Vice President of Finance

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC or Center) is a quasi-governmental investment agency that supports life sciences innovation, education, research & development, and commercialization in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Our mission is to ensure that the life sciences in Massachusetts remain the most dynamic, verdant ecosystem of its kind in the world.

These investments create jobs and support advances that improve health and well-being.

Through our investments, programs, collaboration and partnerships, the MLSC is committed to creating jobs and economic impact, and supporting scientific advances that will improve the health and well-being of patients across the world.

The Vice President of Finance is the member of the Centers Executive Management Team (EMT) responsible for leading the Centers Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, and Payroll.

This position also drives the Centers business planning process, influencing financial priorities and is responsible for the continuous assessment of the Centers financial position.

The Vice President of Finance works with the President/CEO and Executive team to develop and implement the Centers strategic and business plans.

The Vice President of Finance plays an integral role in contributing to the day-to-day, tactical and strategic decisions and plans for the Centers infrastructure.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, SYSTEMS, AND COMPLIANCE

* Oversees all financial functions including: finance, accounting, purchasing, payroll, banking and risk management activities for the Center.
* Establishes and maintains financial policies and procedures consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and ensures their execution, including detailed rules and standards that have been issued by the Government Accounting Standards Board(GASB).
* Directs the procedures and systems necessary to maintain proper records and afford adequate accounting controls and services and in other activities as custodian of funds, securities and assets of the Center.
* Oversee the maintenance and continuously improve the Centers business systems: NetSuite ERP, Adaptive Insights, SmartSimple, including directing outside consultants to enable future enhancements and developing in house KPI reporting capabilities of the Centers impact.

* Manage the annual audit by external auditors and audits by the State Auditors office.
* Appraises the Centers financial position and issues to EMT and the Board of Directors and related sub-committees.

STRATEGY AND BUDGETING

* Serves as a strategic partner to create, maintain, and assist with the structure and processes necessary to manage the Centers current activities and its projected growth.
* Lead the Centers annual operating budget process.
* In partnership with Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F), and Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED), participate in annual $10M budget process for the Centers Investment Fund funding.

Interface with the Centers MarComm team to engage the appropriate stakeholders for continued support of the Centers funding.

* Manage and maintain the Centers capital fund including a five year capital budget ($150M
– $200M).

Works with Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and Executive Office for Administration and Finance on funding and status of awards.
* Oversee the Centers $20M-$30M annual Tax Incentive programs including developing and administering reporting and compliance policies.

Works closely with MA Department of Revenue on program administration and enforcement.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

* Serves as a strategic partner to EMT regarding the development of programs and compliance of all grants, tax incentives, and other investments made by the Center.
* Lead the Centers Angel Investor Tax Incentive program including external interaction with early stage life sciences companies, partner accelerator programs, and angel investors.

* Lead the Centers Tax Incentive Program in concert with the Centers Business Development team.

ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNANCE

* In partnership with the Chief of Staff, General Counsel, and outsourced HR Director, coordinate the implementation of human resources, payroll and benefits policies and activities such as open enrollment and new hire onboarding.

* Represents the Center in dealings with awardees, vendors, and other key external contacts.
* Performs other duties and responsibilities as may be requested.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Manages the following: Finance Manager, Senior Grants Analyst, Finance & Business Systems Analyst, outsourced accounting services providers, and other personnel as may be requested.

Requirements

* CPA required; Masters degree (MBA with concentration in Finance preferred) and 8-10 years of direct management experience in finance and administration.
* Proven understanding of financial practices applied to Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).
* Evidence of partnering with executive staff, resulting in the development and implementation of new policies and financial management strategies.
* Leadership ability, especially related to program design and implementation, demonstrating financial.
* Track record of working with technology leadership to manage critical operating systems.

* Record of managing a team of financial administrators, including engaging and developing staff.
* Strong analytical skills and experience translating a strategic vision into an operational model.
* Ability to apply and explain pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies and programs.
* Skilled in exercising a high degree of initiative, judgment, discretion and decision making to achieve objectives.
* Developed critical thinking skills to identify alternative solutions required.
* Proven record of working in multidisciplinary teams that share and leverage the strengths of its members.
* Knowledge in Finance, Accounting, Operations, Human Resources and Information Technology preferred.
* Outstanding communication, presentation, writing & design skills, analytical and problem solving abilities are required.
* Team focused with a proven management ability to achieve defined goals.
* Superior project management skills/experience required.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

* Responsible for the Centers financial controls, financial reporting and planning, risk management and treasury operations.

* Manages the Centers annual budget process and audit.
* Oversees the financial and budgeting operations of the agency, including working with other stakeholder agencies (i.e.

the Executive Office for Administration and Finance).

* Work directly with EMT to operationalize state funded program budgets.

* Ensures the sustainability and appropriate forecasting of program budgets.
* Acts as a signatory authority for all agency state and federal contract activity.

EXTENT OF PUBLIC CONTACT

* This position has extensive contacts with internal and external constituents, including board members, business groups and associations, local and state officials, economic and community development organizations.