Controller
Position Overview
Mount Saint Joseph High School seeks a collaborative, strategic, and detail-oriented Controller to serve as a key member of the Business Office leadership team. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is responsible for the integrity of the school's financial operations and accounting functions.
Essential Responsibilities
Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger activity, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, payroll coordination, and account reconciliations.
Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.
Prepare financial statements, analyses, dashboards, and management reports for School leadership and external stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), nonprofit accounting standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Maintain the integrity and accuracy of all financial records and reporting systems.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Safeguard School assets through sound financial management practices and risk mitigation strategies.
Monitor compliance with applicable regulations, reporting requirements, and financial policies.
Evaluate operational processes and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Manage the annual external audit process, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, and coordination with auditors.
Serve as the primary liaison for audit activities and ensure timely resolution of recommendations or findings.
Maintain reconciliation schedules related to investments, endowments, restricted funds, and other institutional assets.
Partner with the CFO and department leaders in the development, monitoring, and analysis of departmental and institutional budgets.
Support financial forecasting, scenario planning, and long-range financial modeling.
Analyze financial trends and provide recommendations that support strategic planning and operational decision-making.
Aid School leadership in promoting fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation across the institution.
Collaborate with the CFO and Director of Enrollment Management in developing and monitoring the School’s financial aid budget.
Support the administration, accounting, and reporting of financial aid awards and related activities.
Oversee student billing and collections processes in partnership with the Student Billing Manager.
Work closely with the Advancement Office to reconcile gifts, restricted funds, endowment activity, and donor-related financial transactions.
Lead as a trusted advisor and financial resource to School leadership.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
Build strong working relationships throughout the School community.
Qualifications
Thorough knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Demonstrated experience managing accounting operations, audits, compliance requirements, and financial reporting functions.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate it effectively to non-financial audiences.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial management systems.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
High standards of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
Commitment to collaboration, customer service, and supporting a mission-driven educational environment.
Education & Experience
Required: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Minimum of five or years of progressively responsible accounting or finance leadership experience.
Demonstrated success managing audits, financial reporting, budgeting processes, and internal controls.
Preferred: CPA designation.
Experience in an independent school, educational institution, nonprofit organization, or similarly complex mission-driven environment.
Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT.
Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred.
Why Mount Saint Joseph High School?
Founded in the traditions of the Xaverian Brothers, Mount Saint Joseph High School is a Catholic college-preparatory community committed to educating young men to become leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion. The Controller will play a vital role in supporting this mission by helping ensure the School’s long-term financial strength and stewardship of resources that directly impact students, faculty, staff, and families.
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $80,000-$85,000 per year.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to:
Diane DeSantis
Chief Financial Officer
ddesantis@msjnet.edu