAP.
Ensure timely and accurate production of financial and management reports and tax returns.
Analyze financial statements, manage the close process, and finalize monthly financial reports.
Develop and implement internal policies and procedures for accounting, auditing, tax accounting, payments, investments, cash management, and government reporting.
Maintain current knowledge of accounting standards and regulations.
Develop and mentor team members at various career levels.
Evaluate workflows and processes for efficiency and effectiveness, recommending and implementing improvements.
Partner with other functional areas to provide consultative accounting support for planning initiatives.
Ensure technical accounting memos are updated and aligned with the latest standards.
Liaise with HR regarding payroll processing and confidential employee information, and act as the 401k administrator.
Maintain the integrity of financial information by understanding the accounting system of record and peripheral systems.
Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, tax, and bank representatives, and lead audit and tax filing preparation.
Support the VP of Finance and Senior Leadership Team with special projects as needed.

YOU MUST HAVE (MINIMUM REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE)

Bachelors degree in Accounting or Finance required
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in accounting and finance
5+ years of experience managing diverse accounting operations teams
Advanced understanding of finance and accounting controls and compliance; identify, assess and mitigate risk in business processes
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Technical knowledge of US GAAP and proficiency with financial/ERP systems, payroll, and Microsoft 365/ office suite applications
Solid leader; conveys a strong vision and build a team to execute
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; effectively communicate complex financial information to both Accounting and non-Finance oriented audiences

IDEAL IF YOU HAVE or ARE (PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE)

CPA
Combined experience of public accounting and entrepreneurial environment, strong plus
Prior experience with GreatPlains and ADP
Proven success managing multiple, competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

LOCATION

Hybrid: Suitable candidates must be willing to work onsite in our Boston office at least 2 days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) with 3 or more days desired. Candidates must reside within MA, RI or Southern NH and be willing to meet this requirement to be considered. Relocation assistance is not available at this time.