Controller

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & General Ledger Management
• Oversee the month-end close process, including the preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and detailed financial analyses
• Produce timely and accurate monthly internal financial statements
• Maintain detailed records of net assets with and without donor restrictions, ensuring compliance with donor intent and accounting standards
• Manage the accounting for the school’s investment portfolio and endowment, fixed assets, and depreciation
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Management
• Consult and offer recommendations regarding the financial feasibility of new programs and initiatives
• Lead the preparation, review, and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets
• Monitor cash flow for both operations and long-term capital projects to ensure institutional liquidity and fiscal health
• Collaborate with budget managers across the school to provide transparent access to data and support effective departmental budget monitoring
• Identify and create opportunities to reduce costs without compromising employee experience
• Audit, Tax & Compliance
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the annual independent financial statement audit and the 403(b) retirement plan audit, preparing all necessary work papers and schedules
• Manage the preparation and filing of the Form 990, quarterly sales tax returns, business property tax, and annual property tax exemption filings
• Ensure timely and accurate quarterly bond debt compliance filings
• Ensure timely and accurate quarterly state and local tax filings
• Design, implement, and maintain robust internal control processes and procedures to safeguard school assets and ensure data integrity
• Institutional Operations & Student Accounts
• Supervise student billing and tuition collection processes in FACTS, providing high-level oversight to ensure accuracy and a positive family experience
• Oversee the accounting functions related to payroll, benefits, accounts payable, and accounts receivable
• Partner with the Advancement Office to ensure accurate gift accounting and reconciliation between the donor database and the general ledger
• Strategic Leadership
• Provide ad-hoc financial analyses to inform decision-making and advise the CFO and Head of School in strategic initiatives
• Represent the business office in committee meetings or school events as requested, serving as a professional ambassador for the school’s fiscal management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• MBA or CPA a plus
• 5 to 10+ years of progressive accounting experience within the not-for-profit sector. Candidates with direct experience in an independent school environment are highly preferred
• Deep understanding of GAAP accounting theory and a proven ability to accurately read, interpret, and present complex financial statements
• Excellent analytical capabilities with a successful track record of identifying trends, ensuring data integrity, and providing insightful financial oversight
• High level of comfort and daily proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite and Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to connect authentically with all members of the school community, from staff and faculty to parents and board members
• Genuine interest in being an active, contributing member of a high-functioning, collaborative team
• Commitment to maintaining absolute confidentiality and protecting the integrity of all sensitive information, whether handled internally or externally
• Deep-seated commitment to being an active participant in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community, ensuring that the business office supports the school’s broader mission and values

Benefits

• 6% non-elective 403(b) contribution (one year waiting period if not coming from a school)
• A menu of Anthem medical plans with 80% premium coverage provided by the School for employees and dependents
• Dependent Care FSA, vision and dental group plans
• Support of ongoing professional development
• Fuel and housing stipends for eligible employees
• Meals are provided on a daily basis when school is in session
• 4 weeks vacation leave

Salary Range

$150,000 to $160,000 based on experience