Controller

Position Summary

The Controller manages the day-to-day financial operations of Portland Jewish Academy and The Mittleman Jewish Community Center, two distinct 501(c)(3) organizations. This role is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the general ledgers, overseeing billing systems (Renweb/Daxko), and supervising the consolidated Payroll/AP function. Beyond traditional accounting, the Controller provides operational management for the IT and Facilities departments, ensuring that the organization’s physical and digital infrastructure supports its mission.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (Masters or CPA/CMA preferred)

• Experience: 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role, preferably in a non-profit, educational or community center environment.

• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of Quickbooks, Excel, Word. Experience with POS software (Daxko), accounts payable (RAMP) software, billing software (Renweb) preferred.

Typical Examples of Work

• Financial Operations & General Ledger:

  • Core Accounting: Prepare and post Journal Entries, maintain the General Ledger, and manage the organization’s cash, investments, and assets.
  • Internal Controls: Proactively flag, investigate, and discuss unusual transactions with the CFO or relevant staff to ensure financial integrity.
  • Reconciliations: Perform daily reconciliations and provide oversight for the Daxko (MJCC POS) system.
  • A/R & Billing: Serve as the primary lead for Renweb (PJA Billing and A/R) and assist departments in resolving customer account issues.
  • A/P: Review, approve and release bill payments through Ramp (A/P Software).
  • Audit & Year-End: Engage with auditors, bankers, and insurance agents; assist the CFO in preparing for year-end audits and tax filings.

• Reporting, Budgeting & Analysis:

  • Financial Statements: Prepare monthly and annual financial statements including comprehensive variance analysis; distribute reports to Department Managers and act as the primary point of contact for their financial questions.
  • Budgetary Support: Work closely with Department Managers to create yearly budgets and financial projections.
  • Strategic Support: Collaborate with the consulting CFO on strategic reporting issues, long-term analysis, and the creation of ad-hoc reports as requested.
  • Data Management: Act as the department expert for QuickBooks, Renweb, and Daxko; build and maintain sophisticated reports using both accounting software and spreadsheets.
  • Endowment: Manage and execute the Quarterly Endowment update.

• Operations & Organizational Mission Development:

  • Operational Leadership: Manage the operations and personnel of the IT and Facilities (Maintenance) departments.
  • Grant & Project Tracking: Manage the financial aspects of grant reporting, tracking, and capital projects to ensure funds are utilized and reported correctly.
  • Financial Assistance: Collaborate with PJA Administration to manage the school’s tuition support program and process MJCC Membership assistance applications.
  • Professional Development: Stay current on industry changes within JCC and independent school management through regular professional development.

Physical Requirements of the Position

• Office Environment: Many duties are performed in an office environment, the position requires the ability to move throughout the campus throughout each day.

• Visual & Auditory Acuity: As well as clear verbal communication ability.

• Dexterity: To operate a computer keyboard and sit for extended periods may be required.

• Limited Travel: May be required.

• Outside of Normal Business Hours: Work may be required.

Supervision

• Reports to: Executive Director (ED) and Consulting CFO.

• Supervision: Directly supervises the Facilities, IT and AP/Payroll departments and functions.