Position Summary

The Controller reports to the Chief Financial Officer, and is responsible for production of timely, accurate financial reporting, developing and implementing accounting policies and procedures in accordance with GAAP, insuring that strong internal controls and effective transaction processing routines protect the assets of the school and providing financial data, information, and statistics as needed to support the financial decisions and operations of the school. The Controller helps prepare and monitor the budget and works to keep expenses appropriately charged consistent with budgeting. The Controller effectively controls the flow of cash through the organization and maintains the integrity of funds, securities and other valuable documents in accordance with cash management policies and accounting procedures.

Essential Functions

Accounting, Transactions and Benchmarking

• Ensure the accuracy and productivity of day-to-day activities of accounts payable, cash disbursements, invoicing/billing, customer credits and collections, payroll recording, fixed asset records, general ledger, in accordance with best practices for GAAP reporting in an independent school.
• Responsible for monthly reconciliations, closing processes, transaction review and verification, and general ledger accuracy

Asset, Liabilities, Revenues and Expense Tracking and Controls

• Analyze, oversee, manage budgeting processes and report on expense budget components such as wage and salaries, fringe benefit programs, departmental expenses, operational expenses and capital projects
• Analyze, oversee manage budgeting processes and report on tuition revenues, financial aid, donor gifts, auxiliary revenues, and other sources of income
• Ensure tracking, analysis, oversight and management of all sources of income and outflow for the school
• Proactively manage and safeguard assets and assure accurate and timely recording of all transactions by implementing accounting policies, internal controls and procedure checks across all departments and aspects of the accounting process
• Proactively manage liabilities and assure accurate and timely recording of all transactions by implementing accounting policies, internal controls, and procedure checks
• Interface with outside audit firms(s), banks and lessors, casualty/liability insurance agent(s), credit card companies, and collection agencies
• Prepare and reconcile bond debt payments; track and manage liabilities proactively

Cash Management

• Monitor daily cash needs of the School and initiate fund transfers as needed
• Calculate and prepare transfers of funds to and from the school's bank accounts and investment accounts
• Reconcile all cash accounts monthly and ensure inter-fund transfers of cash are accurately recorded and reported

Endowment Management

• Reconcile the monthly reports of the endowment investment managers with the school's general accounting records
• Prepare and post to the general ledger endowment entries along with all associated spreadsheets
• Establish procedures, accounting processes, and reporting disciplines to reconcile all general ledger gift records with the Development Office and ensure consistency and timeliness in reporting of incoming pledges and new gifts
• Quarterly transfer endowed gifts received to the Investment Manager
• Manage restricted GL accounts by reviewing transactions in those accounts, which include revenue, expenditure and journal transactions
• Ensure compliance with endowment letter of intent by donor
• Prepare annual stewardship reports for endowed accounts as requested by the Development Department
• Prepare quarterly endowment spend transfer

Financial Reporting

• Maintain the chart accounts
• Monitor and analyze monthly operating results against budget and provide notification of budget and or spend rate issues
• Create internal monthly financial reporting that assists School personnel in adhering to budget constraints
• Develop, produce, improve, manage, and oversee monthly production of financial reporting package in accordance with operational needs, financial reporting requirements, and GAAP
• Provide accurate information, financial reporting, and benchmarks to ensure financial plans and decisions are consistent with organizational goals and financial status
• Provide financial analysis tools to evaluate special projects, programs, capital expenditures, and products costing in collaboration with CFO
• Provide other financial analysis as needed

Financial Audit

• Manage financial audit which includes coordination with independent auditors and School personnel regarding timing and completion of responsibilities
• Maintain knowledge of accounting issues that impact the audit and ensure the school is properly prepared and business department head sufficiently briefed on issues
• Prepare audit working papers including pledge, investment and fixed asset roll forwards, and net assets
• Maintain thorough understanding of the financial statements issued by the independent auditor
• Ensure general ledger of school accurately reflects audit adjustments

Fixed Assets

• Identify & post accordingly fixed asset purchases
• Maintain fixed asset subsidiary ledger and depreciation schedules
• Record sales and dispositions of fixed assets

Taxes

• Responsible for timely filing of the annual IRS Form 990 School Tax Return, 990T & NC CD-405 (both taxable income returns)
• State Sales & Use Tax - file semi-annually for the refund
• Resolve any reporting issues with the IRS and other Federal and State regulatory agencies

General

• Supervision and management of accounting department staff
• Prepare surveys, compliance reports and internal and external information requests for financial data
• Cross-train on payroll and student billing
• Other duties as assigned at the discretion of the Chief Financial Officer

Qualifications and Requirements

• Must successfully complete the St. Anne's-Belfield fingerprinting, background, credit checks, and drug screening requirements for the position
• Four-year degree in accounting or business from an accredited college or university
• Minimum five years' experience in accounting, financial analysis, and budget administration with heavy transactional experience is required
• CPA and non-profit fund accounting experience desirable, but not required
• Previous management experience required
• School experience is preferred but not required
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, and budgeting principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• Strong and demonstrated skills in non-profit accounting and financial administration
• A high degree of computer literacy and strong skills in spreadsheet-based financial analysis
• Ability to analyze and organize financial data and ability to make accurate computations
• A team player with the ability to cultivate a team spirit within the department and organization
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement department and organizational short and long-range goals, as well as to interpret, adapt, apply guidelines and procedures
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills
• Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements