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Controller

WHO ARE YOU?  You are a hands-on Controller with a passion for building teams and process improvement. As a dynamic Controller in a small education-technology company, you will oversee our day-to-day accounting operations, which includes managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, general ledger, and sales and use tax returns.
 
WHO ARE WE?  We are passionate, lifelong learners, and creative thinkers working daily to develop culturally authentic language solutions for learners in the K12 through Higher Education space
 
WHAT IS THE ROLE ABOUT? The Controller position is hands -on – working closely with the team and actively engaged in the day to day as well as serving as a coach and people manager; developing and reviewing work, building teams, and serving as the point of contact for interdepartmental and external parties (including tax groups, auditors, and banks). As an accounting leader, you will lead the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy and compliance with US GAAP. And as a key player in our organization, you will drive continuous process improvement, deliver exceptional customer service, and measure success through performance objectives. You will ensure that our processes and procedures support organizational growth and effective program implementation, leading to clean audits.
 
IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:
  • Oversee all internal accounting functions, including monthly and quarterly close, cash management, reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, fixed assets, general ledger, and sales tax returns.
  • Lead accounting functions to ensure accurate record-keeping, reporting, and compliance with US GAAP.
  • Ensure timely and accurate production of financial and management reports and tax returns.
  • Analyze financial statements, manage the close process, and finalize monthly financial reports.
  • Develop and implement internal policies and procedures for accounting, auditing, tax accounting, payments, investments, cash management, and government reporting.
  • Maintain current knowledge of accounting standards and regulations.
  • Develop and mentor team members at various career levels.
  • Evaluate workflows and processes for efficiency and effectiveness, recommending and implementing improvements.
  • Partner with other functional areas to provide consultative accounting support for planning initiatives.
  • Ensure technical accounting memos are updated and aligned with the latest standards.
  • Liaise with HR regarding payroll processing and confidential employee information, and act as the 401k administrator.
  • Maintain the integrity of financial information by understanding the accounting system of record and peripheral systems.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, tax, and bank representatives, and lead audit and tax filing preparation.
  • Support the VP of Finance and Senior Leadership Team with special projects as needed.
 
YOU MUST HAVE (MINIMUM REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE)
  • Bachelors degree in Accounting or Finance required
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in accounting and finance
  • 5+ years of experience managing diverse accounting operations teams
  • Advanced understanding of finance and accounting controls and compliance; identify, assess and mitigate risk in business processes
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Technical knowledge of US GAAP and proficiency with financial/ERP systems, payroll, and Microsoft 365/ office suite applications
  • Solid leader; conveys a strong vision and build a team to execute
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills;  effectively communicate complex financial information to both Accounting and non-Finance oriented audiences
 
IDEAL IF YOU HAVE or ARE (PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE)
  • CPA
  • Combined experience of public accounting and entrepreneurial environment, strong plus
  • Prior experience with GreatPlains and ADP
  • Proven success managing multiple, competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
 
LOCATION 
Hybrid: Suitable candidates must be willing to work onsite in our Boston office at least 2 days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) with 3 or more days desired. Candidates must reside within MA, RI or Southern NH and be willing to meet this requirement to be considered. Relocation assistance is not available at this time.  
 
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Average salary estimate

$135000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$120000K
$150000K

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What You Should Know About Controller, Vista Higher Learning

Are you a hands-on Controller with a knack for building teams and implementing process improvements? If so, we want you to join our vibrant education-technology company! In this dynamic role, you'll manage our day-to-day accounting operations, taking charge of everything from accounts payable and receivable to payroll, fixed assets, and tax returns. We pride ourselves on being passionate, lifelong learners dedicated to crafting culturally authentic language solutions for K12 to Higher Education. As the Controller, you'll not only lead the month-end close process but will also develop and coach your team, ensuring everyone's skills shine. You'll collaborate with various departments while maintaining compliance with US GAAP. Your expertise will help drive continuous process improvements, deliver stellar customer service, and guarantee our financial reports are timely and accurate. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the internal policies and procedures that support our growth and successful program implementation. We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can effectively communicate complex financial information across the board. Join us in creating innovative educational experiences while helping our organization maintain clean audits and smooth operations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Controller Role at Vista Higher Learning
What are the primary responsibilities of the Controller at our education-technology company?

