Controller

Established in 2003, the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF), a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists to raise philanthropic funds in support of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s mission and highest aspirations. Located on the Amherst campus and wholly dedicated to supporting the University’s mission, UMAF is a separately governed nonprofit organization with its own health, wellness, and retirement benefits. UMAF serves the University of Massachusetts Amherst community by serving as a best practices resource for fundraising strategy and implementation. The UMAF team encompasses all University Advancement operations and includes alumni and donor communications, engagement, cultivation, and annual, major and principal gift solicitation, as well as gift processing, stewardship, and corporate and foundation relations. Through best-in-class delivery, UMAF creates a bridge between donors and the schools, programs, faculty, and students that make up the university. We help to match caring people with meaningful opportunities that support both UMass Amherst’s mission and the personal objectives of our donors. 

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Controller holds a high level of responsibility for the oversight of key finance, budgeting, and reporting activities for UMAF and the University of Massachusetts Amherst Alumni Association (UMAAA). More specifically, the Controller leads the day-to-day accounting operations, including functional responsibility over accounts payable, gift accounting, payroll, and banking. The Controller ensures that the Foundation maintains and, as appropriate, improves the systems, procedures, and controls to support effective program implementation and reporting. The Controller works closely with department directors and their staff, not only to educate them regarding finance and accounting procedures, but also to explore how the finance function can support the advancement of their initiatives.

Note: This is a full-time hybrid position. 

RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Oversee the accounting function of UMAF and UMAAA, providing professional accounting expertise as related to maintaining an effective chart of accounts, ensuring compliance with accounting principles, regulations, and reporting standards in accordance with the nonprofit and higher education industry sectors.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly and annual financial statements, including income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow forecasts.
• Provide strategic input into the responsible investment, management, and allocation of UMAAA resources and assets to support strategic goals.
• Coordinate the yearly financial audit and 990 filings to meet reporting deadlines.
• Financial reporting as requested by internal or external parties.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of effective internal controls to safeguard UMAF and UMAAA assets.
• Oversee banking relationships and ensure effective cash management procedures are in place.
• Streamline financial processes and systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversee the AP, Payroll, and General Ledger functions.
• Assist HR with benefits administration.
• Develop and maintain relationships with banking, insurance, and other service providers.
• Coordinate flow of funds and accounting allocations with the UMass Amherst Controller’s Office and UMass Foundation to facilitate financial activities.
• Participate in the annual budget process.
• Assist the AVP-FA in maintaining appropriate lines of insurance coverage for UMAF and UMAAA, including fiduciary liability, cyber liability, worker’s compensation.
• Work with the AVP-FA to develop internal control policies, guidelines, and procedures for activities, such as budget administration, procurement, cash management, and accounting.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages professional growth and development.
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, customer service, efficient processes and continuous improvement within the finance department.
• UMAF is building and growing, and this position will support those efforts with other duties and projects as assigned from time to time. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred
• Minimum 8 years of accounting and budget experience.
• CPA or equivalent or Master’s degree preferred
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit accounting preferred.
• Management strengths in strategic planning, staff development, financial analysis and forecasting, business model design, contract negotiation, conflict resolution, and the ability to collaborate with teams across the organization.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial statements
• Experience with financial modeling and budgeting software
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams diplomatically and sensitively.
• Independent decision-making and good judgment in handling confidential material. Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment. Excellent follow-through and attention to detail.
• Ability to operate with strong personal integrity and work ethic and maintain a sense of humor and perspective.
• Champions a diverse culture where opinions are welcomed and valued. Demonstrated ability to effectively work and interact respectfully within a diverse and inclusive environment. 

BENEFITS

• 20 vacation days, 12 holidays, 12 sick days, 5 personal days, and 2 office closure days.
• 4-day summer work week.
• 401(k) plan. You contribute 5% and receive a 10% match.
• Health insurance packages for medical, dental, and vision.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave to use within 1 year of childbirth. An additional 6 weeks available for the birthing parent. Part-time work for full-time pay for the first 4 weeks post parental leave.
• Learn more about our benefits.

Proposed Annual Salary Range
$115,000 - $130,000

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION 

At the UMass Amherst Foundation, we understand the value that diversity, equity, and inclusion bring to our workplace, our constituents, and our community. View our DEI Statement here 

We welcome and value diversity in all its forms and recognize that a diverse and inclusive team strengthens our work and advances our mission. We recognize that the benefits of a diverse team are fully realized when people of all races, gender identities, ages, ethnicities, cultural heritages and nationalities; educational backgrounds; religious and political beliefs; sexual orientations; abilities; and socioeconomic and veteran status are valued, respected, and included at every level. 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 careers@uma-foundation.org to request accommodation.

OUR VALUES (S.T.E.W.A.R.D.S)

UMAF is committed to building a team with these shared values:  

Service:  We focus on the needs of others above ourselves and support our colleagues when they need help. 

Trust, Transparency, and Teamwork: We value honesty, trustworthiness, and open communication. Our colleagues can count on us for support. 

Excellence: We pursue excellence in all that we do – each time, and learn and grow as a team. 

Wellness: Our work culture provides flexibility and empowers individuals. 

Accountability: We accept full responsibility for our decisions, actions, and results. 

Respect: We respect each other and celebrate our different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds. 

Donor-Centric: We find intersections between donor’s experiences and values, and our organization’s priorities and funding needs. 

Synergy:  We connect, communicate, and collaborate within teams, and across functions to enhance our effectiveness and impact. 

Questions regarding the position or anything else related to careers with UMAF may be directed to the People & Culture team at careers@uma-foundation.org