Controller

The role of the Controller is an integral part of the Business office responsible for coordinating and assisting in the preparation of financial reports, such as income statements, balance sheets, and analyses of historical and future income and expenses, in addition to other special reports that may be needed. The Controller also oversees the functions of accounting, audit, and budgeting. The role is a supervisory role within the business office and reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Responsible for managing the accounting department, ensuring accurate and timely financial information.
• Preparing monthly financial statements, including variance analyses.
• Supervising student billing and general accounting operations.
• Supervise, review, reconcile and post payroll.
• Reviewing account reconciliations monthly.
• Providing support in the hiring, training of accounting department staff.
• Ensuring timely, accurate payment of debt service.
• Preparation and monitoring of departmental budgets and forecasts working with other administrators and department heads concerning budget performance.
• Communicating accounting policies to affected employees and ensure compliance with such policies.

Audit

• Taking lead position on preparation of schedules and work papers for annual audit (school and 403b plan).
• Taking lead position on Form 990 preparation.
• Maintaining permanent office files for all audit schedules prepared by school.

Surveys

• Preparing all periodic surveys and reports for the school's trade organizations (e.g., NAIS, NBOA, and MISBO)
• Preparing other similar data as requested

General Responsibilities

Cash

• Supervising all incoming cash receipts and deposits.
• Maintaining daily cash balances and review reports from bank daily.
• Providing weekly cash reports to CFO.

Other

• Oversee the School Store
• Oversee inventory reports and spot checks.
• Collaboration with Marketing and Communications to ensure products are appropriate for Shipley brand.
• Prepare and review financial reports for Finance Committee, attend meetings, take notes for minutes.
• Instrumental in implementation of new computer systems for optimal accounting and student billing software.
• Other miscellaneous tasks as may be assigned in support of the Chief Financial Officer.
• Oversee school store personnel.

Qualifications and Expectations

• A bachelor's degree in accounting with a minimum of 5 years' experience in non-profit accounting, including managerial experience, preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with school representatives, parents, students, and representatives from the business community.
• Working knowledge of business accounting policies, procedures, practices, and software programs.
• Ability to supervise and manage multiple functions and activities.
• Occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.

Shipley and Its Commitment to Equity

The Shipley School, founded in 1894, is a co-educational, college preparatory, independent day school currently enrolling approximately 800 students in grades Pre-K through 12. Located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, the school is committed to educational excellence and dedicated to developing in each student a love of learning and compassionate participation in the world.

The Shipley School is committed to equal employment opportunities for all individuals. The school will make all employment decisions for employees and applicants without unlawful discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, pregnancy, age, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity and expression, creed, genetic predisposition, victim of domestic violence or any other basis protected by law.