Controller

Providence High School is a diverse, mission-inspired community dedicated to preparing young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world. As an independent Catholic school in Burbank, California, we promote the common good and foster a culture of impact to fulfill our mission to be “steadfast in serving all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable.” Providence serves an ethnically diverse student population who live within 75 different zip codes.

About the role

The Controller is a financial leader responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and day-to-day execution of the school’s financial operations, reporting directly to the Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO), directly managing the Accounting Supervisor, and working cross-functionally with Advancement, Enrollment, and Budget Managers. The Controller ensures that all accounting, financial reporting, and internal control systems meet the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility for an institution with an annual operating budget of $20+ million. This role requires a proven track record of enhancing, automating, and optimizing accounting and finance processes, including technical expertise in ERP systems. The Controller brings exceptional attention to detail, deep technical accounting expertise, consistency and clarity in communication, serving as the CFOO’s primary partner in maintaining financial excellence, regulatory compliance, and institutional trust.

Responsibilities

• Oversee reconciliation of all accounts to the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash management functions.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Prepare dashboards, budget vs. actuals, and detailed financial reports for the CFOO, leadership, and Board committees.
• Maintain the integrity of all financial records, schedules, and reconciliations.
• Design, implement, and continuously strengthen internal controls to safeguard institutional assets.
• Ensure segregation of duties, approval workflows, and documentation standards across all financial processes.
• Monitor compliance with internal policies, donor restrictions, and Board-approved financial practices.
• Ensure timely completion of audit schedules, confirmations, and required disclosures.
• Support preparation of Form 990 and other regulatory filings in partnership with the CFOO and external advisors.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial and tax regulations applicable to independent schools and nonprofit organizations.
• Support the CFOO in annual budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance and identify discrepancies or emerging issues.
• Partner with leadership to ensure accurate expense coding and financial accountability.
• Oversee accounting for restricted, temporarily restricted, and unrestricted funds.
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of endowed funds, capital contributions, and donor-restricted contributions.
• Partner with Advancement and the CFOO to ensure compliance with gift agreements and donor intent.
• Maintain and optimize financial systems, including ERP/accounting platforms (Blackbaud/NXT), reporting tools, and p-cards.
• Lead process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
• Supervise and mentor accounting and finance staff.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, teamwork, service, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with Facilities, IT, Human Resources, Safety and Security, Advancement, and Academic leadership.
• Serve as a trusted internal resource for financial questions and guidance.
• Communicate effectively with families, with consistency, clarity, and compassion.

Requirements

• 6+ years of progressive accounting or financial management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• MBA/CPA strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in a Controller role.
• Proven responsibility for financial operations supporting $20M+ annual budgets.
• Extensive hands-on experience with:
  • GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
  • Month-end and year-end close processes
  • Internal controls and audit preparation
  • Financial reporting and reconciliations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an independent school, higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex mission-driven organization.
• Experience working closely with a CFOO and supporting Board-level reporting.
• Familiarity with tuition-driven revenue models, financial aid accounting, and investment/endowment reporting.

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $150k - $167k. Final compensation within this range will be determined based on the candidate’s years of relevant experience, education, and internal equity considerations.