The Controller is responsible for directing and overseeing all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury, payroll, reimbursement, and financial compliance functions of the hospital. This position ensures the integrity of the hospital's financial operations through strong internal controls, timely financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial analysis. The Controller partners closely with executive leadership to support operational decision-making, maintain fiscal stability, maximize reimbursement, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation requirements applicable to behavioral health hospitals.
Financial Leadership
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Direct all accounting operations including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, payroll, fixed assets, bank reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end/year-end close.
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Ensure compliance with GAAP.
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Prepare monthly financial statements and variance analyses.
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Prepare reports for executive leadership, ownership, lenders, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
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Provide strategic financial analysis.
Budgeting and Forecasting
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Lead the annual operating and capital budgeting process.
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Prepare forecasts and cash flow projections.
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Monitor budget performance and recommend corrective actions.
Revenue Cycle Oversight
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Provide oversight of patient billing, reimbursement, accounts receivable, collections, denials, contractual adjustments, and revenue integrity.
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Partner with Revenue Cycle leadership to improve reimbursement and cash flow.
Behavioral Health Reimbursement
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Maintain expertise in Medicare, MassHealth, managed care, commercial reimbursement, behavioral health payment methodologies, supplemental payment programs, and hospital cost reporting.
Regulatory Compliance
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Ensure compliance with GAAP, CMS Conditions of Participation, Medicare Cost Reporting, MassHealth requirements, DMH requirements, CHIA reporting requirements, IRS requirements, payroll regulations, Joint Commission standards, and HIPAA requirements applicable to financial operations.
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Oversee all financial reporting required by the Massachusetts Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA), including the preparation, review, and timely submission of annual financial statements, hospital financial and utilization data, and other required reports. Maintain compliance with all CHIA reporting requirements and collaborate with internal departments and external consultants to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timely submission of required data.
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Coordinate external audits and governmental financial reviews.
Internal Controls
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Develop and monitor internal controls over cash, purchasing, approvals, segregation of duties, financial policies, and fraud prevention.
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Recommend process improvements.
Cash Management
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Monitor daily cash position.
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Manage banking relationships.
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Prepare cash flow forecasts.
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Ensure adequate liquidity.
Payroll Oversight
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Oversee payroll operations and ensure compliance with Massachusetts wage and hour laws.
Leadership
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Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate finance staff.
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Develop departmental goals and performance metrics.
Operational Support
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Partner with executive, clinical, HR, quality, revenue cycle, and IT leadership on strategic initiatives, service line development, staffing, and capital planning.
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Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required.
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MBA, MHA, or CPA preferred.
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Five years of progressive accounting leadership experience.
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Three years of hospital finance experience.
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Behavioral health hospital experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Strong knowledge of healthcare accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reimbursement, internal controls, audits, and hospital finance.
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Advanced Microsoft Excel and accounting software proficiency.
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Excellent analytical, communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Key Performance Indicators
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Month-end close completed timely.
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Annual audit completed without material weaknesses.
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Timely Medicare and State Cost Report and CHIA submissions.
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Budget variances maintained within organizational targets.
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Revenue cycle and cash collection goals achieved.
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Strong internal control environment maintained.
