Are you an accounting leader with a CPA or Master's degree?
Do you have prior experience working in nonprofit or education environments?
We are currently in search of a Controller for an Independent School. The position is on-site in Mettawa, IL. This is a full-time, permanent position.
ORGANIZATION TYPE: Independent School
LOCATION: Mettawa, IL /northern CHI suburbs (on-site)
POSITION TITLE: Controller
SCHEDULE: 40 hours/week
ANNUAL SALARY: $100,000 - $140,000
Is This Your Dream Job? The Controller will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the School’s accounting and related functions. This role reports to the CFO and is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the School’s financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP, regulatory requirements, and best practices for 501(c)3 institutions
Our Ideal Candidate:
· Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and/or Masters in related field preferred
· In depth-understanding of U.S. GAAP, FASB standards, and fund accounting principles specific to non-profit entities
· Demonstrated knowledge of audit processes, financial statement preparation, and IRS tax compliance for nonprofits, including IRS Form 990
· 3+ years of successful supervisory experience with direct reports
· Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP Systems
· Excellent oral and written communication and management skills
· Proven ability to manage multiple priorities
· Ability to work collaboratively with community members
How You Will Spend Your Day:
· Supervise and support Business Office staff (Staff Accountant, AR Coordinator, AP Coordinator) and oversee daily financial operations.
· Maintain and strengthen internal controls by developing and documenting business processes, accounting policies, and financial reporting procedures.
· Manage all financial reporting, including government and bank compliance, tax filings, year‑end reports, and preparation for trustee committees and board Finance/Endowment meetings.
· Ensure accuracy of accounting records, including GL activity, reconciliations, budget‑to‑actual comparisons, and departmental budget support.
· Coordinate and lead the annual audit and prepare schedules for IRS Forms 990/990‑T with external auditors and tax partners.
· Oversee banking relationships and manage all cash activity, including operating balances, loan payments, line‑of‑credit draws, fund transfers, wires, and ACH approvals.
· Partner with Advancement on pledge reporting, endowed fund setup and management, and accurate posting/documentation of contributions.
· Prepare bond paperwork, complete required surveys, and support cross‑departmental requests as needed.
· Serve on committees and task forces, support the CFO, and engage in ongoing professional development.
We’d love to hear from you.
If this sounds like the job for you, we would love to help make that happen. Please apply using the link below.
For more information about Careers In Nonprofits and our other available opportunities and workshops, please visit our website at www.careersinnonprofits.com.
Careers In Nonprofits is an equal opportunity employer. Empowered by the #ILoveMyJob mission, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment within the nonprofit sector.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regretfully can only respond to those candidates who best meet the requirements of a specific position or whose backgrounds are generally applicable to our client base. Please rest assured that we retain all candidate information for possible future matches, even if you do not hear from us in regard to your application in response to this ad.