The Controller is a key member of the school's business office and is responsible for managing the school's financial operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective internal controls, and compliance with all applicable regulations. The Controller plays a vital role in supporting the school’s mission by maintaining the integrity of its financial systems and by providing timely and actionable financial information to the Head of School. Consistent with the school’s core value and the highest standards of financial oversight, the Controller operates and conducts this job with the highest level of integrity leadership, attention to detail, and communication.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Reporting & Accounting:
Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, and student billing.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable state/federal regulations.
Coordinate and manage the annual audit and prepare required audit schedules and documentation.
Manages pension reporting and compliance (Form 5500, plan updates, and amendments)
Manages 990 reporting in conjunction with an outside accounting firm.
Budgeting & Forecasting:
Assist in developing the annual operation budget in collaboration with the Head of School and department heads.
Provides timely financial reports monthly to the Head of School, banks, creditors, senior administration, and others.
Works with the Head of School to manage and maximize the School’s resources.
Performs financial analysis and projections as necessary.
Monitor budget performance throughout the year and prepare monthly budget-to-actual reports.
Support long-range financial planning and modeling.
Research and implement yearly benefit offerings.
Liaison to the insurance carriers, including periodically sourcing brokers.
Internal Controls & Compliance:
Plans, oversees, and facilitates the annual audits.
Establish, monitor, and enforce internal controls and financial procedures.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax filings and reporting.
Maintain appropriate insurance coverage and assist with risk management initiatives.
Cash Management:
Monitor daily cash flow and manage cash reserves and banking relationships.
Prepares cash flow forecasts and recommends funding strategies.
Coordinate/transfer funds transfer for payroll and pension payments, each pay period.
Team Leadership:
Supervise, develop, and work alongside accounting and business office staff. This includes accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll. Analyze, recommend, and implement appropriate policies.
Oversees student billing and tuition collection, including financial aid posting and reconciliation.
Performs other necessary assignments, temporary or otherwise, as may be assigned.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
A minimum of 5-7 years of accounting experience is preferred, ideally in a nonprofit or independent school setting, with business management experience.
Experience with accounting software (e.g., Blackbaud, Financial Edge, QuickBooks) and Microsoft Excel.
Experience leading a team.
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities Required:
The Controller will play an important role in strengthening the organization infrastructure and supporting the senior leadership team in strategic decision making as the School continues to build capacity to succeed as a financially sustainable organization.
Have at least 5+ years’ experience and will be a top performer with a successful track record managing the financial and human resource functions at an independent school, university or college or non-profit organization, with a robust, multi-cultural and socially responsible mission.
Be a communicator who is versatile in both written and oral presentations; a broad thinker who understands the independent school environment or similar; a good listener who can protect the confidentiality of others; an organizer who meets deadlines in a timely manner; a manager who competently and efficiently allocates time; a leader who utilizes limited resources and staff efficiently.
Ability to be a person of high integrity.
Ability to work effectively with parents, faculty, trustees and consultants, and the skills to function proactively and contribute to a highly collaborative administrative team.
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and function effectively in a complex organizational environment that demands a high energy level, discretion, patience, flexibility, enthusiasm, and humor; thrive in an environment of diverse responsibilities; Demonstrate the ability to work independently, collaboratively, and with supervision.
Demonstrate relevant computer proficiency, including Blackbaud, MS Office, Outlook, and advanced Excel skills.
Ability to work collaboratively to advance the goals and strategic plan of the organization consistent with the Ross Mission, Philosophy, and Core Values.
Ability to lead, model, and engage in cooperative teamwork with others.
Ability to be an active listener and design creative strategies for action plans within the parameters given.
Ability to effectively engage with learners of all levels and backgrounds.
Ability to demonstrate awareness and importance of international education and intercultural understanding.
Ability to read, analyze, develop and interpret documents such as curriculum, school records, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals in the language of instruction.
Ability to communicate in a professional manner, both written and orally with parents, students, colleagues and others.
Ability to speak effectively before groups and /or employees of the organization.
Ability to accept and work in a dynamic setting with multiple priorities.
Ability to demonstrate a sense of purpose and priorities balanced with a sense of humor.
Ability to effectively use technology in communication and instruction.
Ability to relocate from one physical space to another throughout the course of the day as well as travel as needed.