As a Controller at our education-technology company, you'll oversee all accounting functions, manage the month-end close process, and ensure compliance with US GAAP. You'll handle accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and prepare financial management reports, in addition to mentoring your team and collaborating with other departments.

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What qualifications are required for the Controller position at our education-technology company?

To apply for the Controller position at our education-technology company, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, have a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in accounting, and 5+ years managing accounting operations teams. A CPA designation and experience with public accounting are preferred.

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How does the Controller support organizational growth in the education-technology company?

The Controller plays a crucial role in supporting organizational growth by ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance, thereby allowing for informed decision-making. By developing internal policies and driving process improvements, the Controller helps maintain operational efficiency and effectiveness.

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What skills are ideal for the Controller role in our education-technology company?

Ideal candidates for the Controller role should demonstrate strong leadership abilities, analytical and problem-solving skills, and proficiency with US GAAP and ERP systems. Excellent communication skills are also vital for conveying complex financial information to both accounting and non-finance audiences.

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What is the working environment like for the Controller at our education-technology company?

The Controller position at our education-technology company offers a hybrid working environment. Candidates should be willing to work onsite in Boston at least two days a week, fostering teamwork and collaboration while maintaining flexibility in work arrangements.

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Common Interview Questions for Controller
Can you describe your experience with managing accounting operations?

When discussing your experience with managing accounting operations, focus on specific scenarios where you led your team through monthly closes or compliance audits. Highlight your approach to improving processes and any successful outcomes that demonstrate your leadership and organizational skills.

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How do you ensure compliance with US GAAP in your accounting practices?

To ensure compliance with US GAAP, discuss your methods for staying updated on the standards, how you implement changes within your team, and how you conduct regular audits. It’s important to show that you not only follow these guidelines but actively reinforce them within your organization.

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What process improvements have you implemented in previous roles?

When discussing process improvements, provide specific examples where your initiatives led to increased efficiency or lowered costs. Focus on the methodologies you used, such as Lean or Six Sigma, and the positive impact these changes had on your team's performance and reporting accuracy.

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How do you manage the month-end close process?

Detail your structured approach to managing the month-end close, such as leading meetings with your team to ensure deadlines are met and reviewing reconciliations for accuracy. Emphasize your attention to detail and how you prepare reports that reflect the company's financial state accurately.

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Can you give an example of how you’ve mentored team members?

When discussing mentoring, share a specific instance where you supported a team member's professional growth. Highlight your approach to providing constructive feedback, creating tailored development plans, and the resulting advancements in their career or skills.

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How do you approach communication with non-financial stakeholders?

Discuss your strategies for communicating complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders. Use examples that show your ability to simplify terms and contexts, ensuring stakeholders feel informed and confident in financial discussions.

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What tools or software do you prefer for financial reporting?

Share your experience with various financial reporting tools and software, focusing on ERP systems you've used effectively. Explain why certain tools work well for you in terms of data visualization and real-time reporting, which helps drive accurate business decisions.

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Describe how you handle competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

When faced with competing priorities, outline your methods for effective time management and prioritization. Use real examples to demonstrate how you assess the urgency and importance of tasks, adapting swiftly to ensure deadlines are met without sacrificing quality.

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What’s your strategy for ensuring the integrity of financial information?

Discuss your multi-faceted approach to ensuring financial information integrity, such as implementing checks and balances, conducting regular audits, and training your team on compliance and ethical standards to maintain high accuracy in reporting.

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How do you stay current with changes in accounting standards?

Convey your proactive strategies for staying informed about changes in accounting standards, such as subscribing to relevant publications, attending workshops, and participating in professional organizations. Show how this commitment has positively influenced your previous work.

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Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
March 23, 2025

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