UTEC Controller

UTEC is a nationally recognized organization that serves young adults who are in need of justice. Our mission is to ignite and nurture the ambition of our most disconnected young people, inspiring them to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success. The program starts behind the walls of correctional facilities and via direct street outreach and transitions into an intensive program in the community post-release. Our educational services, wraparound support and counseling, social enterprises/workforce development, organizing/policy work, training institute, and innovative partnerships create an array of impacts in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve, and beyond. UTEC currently operates in Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill, MA and our programming has served as a model nationwide.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

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

• 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.
• 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.

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

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below:

• 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

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & ROLE SPECIFICATION

This a full time, exempt role. The Controller is eligible for hybrid remote work and can expect to work at UTEC’s offices in Lowell three days per week. The salary for this role is $95,000-$110,000 annually. As part of a robust employee benefits program, the Controller will have access to significant professional development opportunities including the chance to attend national conferences. Benefits include:

• 4 weeks of vacation (3 standard for all new employees and a week of agency-wide closure between Christmas and New Year holidays).
• 12 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 personal days.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Annual cost of living increases.
• 457B retirement plan.
• Up to $4,000 per employee for professional development support.
• With time, benefits include up to 6 weeks of vacation, 80% coverage of employee health and dental insurance costs, and availability for a 3-week sabbatical.
• Emphasis on work-life balance with wellness opportunities including additional time off (e.g., early closure on Fridays during summer months), an employee assistance program, down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, parental leave, bereavement support, and unlimited free coffee.

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application through our online portal promptly. All applicants will receive a response to their application. Please email rcostello@positivelypartners.org with questions or for support submitting your application.

While subject to change, candidates elected to advance throughout the process can expect:

• initial interviews with Positively Partners
• a follow up video interview with Emily Sexton, Chief Finance Officer
• a multi-part in person final interview day and facility tour

The expected start date is Summer 2025. Positively Partners is committed to conducting an equitable, accessible assessment process. If you would like to request an accommodation during the interview process, please email search@positivelypartners.org. Accommodation requests will be handled confidentially.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

UTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage applications from those with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences that reflect the populations we serve.

UTEC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.