Controller

Position Title: Controller
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

Position Summary

The Controller is a key member of the Business Office leadership team, responsible for the integrity of the School’s financial systems and reporting. This role oversees all accounting operations, including general ledger, student billing, cash management, audit coordination, and financial reporting. The Controller ensures compliance with GAAP, internal policies, and financial regulatory requirements and plays a critical role in supporting strategic financial planning and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Reporting

●      Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with GAAP.

●      Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with institutional reporting needs.

●      Prepare monthly and quarterly financial statements, including variance and trend analyses.

●      Supervise student billing, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger functions.

●      Review and approve monthly reconciliations and journal entries.

●      Manage accounting for restricted gifts, endowments, investments, and related fund activity, ensuring compliance with donor intent and reporting standards.

●      Support the CFO in developing and monitoring annual budgets and multi-year forecasts, and in preparing materials and analysis for the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee.

●      Maintain and communicate accounting policies and procedures across departments.

Training & Process Education

●      In partnership with the CFO, develop and deliver training for faculty and staff on financial processes, systems, and policies to promote understanding, consistency, and compliance.

●      Serve as a resource for departments on budgeting, purchasing, and expense tracking.

Data Integrity & Governance

●      Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and security of financial data across systems.

●      Establish and maintain governance protocols for the ledger structure and financial reporting hierarchy.

●      Collaborate with IT and administrative teams to ensure data flows support institutional goals and audit readiness.

Internal Controls & Compliance

●      Design and implement internal controls to safeguard assets, ensure accurate reporting, and mitigate risk.

●      Monitor compliance with debt covenants and reporting requirements; maintain schedules of debt service obligations and ensure timely payments.

●      Lead the preparation of audit schedules and serve as primary liaison for the annual financial statement and retirement plan audits.

●      Coordinate the preparation of IRS Form 990 and other regulatory filings.

System Integration & Optimization

●      Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve systems and processes.

●      Partner with IT to integrate financial systems with other institutional platforms (e.g., student information systems, HR/payroll, advancement, as appropriate).

Cash & Treasury Management

●      Monitor daily cash flow and manage short-term liquidity.

●      Develop and maintain short- and long-term cash flow forecasts to support operational and strategic planning.

●      Oversee all incoming receipts and disbursements.

Data & Benchmarking

●      Complete annual surveys and peer benchmarking reports (e.g., NAIS, ABOPS, NBOA).

●      Provide financial data and analysis to support institutional decision-making.

Leadership & Collaboration

●      Supervise and mentor accounting staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

●      Collaborate with department heads and administrators to support budget management and financial literacy.

Qualifications

●      CPA strongly preferred; bachelor’s degree in accounting or equivalent experience.

●      5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit, independent school, or higher education accounting, including supervisory experience.

●      Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and nonprofit financial reporting.

●      Experience with accounting software (e.g., Blackbaud, Fund Driver) and advanced Excel skills.

●      Demonstrated ability to train and support non-financial staff in understanding financial systems and processes.

●      Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.

●      Commitment to the mission and values of St. Mark’s School, including integrity, service, and community.