Mission

Open Window School nurtures and inspires students of high intellectual potential.

Overview

Open Window School (K-8, coed, 358 student day school) is seeking highly qualified candidates for its Controller position.

Open Window is dedicated to serving gifted students. With a strong commitment to social-emotional learning, these exceptional young people are nurtured and inspired in both their academic and personal growth. Parents/guardians and students alike are quick to point out the strength in the faculty and the close relationships Open Window teachers forge with their students. Open Window students have true enthusiasm for deep and accelerated learning, with an emphasis on project-based initiatives with real world application. Innovation and risk taking are encouraged within a supportive environment. Open Window School graduates are empathetic, academically well-prepared, innovative problem solvers, purposeful global citizens with a commitment to equity and inclusion. This is a place where it is cool to be smart and the expectation is that our students will graduate and make a difference in high school and beyond.

Located on a beautiful campus in Bellevue, Washington, 10 miles from the center of downtown Seattle, Open Window benefits from its unique location; it is surrounded by woods right in the middle of one of the fastest growing metro populations in the country. The school enjoys a robust and growing pipeline of students which will continue to drive demand for the type of rich educational experience guided by Open Window’s mission and values.

Position Overview

The Controller is an integral part of the Business Office with key responsibilities for the day-to-day accounting, budgeting, and financial aid functions of School. They are also responsible for managing various state, federal, and other regulatory compliance requirements. The Controller works closely with various people throughout the school (other staff, trustees and parents) and reports directly to the Director of Finance & Operations (DFO).

Major Areas of Responsibility/Specific Duties:

• Manage all accounting for the school, specifically the month-end financial close process. Prepare journal entries, review journal entries prepared by others insuring an accurate close process in accordance with GAAP rules.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports including the analysis and monitoring of budget variances.
• Prepare monthly budget reports for all departments and assist department budget managers in meeting operational budget goals and objectives.
• Support the review of budgeting, costing, and reporting for Auxiliary and Summer programs.
• Assist the DFO in the modeling and preparation of annual operating budgets.
• Work with the HR Manager to review monthly payroll prior to submission to payroll vendor.
• Oversee Fixed Asset control, accounting and management.
• Assist the DFO in developing and maintaining accounting policies & procedures and ensure that proper internal accounting controls are in place and adhered to.
• Support the Financial Aid application process with the collection of required information, analysis preparation, and coordination of the approval and notification of financial aid awards.
• Provide oversight of annual audit activities (schedule preparation, responding to inquiries, etc.) including the preparation of the annual Form 990 and coordinating the annual engagement with external auditors.
• Maintain the general ledger system and database. Engage with accounting and business system(s) provider(s) on the review and analysis of system issues, system improvements, implementation of new software releases, and training opportunities for Business Office staff.
• Assist in the oversight of Business Office related records retention.
• Supervise the Business Office team member charged with accounts receivable and accounts payable.
• Other duties as needed and assigned.

Qualities & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or relevant experience.
• 7+ years finance related experience.
• Experience in non-profit fund accounting.
• CPA or CMA certification a plus.
• Experience in education is a plus.
• Excellent cultural competency, willing and able to work with multiple groups of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Maintain cordial, flexible, and professional relationships with colleagues and parents.
• Excellent written and verbal skills demonstrated via phone, email, and in-person conversations.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, collegially, and collaboratively. Positive team member.
• Strong computer skills and proficient user of Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, as well as a willingness to learn new technology as needed.
• Experience with Blackbaud software solutions (accounting, philanthropy & tuition management) and CampBrain is a plus.
• Experience in managing/coordinating the financial aid process is a plus.
• Supports our mission statement to nurture and inspire students of high intellectual potential.

Position Details:

Manager:                                Director of Finance & Operations

Compensation:                       $110,000 to $125,000 annually

Position Classification:            Full Time, Exempt

Hours:                                      Core business hours of 8am – 4pm, occasional evening or weekend work (i.e. monthly Finance Committee meeting)

Benefits include:

• Vacation leave, sick leave and paid holidays
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (paid 100% for employee only coverage)
• Employer paid Health Reimbursement Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403(b) Retirement Account, Pre-tax & Roth Options (eligible for employer contribution and employer match after one year of service)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Professional development and training opportunities

 Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be verified by the Human Resources Manager after an employment offer has been extended and accepted. Please reach out to Human Resources at hr@ows.org if you need information on a medical or religious accommodation.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, your resume, and answers to the Diversity Commitment Questions below. Applicants must submit an answer to both of the following Diversity Commitment Questions as a single word or pdf document:

• How would you define diversity?
• Describe how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in your current or prior job. If necessary, candidates can draw upon their experience in community organizations if professional experience is limited.

Please be prepared to provide 3-5 professional references and one personal reference if requested. If you are unable to apply online, you are welcome to fax your resume, cover letter, and answers to the Diversity Commitment Questions to 425-644-6320.

Open Window School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, or other status legally protected by local, state, or federal law.

About Open Window School

Mission and Philosophy Children First, Gifted Second Open Window School is carefully designed to meet the needs of children with high intellectual ability. Our students are understood and appreciated as unique, complex human beings who are engaged in the vital process of discovering themselves and the world around them. We offer a rich, dynamic academic program featuring exceptional depth and challenge balanced with the nurturing support of caring and dedicated educators. Our differentiated and accelerated curriculum provides rigor in areas of strength while building a strong basic academic foundation. We emphasize innovation, communication, independence, as well as critical and creative thinking. Students develop self-confidence as learners who can tackle demanding problems and grapple with new ideas. Relevant leadership opportunities and real-life applications of classroom concepts ignite learning and connections to a global society. In addition to stimulating academics, Open Window nurtures positive social skills, emotional resiliency, respect for others, and collaboration. We promote citizenship by fostering personal integrity, ethical awareness, and multicultural und...erstanding. Working in partnership with parents, Open Window cultivates confident students who love to learn. Graduates possess the habits and skills necessary for academic excellence as well as personal success, and they recognize their potential for future innovation and leadership in their chosen fields. Diversity Commitment At Open Window School, in furtherance of our mission and philosophy, we embrace both our commonalities and the complex range of differences that enrich our school. We are committed to building a community guided by the following questions: Is it welcoming? Is it inclusive? Is it respectful?

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Connections working at Open Window School