Associate Controller

At Holy Cross, we are focused on creating a world-class workforce by attracting and retaining employees dedicated to fostering a culture of professionalism, pride, mutual trust, and respect—one that values appreciation and recognition, empowering each of us to flourish both individually and collectively. We seek candidates who are inspired by our mission and values, and who are eager to make a meaningful difference on our campus. Learn more about Life at Holy Cross here.

Job Description

Major Areas of Responsibility

• Supervise and mentor Senior Accountant covering cash, gifts, payroll/benefits accounting, and related audits/filings; set goals, manage workload/priorities, and provide ongoing performance feedback and development coaching.

• Review and post daily gift feed/journals to the general ledger; reconcile to Advancement records (daily/monthly), investigate discrepancies, and ensure accurate donor gift classification and documentation.

• Serve as primary liaison between Advancement and Finance to ensure compliance with GAAP and donor restrictions; determine appropriate net asset classification for endowment and restricted gifts and support major/complex gift transactions.

• Maintain the endowment model subledger; calculate monthly income, realized/unrealized gains/losses, and spending; reconcile endowment activity to the general ledger and Advancement records.

• Prepare endowment income and spending projections and related internal reporting.

• Review contributions receivable reconciliations; record pledge discounts and allowances for uncollectible pledges; oversee pledge receivable monitoring and reporting.

• Prepare and reconcile non-pooled investments and related split-interest agreements/obligations; coordinate investment reporting with custodians as applicable.

• Monitor restricted gift and grant expenditures to ensure compliance with donor and sponsor requirements; set up new grants in the general ledger including grant accounting structure and budgetary controls.

• Prepare financial reports to granting agencies; process and request federal drawdowns.

• Provide post-award grants management oversight; advise Principal Investigators on budgeting, allowability, and expenditure issues; support effort reporting and federal grant compliance requirements.

• Prepare indirect cost and fringe benefit proposals and support related rate development and documentation.

• Oversee accounting and budgeting for agency/fiduciary funds, including reconciliations and periodic reporting.

• Prepare federal and state tax filings including Form 990, 990-T, and applicable state returns; support related schedules and documentation.

• Assist with monthly/quarterly/annual close ensuring timely, accurate transaction posting and completion of balance sheet reconciliations.

• Play a lead role in annual financial statement preparation and coordination of benefit plan audits (DB/DC), including Form 5500 preparation support.

• Prepare workpapers and documentation for Uniform Guidance audits and other audits (e.g., workers’ compensation); coordinate with internal stakeholders and external auditors to meet deadlines.

• Monitor, assess, and improve internal controls; develop, document, and update accounting policies and procedures to strengthen control environment and operational efficiency.

• Perform accounting research, document conclusions, and assist with implementation of new accounting standards, regulations, and reporting requirements.

• Provide cross-training and backup support for key accounting functions, including payroll backup management and other team coverage as needed.

• Participate in special projects such as system implementations/upgrades, process improvement initiatives, ad hoc financial analysis/reporting, and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting and a minimum of 5 - 7 years’ of progressive responsibility in accounting positions, preferably in a higher education environment.

• CPA and public accounting experience preferred.

• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting standards (GAAP) and federal and state regulations applicable to a higher education institution. 

• Demonstrated supervisory experience with a focus on quality customer service and team leadership and mentoring skills.

• Experience working with ERP (Workday preferred) and other SaaS systems.

• Advanced proficiency in Excel, with experience using other Microsoft applications.

Disclaimer:The description above represents the most significant duties of this position but does not exclude other occasional work assignments not mentioned, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the factor degrees assigned.

The salary range for the Associate Controller is $114,000-$124,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. The College is committed to providing competitive market pay for its employees.  

Weekly Hours:

Annual Work Schedule:

Application Instructions

An updated resume and cover letter are required as a part of your internal application. In your cover letter, please reflect on how your professional and personal values align with the Mission of the College of the Holy Cross to form individuals of integrity and purpose who are committed to the flourishing of all.

Additional Information
To review our generous benefits options, please review our detailed information here or check out our Benefits at a Glance. 

The College also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring process in compliance with law. Please contact Human Resources for questions or to request an accommodation via email at hr@holycross.edu, or by calling 508-793-3391. 

The College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all Federal and Massachusetts laws concerning Equal Opportunity in the workplace.