Controller

Job Title: Controller Reports to: Chief Financial Officer Type: Full-Time Location: Lowell, Massachusetts (Hybrid) Salary Range: $110,000-$125,000 About UTEC Inc.

UTEC’s promise is to ignite and nurture the ambition of our most disengaged youth to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success. UTEC’s outcomes-focused model begins with intensive street outreach, reaching proven high-risk youth where they’re at. UTEC engages youth in workforce development and educational programs and provides mental health services and intensive case management. Social justice and civic engagement are embedded in all programming. For more info, please visit www.utecinc.org.

UTEC is committed to its vision for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion which pledges to honor the lived experiences and expertise of individuals; create community and celebration of cultures; challenge all forms of oppression; and embody a culture that leans into discomfort and recognizes it as a growth opportunity. UTEC is dedicated to fair and equitable compensation practice, the health, mental health, and overall well-being of young adults and staff and to creating an environment that supports work-life balance and the individual and professional growth of all.

Job Summary

The Controller is responsible for the oversight of all finance and accounting activities at UTEC. They are responsible for ensuring quality, accuracy, and timeliness in all financial operations. The Controller contributes to UTEC’s success by ensuring strong fiscal oversight of all contracts and budgets, detailed review of accounting, and accuracy in all transactions. The ideal candidate will have experience managing contracts and the ability to partner with non-finance team members to set budget priorities. This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department staff, including two direct reports.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance & Fiscal Oversight

• Oversee operations of the Accounting Department, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and payroll.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain financial records in compliance with contract management requirements.
• Set and oversee the monthly closing calendar; review closings with staff.
• Ensure all journal entries are reviewed and approved before posting.
• Review all monthly billing for state and federal contracts with the CFO and Budget Analyst; liaise with external partners to confirm contract details, budget amendments, and process adjustments as needed.
• Review aged accounts with the CFO and oversee collection efforts.
• Maintain schedules for recurring tasks such as building improvements and manage related reimbursements.
• Manage year-end schedules and lead the annual audit to a timely and successful conclusion.
• Manage day-to-day banking relationships.
• Oversee internal and external financial reporting to required institutions.

Team Supervision

• Manage training programs and assess ongoing training needs.
• Provide direct supervision to the Senior Accountant and Budget Analyst.
• Hold regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to provide feedback and address performance concerns.
• Conduct annual written performance reviews for all direct reports.
• Coach the Senior Accountant to effectively manage the accounting team.
• Identify professional growth opportunities for all direct reports, align with available resources at UTEC, and ensure staff understand the impact of their roles on agency-wide goals and metrics.

Budget Tracking & Oversight

• Access contract funds via portals and monitor payments against billings.
• Review and enhance UTEC staff’s allocation workbook to prevent duplication.
• Participate in the development of annual contract budgets.
• Responding to finance-related questions from staff across the UTEC team.
• Collaborate with the CFO to review the monthly billing forecast and escalate potential issues.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting/finance roles, preferably with nonprofit organizations, including experience as a Financial Controller, is required
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration, or comparable professional experience required
• Experience managing accounting for a $10M (+) organization, with a strong preference for experience managing contracts
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
• Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work with minimal supervision
• Ability to effectively communicate with contacts outside the organization
• Demonstrated expertise collaborating with team leaders outside the finance department to ensure effective budgeting and tracking
• General ledger accounting software experience is highly preferred
• CPA or CMA preferred, but not required

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent management and supervisory skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Proficient in accounting and software
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
• General ledger accounting software experienced highly preferred
• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks
• Ability to work with a minimal amount of supervision
• Works with individuals both internal and external to the organization

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration required
• Proven working experience as a Financial Controller required
• Minimum 5-10 years experience in accounting/finance
• Experience managing the accounting for a $10M (+) organization
• CPA or CMA preferred but not required
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
• Experience with creating financial statements
• Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process

Compensation

The salary range is $110,000–$125,000. UTEC offers a competitive benefits package that starts with 3 weeks of vacation plus a week off between the Christmas and New Year holidays, 12 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 personal days, and 3 bereavement days, as well as health, dental, and vision insurance starting day one. We also offer life insurance, first-time homeowners down payment assistance, cost-of-living increases, a paid sabbatical after three years, and a 401K retirement plan with up to $2,000 savings match. See more about our benefits here.

UTEC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, UTEC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.