UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS DARTMOUTH
POSITION DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Controller
BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: Non-unit
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance & Budget
DIVISION: Administration and Finance
DEPARTMENT: Finance
EEO STATUS: 1.4
JOB CODE: 012
SUPERVISES: Provides supervision to staff in the following areas: Assistant Controller
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: This senior leadership position manages the activities of the Controller’s Office and
provides expert guidance on the impact of accounting issues on the University’s objectives and policies in accordance with federal,
state and university regulations. The focus of this job is on the strategic implications of business decisions. The Controller must
understand how decisions will translate in current as well as future financial statements and overall financial health. The Controller
must communicate impacts to higher levels with suggested course of action reports that include scenario planning. The Controller
works with managers in the areas of general accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, travel, and other business units. The
Controller is the principal audit liaison for all internal and external audit activity on campus, including preparation of campus annual
and interim financial statements with the system office and external auditors. The Controller manages the integration of the university
finance system (PeopleSoft/Oracle) with accounting operations and actively analyzes financial information through the use of queries,
spreadsheets, databases, and other reporting tools for trend analyses, forecasts, and financial ratios. The Controller will have access to
and provide input regarding data collection and analysis for all collective bargaining proposals prior to their submission to the unions.
As such, the incumbent is a confidential employee as defined in M. G. L. Chapter 150E, Section 1.
EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Responsible for establishing and evaluating all accounting policies and procedures for the campus, including editing and
refining online policy guidelines to improve accessibility and efficiency. Accountable for the accounting operations of the
University to include the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records,
and a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate risk.
 Principal audit liaison for all internal and external audit activity on campus. Coordinates and monitors all financial audits
including preparation of campus annual and interim financial statements with system office and external auditors. Responds
to all audit findings and oversees corrective action plans.
 Manages campus compliance with tax regulations including preparation and evaluation of related and unrelated business
income tax (UBIT) returns, private-use, foreign, national and 1099 activities.
 Directs all post-award sponsored accounting ensuring compliance with federal OMB A-21, A-110 and A-133 regulations.
Manages cash management through the draw-down, billing, and collection of sponsored activity. Principal liaison between
administration and finance (A&F) and the campus research community. Serve as a team oriented leader for effective resource
management, project supervision, and financial analysis with a focus on strategic planning, team-building and performance
measurement.
 Responsible for effective fiscal operations and reporting, financial analysis and planning, and complex financial model
development and management.
 Responsible for the analysis and translation of the impact of business decisions on the financial statements.
 Work collaboratively with the UMASS system controller, treasurer, budget office and other campus controllers to develop
and implement policies and procedures.
 Develop strategies to meet campus goals and objectives in conjunction with University priorities.
 Assist in the development of campus based strategic goals and objectives.
 Prepare and analyze monthly financial reports including federal and state audited financial statements, monthly variance
analysis, cash management reports, disbursement analysis and other Ad Hoc reports as required.
 Oversees the following functions: Accounts Payable, General Accounting, and UMass Pass Financial Services, and financial
reporting.
 Responsible for maintaining the official financial records of the Dartmouth Campus.
 Refers to supervisor for advice or discussion of cases not covered under existing university policy or to request exemption
from existing policy when extenuating circumstance necessitate such action.
 Promote the University's commitment to customer service by: Building effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the
University by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance when needed.
 Attend committee and University meetings as required; provide communication updates to departmental management.
 Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: CPA required.
EXPERIENCE: Significant (seven or more years) accounting or finance experience with increasingly responsible
management duties. Demonstrated experience in financial and strategic planning within the Higher Education field (or
equivalent field).
OTHER: Experience with computerized financial systems, and a proven ability to motivate and lead staff.
Thorough knowledge of financial reporting and analysis software, familiarity with complex integrated systems.
Weekend and evening hours required on occasion as projects dictate. Local, regional, and national travel required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
 Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills;
 Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience in interpreting and articulating a variety of regulations,
policies, and procedures;
 Ability to effectively articulate NACUBO and GASB guidelines.
 Have an excellent skill set with regard to financial analysis coupled with the ability to understand the relationship of detailed
data to big picture, strategic thinking;
 Possess excellent strategic planning ability and creativity in thinking through long range solutions;
 Highly organized and detail oriented;
 Possess the ability to analyze systems and processes in order to maximize operating efficiency and improve customer service
while maintaining compliance with established policies;
 Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships throughout the University community among administration,
faculty, and staff;
 Experience working collaboratively and promoting customer service in a decentralized environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
 Expertise in fund accounting and GASB, financial reporting.
 Experience managing financial operations for colleges and university or other complex not-for-profit entities.
 CGMA, CMA, or master’s degree in a relevant field preferred.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
 Work generally performed in an office.
 Frequent work performed with other people.
 Frequent interactions with staff and managers.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
 Must be able to communicate in English (speaking, writing and reading) at a level to effectively perform the essential
functions of the position.
 Frequent work at a rapid pace.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical Activity
Sitting
Walking
Climbing Stairs
Crouching/Bending/Stooping
Reaching
Grasping
Pushing/Pulling
Near Vision
Far Vision
Talking
Smell
Lifting/Carrying (20 lbs.)
Travel
Frequency
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Occasional
Constant
Constant
Constant
Rare
Occasional
Occasional
Frequency Key (hours per day): Never = 0 hours; Rare = up to 1 hour;
Occasional = 1 to 3 hours; Frequent = 3 to 6 hours; Constant = 6 to 7½ h ours.
October 2015