Controller

French Camp Academy; French Camp (MS); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

French Camp Academy in French Camp, Mississippi, seeks a Controller to lead accounting operations, ensure financial integrity, and support ministries. The role requires guiding the accounting team, coordinating month-end closes, and providing financial oversight across departments in a Christ-centered setting.

The ideal candidate has a strong nonprofit background, advanced degree preferred, and a commitment to faith-based education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• 8+ years of accounting and finance experience with supervisory responsibilities.
• Nonprofit, ministry, or multi-department organization experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting team of four to five clerks.
• Oversee daily accounting operations including payables, receivables, payroll, GL entries, donor gifts, and bank reconciliations; enter monthly transactions for endowment and fixed assets.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Fund accounting

Nonprofit experience

Excel proficiency

Microsoft Office

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Integrity

Independent initiative

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Fund accounting software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Company Description

French Camp Academy is a Christ-centered home and accredited school that serves young people and families for the glory of God. Located on a 900-acre campus in French Camp, Mississippi, it provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow and heal.

Role Description

The Controller is a full-time, on-site role based in French Camp, MS, responsible for leading the accounting operations and supports the financial health and operational effectiveness of French Camp Academy. This position oversees the accuracy and integrity of the organization's financial systems while providing financial oversight for its ancillary ministries. The Controller must demonstrate strong leadership, sound accounting expertise, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; master’s degree preferred.
• 8 or more years of accounting and finance experience required with supervisory experience.
• Experience working with nonprofits, ministries, or multidepartment organizations preferred.
• Experience with Fund Accounting required.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple teams and departments.
• High level of integrity and trustworthiness with confidential information.
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
• Desire to grow spiritually in the study of God’s Word and apply it to daily work.
• Desire to share the Gospel of Christ with others.
• Understanding of Christian education integrating faith and learning, and the biblical foundations of Christian family life.
• Commitment to investing in the lives of young people.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting team of four to five clerks.
• Manage daily accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable,payroll, general ledger entries, donor gift entries and acknowledgement and bankreconciliations. Enter monthly accounting transactions for endowment and fixed assettracking.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all financial transactions by followinga scheduled system of month and annual close.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and assist the CFO in reviewing monthly budgets.
• Maintain and reconcile subledgers and subsidiary systems.
• Lead the team for annual audit preparation, organizing schedules, and documentation.
• Monitor internal controls to ensure compliance with FCA policies and sound accountingpractices.
• Assist with cash flow tracking, budget updates, and expense monitoring.
• Generate reports as needed to support leadership decision-making and organizationalplanning.
• Support annual inventory processes (often facilities, equipment, or campus-related).
• Collaborate closely with the CFO, COO, and operational departments for sharedprojects and budget management.
• Train staff on accounting processes and systems when needed.
• Be part of the overall French Camp Academy staff and participate in activities andtraining as expected.
• Be willing to perform other ministry and job-related duties as need arises

About the Organization

• French Camp Academy, founded in 1885, exists to provide a home and school foryoung people from difficult home situations. The campus is 900 acres consisting ofstudent homes, a school, and facilities to support this mission.
• The organization also operates a 100,000-watt FM radio station, summer campprogram (Camp of the Rising Son), a thrift shop, observatory, bed and breakfast,retail operation which serves travelers along the Natchez Trace Parkway (part ofthe Federal Park System), and the Council House restaurant.
• Located in rural Choctaw County, French Camp, Mississippi is 20 miles north ofKosciusko, 40 miles West of Starkville and 90 miles north of Jackson.
• Financially French Camp Academy is a 501(c)(3) with:
• An annual operations budget of $9 million
• An annual capital budget of $800 thousand plus
• An endowment of $60 million
• 2,500 annual donors
• Staff of 100+
• Approximately 40% of the annual budget is funded through donations, makingdonor tracking and gift reporting a significant part of the accounting function, alongwith managing student accounts and tuition.