Controller

Job Summary

The Controller is responsible for the day-to-day accounting operations of a well-established private educational institution, including general ledger management, account reconciliations, month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, and audit preparation. The Controller works closely with the CFO and other members of the Business Office to ensure the organization's financial records are accurate, timely, and maintained in accordance with appropriate accounting standards and internal controls.

This individual should be highly organized, analytical, confidential, efficient, self-motivated, and able to work independently. Additionally, this person should have strong communication skills and be able to positively engage and collaborate with colleagues across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting activities and maintain the integrity of the general ledger.
• Manage the monthly and fiscal year-end close processes.
• Prepare and review monthly journal entries, accruals, reclassifications, and other accounting adjustments.
• Prepare and maintain monthly balance sheet account reconciliations.
• Reconcile bank, investment, payroll, prepaid, fixed asset, liability, and other general ledger accounts.
• Review accounts receivable and accounts payable activity for proper general ledger recording and reconciliation.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and supporting schedules for review by the CFO.
• Analyze budget-to-actual results and assist the CFO with financial reporting and variance analysis.
• Maintain fixed asset records and related depreciation schedules.
• Maintain prepaid expense schedules and other recurring accounting schedules.
• Assist with accounting and reconciliation of restricted gifts, endowment activity, capital projects, and other designated funds.
• Coordinate with the Accounts Receivable Director and Accounts Payable & HR Coordinator to ensure transactions from subsidiary systems are accurately reflected in the general ledger.
• Research and resolve accounting discrepancies and reconciling items.
• Maintain appropriate accounting documentation and internal controls.
• Assist the CFO with cash flow reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and other financial analysis.
• Serve as a primary resource for the annual financial statement audit, including preparation of schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with preparation of information needed for the organization's annual Form 990 and other regulatory filings.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, financial controls, and reporting.
• Develop and maintain written accounting procedures.
• Provide accounting support and guidance to departments throughout the organization as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee, student, donor, and financial information.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.



Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible accounting experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and financial reporting.
• Nonprofit, independent school, or educational accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with QuickBooks or similar accounting systems.
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong general ledger, reconciliation, and financial analysis skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to independently research and resolve accounting issues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet monthly and annual reporting deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and departments throughout the organization.
• Ability to carry out duties and responsibilities confidentially, accurately, and efficiently with a high degree of personal initiative, ownership, and minimal direction.
• An appreciation of and commitment to education, diversity, and serving the needs of a diverse population.
• Flexible, energetic, and committed to maintaining a high level of integrity.