Controller

MISBO; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Health insurance

Retirement plan with match

Life and AD&D insurance

Tuition remission for employees' kids

Job summary

St. Anne’s-Befield School is seeking aController to lead day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and strong internal controls. You will report to the COFO and partner on budgeting, cash management, and endowment oversight in a nonprofit educational setting.

The role requires a CPA-leaning background, 5+ years of accounting and supervisory experience, and deep GAAP knowledge. Competitive salary and benefits accompany a mission-driven work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years in progressive accounting and financial analysis with supervisory experience.
• CPA license highly desirable.
• Experience with GAAP and non-profit accounting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting under GAAP.
• Develop and monitor operating budget; provide variance alerts and forecasts.
• Manage the annual financial audit and IRS filings (990/990T).
• Oversee accounts payable, payroll, and general ledger.
• Establish and monitor internal accounting policies and controls.

Skills

Financial reporting

Budgeting

GAAP compliance

Internal controls

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Tools

Excel advanced

Non-profit accounting software

Job description

Salary: $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 Annually

Application Deadline: N/A

Position Title: Controller

• Department: Finance & Accounting
• Reports To: Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO)
• Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Controller leads the day-to-day accounting operations, ensures accurate financial reporting, and maintains strong internal controls to safeguard the School’s assets. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO), you will serve as a critical strategic partner in budgeting, cash management, and endowment oversight. This is an exceptional opportunity for a detail-oriented, collaborative finance professional to drive fiscal integrity and support the operational goals of a dynamic educational community.

Essential Functions

• Drive Financial Reporting: Lead the timely and accurate production of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting packages in strict accordance with GAAP.
• Budgeting & Analysis: Partner with the COFO to develop, monitor, and analyze the operating budget; provide proactive variance alerts and forecasting tools for special projects and capital expenditures.
• Audit & Compliance: Manage the annual financial audit, serve as the primary liaison for independent auditors, and oversee the timely filing of IRS Forms 990 and 990T.

Accounting Operations & Controls

• Oversight & Integrity: Oversee daily activities across accounts payable, billing, collections, fixed assets, and the general ledger to ensure best practices. Approves payroll.
• Safeguard Assets: Establish, implement, and monitor strong internal accounting policies and procedure checks across all departments.
• Tax & Reconciliation: Manage monthly bank reconciliations, execute inter-fund cash transfers, and handle semi-annual state sales and use tax refund filings.

Endowment & Revenue Management

• Endowment Administration: Reconcile quarterly investment reports, post general ledger entries, and ensure strict compliance with donor letters of intent.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Align general ledger gift records with the Advancement Office to streamline tracking for pledges, new gifts, and annual stewardship reporting.
• Tuition Tracking: Optimize student billing and enrollment management systems to accurately track net tuition revenue monthly.

Team Management & General Operations

• Mentor Staff: Supervise, mentor, and foster a collaborative environment within the business office staff.
• Data Reporting: Complete external surveys, compliance reports, and industry financial data requests (e.g., DASL).

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting and financial analysis experience, featuring heavy transactional oversight and previous supervisory/management experience. Non-profit experience is a bonus.
• Credentials: CPA license is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Advanced computer literacy with exceptional spreadsheet-based financial modeling and data analysis skills. Knowledge of non-profit accounting principles is strongly preferred.

The Ideal Candidate

• Seeks a meaningful, long-term commitment to a vibrant school community.
• Champions accuracy over precision—valuing the big picture while maintaining meticulous attention to foundational data.
• Is "locked in on goals but flexible on tactics."
• Possesses the communication skills and empathy to teach business terminology and financial concepts to non-financial faculty and staff.

What We Offer

• Salary $110,000 - $140,000, based on experience
• Generous paid time off (PTO) — up to 6 weeks vacation + 3 personal days annually
• Shared cost high-quality medical, dental, and vision insurance
• School paid short-term and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance
• Retirement plan with match
• Supplemental insurance policies
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition remission and program discounts for children enrolled at the school
• Free, after-school care for children enrolled at the school
• Free lunch when school is in session
• 20% discount to the St. Anne’s-Befield School store

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply directly on our Career Opportunities website.