Carondelet High School (About us) is seeking a detail-oriented, experienced Controller to manage the school’s day-to-day accounting operations and ensure the integrity of financial systems and reporting, while supporting the school's mission. The Controller plays a key leadership role in overseeing the general ledger, ensuring proper classification of all accounting entries, managing the monthly and annual close processes, and serving as the in-house expert on Blackbaud Financial Edge. The Controller will foster a collaborative environment that reflects the values of Carondelet High School.
Essential Responsibilities
-
Lives the mission of the school, in the CSJ tradition, through a thorough knowledge and understanding of the mission, vision, and values of Carondelet High School.
-
Is an equity-focused, inclusive staff member with the ability to support an environment where a growth mindset is a prominent presence in all aspects of school life
-
Embraces the school’s culture of philanthropy
-
Financial Stewardship: Ensure excellence in financial management through accurate, timely reporting and sound accounting practices.
-
Customer Service: Provide superior service to faculty, staff, and families on financial matters.
-
Leadership & Teamwork: Create a positive, motivated work environment and foster collaboration and respect.
-
Communication: Effectively convey financial reports and policies in writing and verbally.
-
Integrity & Compliance: Uphold high standards of integrity and maintain optimal internal controls, ensuring compliance with accounting policies.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Financial Management & Reporting:
-
Oversee accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger.
-
Prepare timely and accurate monthly and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and donor restrictions.
-
Prepare financial reports as required for CFO and school leadership.
-
Support the budgeting processes through preparation, monitoring, and updating of budgets in partnership with the CFO.
-
Handle sensitive financial information with confidentiality and integrity.
-
-
Accounting & Compliance:
-
Own and maintain the school’s general ledger, including preparation of journal entries, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations.
-
Administer the school’s financial software, Blackbaud Financial Edge, including data integration with Raiser’s Edge.
-
Performs account reconciliations, researching and resolving discrepancies, on at least a monthly basis.
-
Complete monthly and annual close in a timely manner.
-
Evaluate and maintain internal controls to safeguard school assets and ensure financial integrity.
-
Maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements, including GAAP and non-profit accounting standards.
-
Prepare and file regulatory documents, including tax filings, welfare exemption filing, and insurance applications.
-
-
Audit & Financial Reviews:
-
Coordinate and manage the annual audit process, preparing audit schedules, and responding to auditor inquiries in partnership with the CFO.
-
Ensure timely completion of the audit and report in partnership with the CFO.
-
Maintain permanent office files for audit schedules and financial records.
-
-
Cash Management & Bank Reconciliations:
-
Supervise cash receipts and bank reconciliations to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
-
Track cash flow to ensure operational liquidity and report any issues to the CFO.
-
-
Fixed Assets Management:
-
Administer the school’s fixed asset management, including recording asset acquisitions, depreciation, and disposals.
-
Prepare fixed asset reconciliations to the general ledger and maintain accurate asset records.
-
-
Tuition & Financial Aid:
-
Work closely with the Admissions and CFO to oversee tuition billing, collections, and financial aid awards.
-
Monitoring with accounting staff issues with past-due tuition and work with families on payment plans, ensuring sensitivity to the school’s mission and community values.
-
-
Budgeting:
-
Collaborate with CFO and department heads to develop and manage budgets that align with the school’s financial goals.
-
Oversee budget preparation, review budget proposals for accuracy, and provide detailed financial analysis.
-
-
Team Collaboration:
-
Supervise and mentor accounting staff, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
-
Work closely with the CFO, school administrators, and department heads to provide financial insights and ensure alignment with the school’s strategic goals.
-
-
Development & Endowment:
-
Coordinate and meet with Development to ensure accurate recording and reconciliation of development activities, including donor-restricted funds and endowment accounting.
-
Ensure proper allocation of scholarships, endowments, and restricted donations.
-
-
Other Duties:
-
Update policies and procedures in partnership with CFO to ensure the school’s financial policies are up to date.
-
Handle additional responsibilities as assigned by the CFO or President.
Qualifications:
-
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred).
-
Minimum of 5-7 years of accounting experience, preferably in an independent school or non-profit environment.
-
Strong knowledge of GAAP and non-profit accounting standards.
-
Proficiency in financial software (experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge required and Raiser’s Edge is a plus).
-
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Google Suite, and database management.
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
-
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Comprehensive benefits package