Controller

The Webb Schools; Claremont (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Claremont, California is seeking a Controller to oversee financial operations and reporting. The successful candidate will have over 10 years of accounting experience, including leadership roles, ideally in nonprofit settings. Responsibilities include managing payroll, audits, and ensuring compliance with GAAP. An MBA or CPA is preferred. This role is integral to supporting the school's mission and requires a collaborative approach to financial governance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Demonstrated ability to design and enforce internal control systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial reporting and internal controls for the school.
• Manage day-to-day accounting operations and payroll.
• Coordinate audits with external auditors.

Skills

GAAP Compliance

Financial Reporting

Payroll Management

Budgeting

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance or related field

MBA or master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Blackbaud

ADP

Job description

Summary

The Webb Schools are a distinctive independent boarding and day school grounded in excellence, authenticity, and purpose, dedicated to educating thoughtful, engaged, and principled leaders. Our close-knit, mission-driven community values trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.

As Controller, you will play a meaningful role in supporting The Webb Schools’ mission by overseeing the financial operations of the school and the affiliated Ray M. Alf Museum. This position is responsible for financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, audits, payroll, and accounting systems, while serving as a trusted partner to senior leadership. The Controller helps safeguard institutional assets, strengthen financial governance, and support thoughtful, long‑term financial planning.

MISSION – Culture & community

The Webb Schools are committed to fostering an inclusive school community characterized by openness, acceptance, and empathy, where all members are valued, respected, and supported. Our community is strengthened by the diverse views, beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Embracing diversity in all its many forms is essential to our mission: in particular, our call is to provide an exemplary learning community that nurtures future leaders who will act with honor and moral courage and serve with a generous spirit.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct day‑to‑day accounting operations for a nonprofit educational institution and affiliated museum, overseeing the general ledger, subsidiary ledgers, payroll, receivables, payables, and fixed assets.
• Maintain full responsibility for accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• In collaboration with HR, lead payroll preparation and audit processes for faculty and staff, ensuring compliance with federal and California employment regulations.
• Serve as the primary liaison for external auditors; coordinate annual audits, prepare schedules, and address findings to strengthen internal controls.
• Design, implement, and monitor internal control frameworks to safeguard institutional assets and reduce financial risk.
• Partner with leadership and the CFO to monitor budgets, analyze variances, and support forecasting and long‑range financial planning.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance or related field of study.
• Experience: Minimum 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, and 3+ years in a leadership capacity in accounting, preferably in a nonprofit or educational environment. Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and audit requirements. Experience managing complex accounting operations, including payroll, fixed assets, endowment & gift accounting, and regulatory reporting. Experience in accounting system implementations, conversions, or major upgrades. Demonstrated ability to design and enforce internal control systems.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, community‑oriented setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: MBA or master’s degree in accounting, finance, or similar field of study.
• Certification: CPA or CMA certification.
• Experience: 15 or more years’ progressive accounting experience and 5+ or more years as a Controller in an independent school, educational, or mission‑driven environment. Experience supporting boards, finance committees, or executive leadership. Change management and process automation experience. Experience with Blackbaud and ADP highly desired.

Core Competencies & Attributes

• Endowment & Gift Accounting
• GAAP Compliance & Financial Reporting
• Complex Accounting Systems (ERP)
• System Implementations & Upgrades
• Audit & Regulatory Compliance
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Variance Analysis
• Payroll & Benefits Accounting
• Fixed Assets & Depreciation

Compensation

The estimated pay scale represents the typical pay range The Webb Schools reasonably expects to pay for this position, with offers determined based on several factors which may include, but not be limited to, the candidate’s experience, expertise, skills, education, job scope, training, internal equity, geography/market, etc. This pay scale applies to the current posting only.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Webb Schools are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate based on perceived or actual race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, pregnancy (or any related conditions), age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, gender/identity/expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.