"Controller"

Job Details

Job no: R-0000002759

Position Title: Controller

Faculty or Staff: Staff

Full Time or Part Time: Full time

In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote: Hybrid

Minimum Starting Rate of Pay: $164,313.00
Rate of pay commensurate with experience

Start Date: 01/01/2026

Job Description

Mount Holyoke College is seeking a Controller who is responsible for leading the accounting team, providing strategic leadership and management oversight of accounting operations, systems and internal and external financial reporting, and working closely with both internal and external key stakeholders to ensure accurate, timely processing of financial transactions, maintaining sound accounting policies and practices, fostering a culture of compliance, and providing excellent customer service to the campus community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Financial Operations: Drive all aspects of the college's accounting and financial operations, from financial reporting and tax management to gift and grant accounting. Ensure systems and processes are accurate, efficient, and forward-looking.
• Be a Trusted Partner: Act as a critical liaison and strategic partner for both internal and external stakeholders, including the external audit team and the Board of Trustees including the Audit & Risk Management Committee. Collaborate across departments to optimize processes, provide valuable insights, and address emerging financial needs.
• Ensure Compliance and Integrity: Maintain the highest standards of financial integrity and compliance. You will be responsible for developing and implementing sound accounting policies, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring timely, accurate reporting for all required audits and tax filings (e.g., annual financial statements, IRS Form 990 & 990-T, uniform guidance, NCAA, IPEDS, etc.).
• Innovate with Technology: Lead the adoption and integration of key financial systems in partnership with the Workday Finance Director and the Library and Information Services team. Leverage technology to enhance business processes and deliver accurate, timely financial data.
• Cultivate a High-Performing Team: Inspire and mentor the accounting team including, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service. You will provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities to empower the team to excel in support and service.
• Anticipate and Strategize: Stay ahead of changes in accounting standards and government regulations, proactively communicating potential impacts and developing strategies to mitigate financial risks.

Successful candidate must

• Have excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Be detail-oriented with a solid work ethic, unquestioned integrity, excellent written and oral communication, effective interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Ensure the responsible management of College resources.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field and a minimum of seven years related experience in progressive roles that demonstrate broad experience in key accounting functions, financial operations and supervisory capacity.
• Intermediate to advanced skills utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, to acquire, organize, and analyze data.
• Ability to analyze data and processes to determine relevant conclusions and suggest appropriate actions including interpreting, and implementing policies and procedures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and effective interpersonal skills including ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and faculty.
• Detail oriented, able to handle multiple projects, work accurately under time pressures and deadlines, work well independently and as part of a team.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and a willingness and ability to learn new technologies and skills and skilled at hiring, supervising, and developing staff members.

Preferred

• Either a CPA or advanced degree in accounting, finance, or business
• Thorough knowledge of and expertise with the principles, practices, and techniques of higher education/non-profit fund accounting and budgeting
• Experience with Workday Finance

Hiring Range: $164,313 - $186,427

What We Offer

• 403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 10.5% of salary)
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Disability and Leave Benefits
• Life Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Benefits (to Mount Holyoke College or others)
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Access to Kendall Sports & Dance Complex

Background Checks

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Apply online; application materials must include:

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
• A complete resume or curriculum vitae
• For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.