Controller
Position Overview
The Controller manages the accounting staff, is responsible for the oversight of all accounting policies, procedures, operations, and audits; oversees and manages payroll and the financial aid programs; and is a key member of the team responsible for financial reporting and analysis. As a strategic partner to the Director of Finance and Operations, the Controller must be able to provide leadership in identifying and implementing best practices for all accounting and financial functions while promoting a team and service-oriented environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate fully as a member of the school’s community and the Business Office with an emphasis on effective collaboration in support of a culture of respect, trust, teamwork, accuracy, productivity and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the School’s internal control structure as it relates to the policies, procedures and documentation of all accounting and financial reporting activities, exercise prudent financial judgment.
- Manage the accounting department maintaining a high quality of work in the office; provide training, direction, motivation, and opportunities for skills development.
- Ensure that the school complies with all applicable accounting procedures and standards in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the Financial Accounting Services Board (FASB).
- Prepare timely and accurate financial statements for administration, board of trustees, and banks.
- Oversee generation and distribution of monthly reports for administrators and budget managers. Respond to requests for financial information from budget managers and members of the school community.
- Oversee, coordinate, and perform daily operations for general accounting, student billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash management, fixed assets, payroll and benefits accounting.
- Collaborate with the development office to reconcile and report on fundraising activity.
- Oversee endowment accounting, discounts and allowances accounting, net asset releases and year-end analysis.
- Oversee and maximize the department’s utilization of the Blackbaud, fixed assets, and after school accounting systems and reporting.
- Plan, facilitate, and coordinate annual independent audits including the financial audit, workers compensation audit and the 403(b)-audit including preparation of reports, reconciliations, and financial statements.
- Assist in preparing all required tax returns, government reports, and surveys including Form 5500 for the 403(b)-retirement plan and the health and welfare plans.
- Participate as an ex-officio member of the Finance, Audit, and Investment committees
- Other tasks and duties, as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required
- CPA or advanced degree preferred
- A minimum of seven years’ relevant experience in progressively responsible positions within a not for-profit accounting environment, preferably in private education; three of those years in a supervisory role.
- Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Ability to follow policies and procedures of the school.
- Must be able to complete a satisfactory background check.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability identifying and implementing “best practices” for financial and administrative management
- Advanced computer skills and thorough knowledge of software applications, in particular Google Workspace, Microsoft Excel (e.g. formulas, links within worksheet and workbooks, pivot tables, and macros) and Word, as well as payroll and accounting software applications such as ADP and Blackbaud
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to effectively communicate complex financial or accounting information to non-accountants
- Excellent analytical, strategic, mathematical and quantitative skills
- Must demonstrate strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong organizational skills, ability to establish and manage multiple priorities, and ability to work under pressure while maintaining the highest professional standards
- Ability to manage, motivate and evaluate staff; team building and change management experience preferred
- The ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, parents and other constituents with fairness, respect, consistency and integrity
- Creative ability, a positive outlook, an excellent work ethic and a sense of humor
- Demonstrated ability to embrace and share the school’s mission
- Must be able to sit for long periods at a desk working on the computer
Salary & Benefits:
Salary range: $100,000-$140,000, commensurate with experience.
This is a full-time 12-month position.
We thrive to provide a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package that supports our faculty and staff, including: health insurance, prescription drug benefit, vision, healthcare/dependent care flexible spending account (FSA), long term disability, life insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), 403(b) with employer matching, tuition reduction for employees’ children, up to 30 paid holidays, sick time and personal time, and early dismissal on Fridays.
About:
The school creates a Jewish educational experience in which each child, from 15 months through eighth grade, is known, belongs, is engaged, and is inspired. Faculty, staff, and students benefit from a highly collaborative and mutually supportive environment in which individual strengths are recognized, cultivated, and essential to the success of the community.
Individuals who work at the school must thrive in a culture grounded in the following shared values:
- Believing there is no limit to better
- Providing honest and kind feedback
- Failing forward
- Leaning into complexity
- Being kinder than necessary
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