Controller

POSITION TITLE: Controller REPORTS TO: Chief Financial & Operations Officer SUPERVISES: Accounting Supervisor FLSA STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt Hybrid PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: 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 MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Accounting & Financial Reporting • Overseereconciliation of all accounts to the general ledger,accounts payable, accounts receivable,balance sheet reconciliations,and cash management functions. • Ensuretimelyandaccuratemonthly, quarterly, and annual financial statementsin accordance withGAAP and nonprofit accounting standards. • Preparedashboards, budget v. actuals, anddetailed financial reports for the CFOO, leadership, and Board committees. • Maintain the integrity of all financial records, schedules, and reconciliations. Internal Controls & Fiduciary Integrity • 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. • Serve as a key guardian of fiduciary discipline across the institution. Audit & Compliance • Ensuretimelycompletion 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. Budget Support & Financial Operations • Support the CFOO in annual budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. • Monitor budget-to-actual performance andidentifydiscrepancies or emerging issues. • Partner withleadershipto ensureaccurateexpense coding and financial accountability. • Assistinmaintainingmulti-year financialmodelstools. Restricted Funds & Endowment Accounting • Oversee accounting for restricted, temporarily restricted, and unrestricted funds. • Ensureaccuratetracking and reporting of endowed funds, capitalcontributions, and donor-restricted contributions. • Partner with Advancement and the CFOOto ensure compliance with gift agreements and donor intent. Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement • Maintain andoptimizefinancial systems, including ERP/accounting platforms(Blackbaud/NXT),reporting tools, and p-cards. • Lead process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. • Ensure consistent financial procedures acrossBudget Managers, departments, and programs. • Support documentation and training related to financial policies and procedures. • Learnnew technology, including AI, to automate functions Team Leadership & Collaboration • Supervise and mentor accounting and finance staff. • Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability,teamwork,service, and continuous improvement. • Collaborate closely withFacilities, IT,Human Resources,Safety andSecurity,Advancement, and Academicleadership. • Serve as a trusted internal resource for financial questions and guidance. • Communicate effectively with families, with consistency, clarity, and compassion. EXPERIENCE: Required Experience • 6+ years of progressive accounting orfinancial managementexperience. • 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 Experience • 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, andinvestment/endowmentreporting. SALARY RANGE: 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. Please note that compensation will be prorated based on the employee's date of hire and Department of Labor (DOL) classification, including but not limited to full-time, part-time, exempt, or non-exempt status. All compensation is subject to applicable deductions and withholdings in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Nothing in this job posting shall be construed as a guarantee of any specific wage, benefit, or term of employment. Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees so classified.