Controller

Description

Western Reserve Academy, an independent co-educational boarding/day school seeks applicants for the position of Controller. 

As a member of the Business Office team and under the leadership of the Chief Financial and Operating Officer, primary responsibilities of this role include supporting the financial management and reporting of a $40M operating budget and a $150M endowment. Successful candidates will have a solid understanding of not-for-profit fund accounting, investment recordkeeping, 990 filings, and audit preparation. Priority will be given to those individuals with past experience working in or auditing educational organizations. 

Primary Responsibilities Include:  

1. Manage the school’s endowment, including monthly valuations, annual draws, and processing of capital calls, additions, and redemptions.
2. Prepare monthly internal financial statements and comprehensive reports for the Board of Trustees.
3. Reconcile gift and pledge records with the Advancement Office and resolve discrepancies.
4. Lead the month-end and year-end close processes.
5. Act as the primary liaison with multiple banking partners.
6. Reconcile all cash accounts and periodically review general ledger activity.
7. Monitor cash balances and coordinate transfers with the CFO/COO.
8. Prepare and release wire transfers, manage debt service payments, and ensure compliance with financial covenants.
9. Reconcile fixed assets and support audit preparation and annual 990 filings.
10. Review budget reports, post journal entries, and oversee financial activity for various school programs.
11. Issue and reconcile corporate credit cards.
12. Track and report activity for student-led investment and business initiatives.
13. Support reporting for internal stakeholders, including stewardship reports for Advancement and updates to student group advisors.   

Secondary Responsibilities Include:   

1. Collaborate with Business Office Staff to ensure effective, efficient and compliant recordkeeping.
2. Coordinate input and utilize external sources for benchmark data related to past, current and future trends in independent schools including, but not limited to, DASL.
3. Prepare ad hoc reporting as needed.
4. Serve as back up to Accounts Payable.

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
2. CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred.
3. At least 5 years of experience in nonprofit accounting, ideally in an educational setting.
4. Strong understanding of fund accounting and endowment recordkeeping.
5. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and familiarity with integrated systems like Veracross or similar.
6. Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
7. Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

Western Reserve Academy provides a vibrant and exciting work environment on a 192 acre campus which, during the school year, is home to 435 boarding and day students from 31 states and 40 countries. In addition to a competitive salary, WRA offers an incredibly generous benefits package that also includes free meals and tuition remission.  

To Apply

Visit: https://www.wra.net/about-wra/employment