Description
Another Source’s client, Boston University, is recruiting a Controller to join their team. Reporting to the Vice President for Financial Operations, this role offers a career-defining opportunity to lead enterprise-wide accounting and financial reporting at one of the nation’s premier private research universities during a period of sustained growth. Relocation assistance available.
Boston University is operating in growth mode, with undergraduate enrollment reaching 18,090 students in 2025 (4.5% growth year over year), an endowment exceeding $4B, and FY25 total net assets of $6.35B (6.6% growth). In a highly competitive Boston higher education market, this role is well-suited for a senior finance leader seeking scale, complexity, and impact.
Open due to promotion, the Controller serves as the University’s chief accounting officer, responsible for the integrity of the institution’s financial records, internal controls, and reporting. This leader will oversee all internal and external financial reporting, manage complex audits, and serve as a trusted partner to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
Scope & Impact
Provide strategic leadership for a 65-person organization across accounting, payroll, student financial services, research financial operations, tax services, and property management
Directly manage four senior leaders, including: Associate Controller, Payroll Services
Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Services (SFS), overseeing 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
Oversee month-end close, consolidated financial statements, and Board and Audit Committee reporting
Lead all external audits and ensure compliance with GAAP, FASB, and regulatory requirements
Advance modernization efforts, systems improvements, and best-practice financial governance
Qualifications
CPA required; Master’s degree (MBA, MSA, or equivalent)
12+ years of progressive financial accounting and reporting experience, preferably within a large, complex higher education institution or public accounting At least five (5) years in a senior supervisory or managerial role with responsibility for hiring, developing, and evaluating staff
Seven (7) years of higher education audit experience with managerial responsibility may be considered in lieu of the above
Deep expertise in GAAP, FASB standards, internal controls, and regulatory compliance, including state and federal requirements
Demonstrated experience overseeing enterprise-wide financial reporting, including consolidated financial statements, footnotes, and MD&A
Proven success serving as the primary liaison to external auditors and leading multiple audit engagements (e.g., financial statement, Uniform Guidance, NCAA, UFR)
Experience leading and developing large, multidisciplinary teams across accounting, payroll, student financial services, research financial operations, tax, and/or property management
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex processes, systems, and competing priorities
Effective communicator and collaborator, able to influence senior leaders and engage Board-level stakeholders
Track record of advancing process improvement, system modernization, and technology adoption
Experience with enterprise financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Banner, or similar ERP platforms) and reporting tools preferred
Compensation & Benefits
Expected Hiring Range:
$250,000 – $300,000
Final compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, internal equity, and budget considerations.
Boston University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, life insurance, generous paid time off, and tuition remission for employees and dependents.
Commitment to Inclusion
The Department of Financial Affairs at Boston University is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. BU strongly encourages applications from women and individuals from under-represented groups who are excited to serve a university community with diverse needs, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams.
Requirements
Qualifications
CPA required; Master’s degree (MBA, MSA, or equivalent)
12+ years of progressive financial accounting and reporting experience, preferably within a large, complex higher education institution or public accounting At least five (5) years in a senior supervisory or managerial role with responsibility for hiring, developing, and evaluating staff
Seven (7) years of higher education audit experience with managerial responsibility may be considered in lieu of the above
Deep expertise in GAAP, FASB standards, internal controls, and regulatory compliance, including state and federal requirements
Demonstrated experience overseeing enterprise-wide financial reporting, including consolidated financial statements, footnotes, and MD&A
Proven success serving as the primary liaison to external auditors and leading multiple audit engagements (e.g., financial statement, Uniform Guidance, NCAA, UFR)
Experience leading and developing large, multidisciplinary teams across accounting, payroll, student financial services, research financial operations, tax, and/or property management
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex processes, systems, and competing priorities
Effective communicator and collaborator, able to influence senior leaders and engage Board-level stakeholders
Track record of advancing process improvement, system modernization, and technology adoption
Experience with enterprise financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Banner, or similar ERP platforms) and reporting tools preferred
