Assistant Controller - Olin College of Engineering

Job Description

NORMAL WORK HOURS:    ​40​ hours per week, ​Monday-Friday​ 

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:   ​Associate Vice President for Finance and Controller​ 

OTHERS WHO MAY ASSIGN WORK:  ​Vice President for Finance and Administration​ 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Assistant Controller plays a critical role in supporting the Controller and Financial Affairs by managing operational tasks, ensuring compliance, and preparing key reports and documentation, including federal filings. This role requires a depth of process knowledge and a strong sense of judgement. The Assistant Controller focuses on financial systems management, compliance monitoring, some budget preparation, and audit coordination while also helping with treasury and risk management functions. The Assistant Controller provides vital support to Financial Affairs to ensure that the Controller can focus on strategic initiatives and high-level financial oversight, while ensuring that statutory compliance filings and departmental operations run smoothly and effectively. 

This is an in-person/on-campus position based in Needham, MA, with possible flexible work options. Any approved remote work arrangement must be performed in the state of Massachusetts where Olin is registered to do business. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist in managing daily department activities, including general accounting, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and grant/contract accounting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. 
• Oversee monthly and quarterly closings, ensuring proper reconciliations and reporting to support the Controller’s financial management. 
• Manage the Chart of Accounts to ensure accuracy of new coding and related report mapping and timely termination of coding no longer needed. 
• Ensure general ledger reports are working properly and serve the needs of users. 
• Collaborate with the Controller on developing and implementing accounting policies, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. 
• Prepare reports for audits, financial statements and footnotes, IPEDS, 3ABC, EZ Audit, bond compliance, and investment performance, ensuring alignment with institutional goals. 
• Support internal audits by ensuring adherence to procedures and identifying areas for process improvement. 
• Prepare statutory federal compliance filings, including the Form 990, ensuring accuracy and timely submission. 
• Coordinate with external auditors, legal counsel, and internal teams to compile necessary information for federal filings and audit processes. 
• Monitor compliance deadlines for federal regulations, tax-exempt status, and UBIT, ensuring timely submission of filings. 
• Assist in the development and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets, providing analysis and recommendations. 
• Support cash flow operations, oversee daily banking transactions, and collaborate on cash flow forecasting and reporting. 
• Assist with risk management and insurance renewals, ensuring that coverage meets institutional needs. 
• Monitor investment performance and debt compliance, preparing related reports for senior management and ensuring adherence to bond covenants. 
• Manage and mentor accounting staff, support professional development, and help implement training and cross-training programs for operational continuity. 
• Serve as backup to the Controller on committees, providing financial guidance and participating in college-wide initiatives. 
• Lead special projects, assist with Trustee Committee reports, and provide financial guidance to the College community as needed. 
• Handle additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Controller or VPFA to support the effective operation of the Financial Affairs department and the overall financial integrity of the institution. 
   

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; Master’s preferred. CPA designation required or actively pursuing certification. 
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or related fields, preferably in higher education or nonprofit organizations. 
• Proven ability to manage daily accounting operations, including general accounting, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and grant/contract accounting, with strong experience in financial closings, reconciliations, and reporting. 
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP, federal and state regulations affecting higher education, and experience with compliance filings, including Form 990 and UBIT. 
• Expertise in budget development, financial planning, cash flow management, and reporting for audits, IPEDS, and bond compliance. 
• Proficient in accounting software systems, superior Excel skills, and experience with data analysis tools. 
• Experience supporting internal and external audits, with a proven ability to implement process improvements and maintain compliance with institutional procedures. 
• Demonstrated ability to provide mentorship, support professional development, and facilitate cross-training programs, while collaborating effectively across departments. 
• Strong analytical skills to analyze complex financial data and provide actionable recommendations, coupled with excellent communication abilities to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders. 
• Proven ability to manage special projects and serve on institutional committees, providing financial guidance and supporting organizational initiatives. 
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to values of equity, access, and belonging. 

Company Description

Olin College of Engineering seeks employees who are passionate about working collaboratively within and outside of the Olin community to support the College’s mission and vision for the future. At Olin, we are educating the next generation of engineering innovators and shifting the definition of engineering. Not only do our students ask, “Who are we designing this for, and what are their values?” They also ask questions about the impact of their work on society.

 As Olin evolves under the leadership of our president, Dr. Gilda Barabino, we seek to become a more diverse and aware community, a place where everyone is a learner and where everyone is an educator. Olin will become a place where experimentation—including making and learning from mistakes—will be embraced across the institution, not just in the classroom. Collaboration is key to Olin’s curriculum and culture, and we will work intentionally to reinforce the values and culture to which we aspire. We are a community that thrives on being together; we value trust. The College supports teams to collaboratively decide how they can best do their work, and display a commitment to the community, all while providing individuals with overall work-life flexibility.

Olin College is situated on 75 acres in Needham, Massachusetts. We are approximately ten miles from Boston, one mile from the MBTA Commuter Rail train station, and approximately four miles from the Woodland Station for the MBTA Green Line. We have plenty of free parking on campus. You can find more details on our Visiting Campus page.

• Take a Virtual Campus Tour: From the moment you step on campus at Olin, you feel a buzz of energy and activity—and once you experience it, you want to be a part of it.

Olin College is committed to supporting an innovative, integrated learning and working environment. As a small campus, the in-person experience and cross-team collaboration is what helps build a strong, dynamic community for our students, faculty and staff. Typically, most roles at Olin College are intended to be in-person and on-campus. Certain paid positions may be eligible for flexible working arrangements, at the College’s sole discretion. Any approved remote work arrangement for pay must be performed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts where Olin is registered to do business. Individual flexible and remote work options can be discussed during the interview process. 

Benefits

Olin College prides itself on offering to faculty and staff comprehensive benefits that provide both choice and value. These benefits are an important part of total compensation.  

Full-time employees scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week may be eligible for the following benefits: 

Core Benefits

• Medical (three different options) 
• Dental 
• Vision
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (company paid)
• Paid Family Medical Leave
• Long Term Disability (company paid)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with company match
• Liberal sick and vacation time and paid holidays
• Free parking

Additional Benefits 

• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program   
• Business Travel Insurance
• Supplemental 403(b) Retirement Plan 
• Travel Assistance Services (company paid)
• Health Care Management Program
• Pet Insurance

Please note that benefits are subject to change at any time.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

At Olin College we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about a role and have relevant experience, but your work history doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we'd nevertheless encourage you to apply.

Olin College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We especially welcome applications from candidates belonging to groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA people, and people with disabilities. Employees of the College who have a disability are welcome to request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at HR@olin.edu.