Carondelet High School Controller

 

Carondelet High School (About us) is looking for a full-time Controller. The Controller is responsible for overseeing and managing the accounting operations of the school, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and supporting the school's mission. This role involves overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, managing internal controls, and preparing financial reports to provide financial insights that support strategic decision-making. 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:

1. Financial Management & Reporting:

   • Oversee accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger.

   • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and donor restrictions.

   • Prepare financial reports as required for CFO and school leadership

   • Manage budgeting processes, including the preparation, monitoring, and updating of budgets in partnership with CFO

   • Conduct variance analyses and provide financial insights to inform strategic decisions in partnership with CFO

   • Handle sensitive financial information with confidentiality and integrity.

2. Accounting & Compliance:

   • 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, quarterly, 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 filings, and insurance applications.

3. Audit & Financial Reviews:

   • Coordinate and manage the annual audit process, preparing audit schedules, and responding to auditor inquiries in partnership with CFO.

   • Ensure timely completion of the audit and report in partnership with CFO.

   • Maintain permanent office files for audit schedules and financial records.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.