The Controller reports to the Chief Financial Officer and plays a key role in the finance function of The Galloway School (“Galloway”). The Controller is responsible for financial reporting and accounting operations, including the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, across a budget of approximately $25 million. The role includes responsibility for general accounting and review of payroll, and oversight of accounts payable and accounts receivable.

The Controller works closely with school leadership and department teams to support sound financial management and provide clear, relevant financial information, while recommending and administering accounting policies and procedures and maintaining a comprehensive system of internal controls designed to safeguard Galloway’s assets.

This is a hands-on role that requires both attention to detail and the ability to operate at a higher level, balancing routine monthly close activities and reconciliations with more complex analysis and special projects. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to present financial information to senior leadership and board-level committees. The role also supports selected operational areas, including insurance, risk management, and auxiliary functions.

Education and Experience

Qualified candidates will hold a CPA license and a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in financial reporting under U.S. GAAP and managing the financial close process, preferably in a not-for-profit setting, including strong experience in fund accounting and the accounting for restricted and designated funds. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to lead and develop a high-performing team through mentoring and training and fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain appropriate systems of internal control to ensure accurate financial reporting and safeguarding of the School’s assets.
• Maintain the chart of accounts and related fund accounting structure, ensuring alignment with the School’s financial reporting needs.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports, including variance analysis and related commentary.
• Prepare year-end financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Prepare and post general ledger journal entries and complete key account reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain fixed asset accounting, including related activity and supporting schedules.
• Support the annual budgeting process and ongoing monitoring of results against budget, including identification and explanation of key variances.
• Coordinate and oversee the annual financial statement audit, annual retirement plan audit, and Form 990 preparation, ensuring all required supporting documentation is prepared and available in a timely manner.
• Liaise with the School’s auditors in connection with the 403(b) plan financial statements and oversee the preparation and filing of Form 5500.
• Complete and submit periodic surveys and compliance reports for school industry organizations (e.g., NAIS, SAIS, NBOA, INDEX) and other stakeholders.
• Prepare and reconcile investment activity and related analyses, ensuring accurate accounting for all investment transactions.
• Prepare fundraising reconciliations, ensuring gifts, pledges, and related activity are accurately reflected in the general ledger.
• Partner with the Development department to monitor and evaluate the collectability of outstanding pledges.
• Prepare materials supporting CFO presentations to the Board of Trustees and related committees; attend committee meetings as required.
• Serve as an authorized signatory for check payments and approve wire and ACH transactions.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• A high degree of computer literacy and exemplary, high-level skills in spreadsheet-based financial analysis.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting and financial reporting software and experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors.
• Ability to analyze and organize financial data and perform complex computations accurately.
• Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance leadership.
• Strong oral and written communication skills that measurably surpass the average.
• Experience effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, board or other outside partners.
• Works well with peers, superiors and parents. Maintains courteous, respectful relations with all seeking counsel on problems and complaints.
• Demonstrated self-starter able to multitask and consistently work without direct supervision while finishing tasks both timely and accurately.

THE GALLOWAY SCHOOL MISSION

The Galloway School is a community where learning is joyful, individuals are valued, and self-discovery is encouraged. Galloway students confidently embrace challenges while developing the knowledge, skills, and cultural competence to thrive as enlightened contributors in their chosen pathways.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION STATEMENT

At The Galloway School, diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral parts of our mission, history, culture, and identity. The members of the school value and affirm the individuality of each person in our community. We truly commit to having a diverse community and intentionally supporting these efforts through our policies, curricula, programming, and resources. The Galloway School continuously examines and renews our commitment to fostering a community that welcomes and respects each individual.