Controller

About the role

The Controller plays a critical role in advancing Saint Mary Hall’s financial stewardship, sustainability, and operational excellence. This position is responsible for leading the School’s budget development, forecasting, and budget‑to‑actual analysis, while also managing the front‑end financial operations of the Business Office, including accounts payable, procurement workflows, vendor onboarding, and expense management platforms. Serving as a strategic partner to academic and administrative departments, the Controller will meet monthly with department leaders to review financial performance, provide guidance, and support informed decision‑making consistent with the mission of an independent, college‑preparatory school.

Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

• Coordinate and manage all month-end, quarter-end, and fiscal year-end close processes.
• Prepare, analyze, and distribute monthly financial statements, management reports, budget-to-actual analyses, and cash flow projections.
• Produce financial statements in collaboration with Badger and support the CFO in communicating financial results to the Board of Trustees.
• Support the CFO, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees by preparing materials and analyses necessary for financial oversight and strategic decision-making.
• Develop and maintain financial reporting tools, dashboards, and performance metrics to support data-driven decision-making.

Accounting Operations

• Manage and oversee all accounting functions, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, cash management, payroll reconciliation, and account reconciliations.
• Ensure timely and accurate recording of financial transactions in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Review accounting processes and recommend efficiencies and best practices.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Establish, monitor, and continuously improve internal controls designed to safeguard School assets and ensure financial integrity.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Develop, document, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal control standards.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting requirements, donor restrictions, and applicable independent school financial reporting standards.

Audit and Tax Reporting

• Provide audit support and prepare necessary documentation.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and coordinate all aspects of the annual financial statement audit.
• Prepare audit schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to auditor inquiries.
• Coordinate the preparation and filing of IRS Form 990 and other required regulatory filings and reports.
• Address audit findings and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Fund Accounting and Advancement Support

• Partner with the Advancement Office to ensure accurate gift recording, donor restriction tracking, endowment accounting, and compliance with fund accounting requirements.
• Monitor and reconcile permanently restricted, temporarily restricted, and board-designated funds.
• Coordinate with the Advancement Office regarding fund accounting needs.

Cash and Treasury Management

• Monitor cash flow and supervise accounts payable and receivable operations.
• Maintain adequate liquidity and monitor operating cash requirements.
• Assist with banking relationships, treasury management functions, and investment reporting as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• CPA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting or financial management experience, preferably in an educational or nonprofit environment.
• Experience with month-end close, financial statement preparation, budgeting, and audit support.
• Familiarity with fund accounting and managing outsourced vendors preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with internal controls, financial reporting, audit management, and compliance oversight.
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, restricted funds, endowments, and donor reporting requirements strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting executive leadership, finance committees, and governing boards preferred.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Advanced Excel skills, including financial modeling, pivot tables, and data analysis preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with various departments.
• High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Collaborative partnership with administrators, faculty, and staff.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and ethical decision-making.
• Commitment to customer service and stakeholder support.
• Independent school experience preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• Frequent sitting, occasional standing, and walking.
• Manual dexterity required for computer use and handling documents.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Visual acuity for reviewing financial documents and computer screens.
• Ability to concentrate and manage multiple tasks in a busy office setting with frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to communicate clearly in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Ability to attend occasional evening meetings, including Finance Committee and Board meetings, as needed.