Associate Vice President & University Controller, Financial Operations

Associate Vice President & University Controller, Financial Operations

BOSTON, MA, United States – Full‑Time/Regular – Salary Grade 00 (expected $250,000–$300,000). Report to the Vice President, Financial Operations. As Controller, oversee accounting records, financial reporting, internal controls, technology implementation, and compliance with GAAP, FASB, and regulatory requirements. Lead over 65 staff across Student Financial Services, Financial Accounting & Reporting, Tax Services, Payroll Services, Research Financial Operations, and Property Management.

• Responsible for staff development, including assisting managers in formulating team development plans. Direct reports include:
  • Associate Controller, Payroll Services
  • Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Services (SFS) – Student Customer Service, Cashier Services, and Student Loans & Collections
  • Assistant Vice President of Financial Accounting & Reporting and Tax Services
  • Associate Controller of Research Financial Operations, including Grant and Miscellaneous Receivables, and Property Management
• Design, establish, and maintain an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish organizational goals; recruit, employ, train, supervise, and evaluate personnel.
• Review month‑end close reporting; prepare monthly board committee presentations; provide routine and ad hoc financial analysis and reports for senior leadership.
• Oversee preparation of university’s consolidated financial statements, footnotes, and Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) in accordance with GAAP; liaise with external auditors and lead all external audits (Financial Statement, Uniform Guidance, NCAA, UFR, etc.); serve as staff to the Board of Trustees’ Audit Committee.
• Establish an internal control environment related to financial information and accounting for university assets.
• Act as committee member for subsidiaries, related parties, task forces, and working groups collaborating with internal and external partners.

• CPA qualified and master’s degree (MBA, MSA, or equivalent).
• 12+ years of financial accounting management experience, with at least five years serving in a central finance role within higher education and managing staff.
• Seven years of audit experience in higher education with managerial responsibilities may be an appropriate substitute.
• Subject matter expertise in internal controls, compliance, and GAAP.
• Strong communication, negotiation, influencing, critical thinking, collaboration, problem‑solving, and empathy.
• Excellent analytical skills, effective handling of complex processes and systems; knowledge of report‑writing applications.
• Demonstrated success managing staff and office operations; strong leadership and team‑building skills.
• Strong time‑management and planning skills to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects while adapting to changing business requirements.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, intellectually curious.

• Extensive experience working in SAP and/or other reporting tools, enterprise‑wide accounting software (e.g., Oracle, People Soft, Banner, ERP), Campus Solutions, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Boston University offers a generous benefits package, including health, dental, life insurance, paid time off, and tuition remission for full‑time employees and dependents. The Financial Affairs department values intellectual, cultural, and social diversity and is committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from women and under‑represented groups.

https://ca Candidates may also be contacted directly through the search process.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.