Controller

Urban School of San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Urban School of San Francisco, located in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, has served its community for nearly six decades. The Controller will lead accounting operations and maintain strong fiscal controls in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

The ideal candidate brings 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience in nonprofit settings, with expertise in fund accounting, endowment activity, and external audits. A CPA and Financial Edge familiarity are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; CPA license required.
• Non-profit accounting experience, preferably with an educational institution.
• 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience, including prior experience as a Controller.
• Demonstrated expertise in fund accounting, including restricted and endowment funds.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, audit processes, and internal control best practices.
• Demonstrated track record of identifying and implementing process improvements to streamline operations and better serve internal customer needs.
• Highly proficient with Financial Edge (required) and familiarity with FACTS preferred; Google Workspace and advanced Excel skills are a must.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, credit card transactions, and ancillary services of transportation and food service.
• Manage the monthly and year-end close processes, including preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and bank reconciliations.
• Oversee bank reconciliations, cash management, and monitoring of operating cash balances.
• Supervise accounting staff and ensure accurate processing of student billing, tuition receivables, financial aid, and contributions.
• Ensure accurate recording of contributed revenue for endowment activity, restricted gifts, annual fund, capital projects, and designated funds.
• Prepare annual financial statements and all schedules required for the annual audit; serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable non-profit accounting standards.
• Review and support preparation of required tax filings, including Form 990, 990-T, and applicable state filings.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, tax filings, professional standards, and internal policies.

Skills

Non-profit accounting

GAAP knowledge

Process improvement

Advanced Excel

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

CPA license

Tools

Financial Edge

FACTS

Google Workspace

Excel

Job description

Located in the heart of the historic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, Urban School of San Francisco has boldly charted its own course for almost 60 years. A proudly diverse and progressive institution since our founding, we do things a little bit differently than other independent schools. Our unique three-term academic year, for instance, with fewer classes each term and much longer class periods, allows for deeper exploration and a range of teaching methodologies. Our enviable location in the center of one of the world’s most exciting and accessible cities allows our 420 students to experience fieldwork, field trips, and meaningful service to the larger community that are integrated into our daily schedule and reflect the core values of the school. The school stands on an exceptionally strong financial foundation, with annual revenue of $32M, endowment/reserves of $30M, a long history of clean audits, and a highly automated and efficient accounting department.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Controller has overall management of accounting operations to ensure strong fiscal controls and accurate financial reporting. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of integrity and accuracy while maintaining a positive service-oriented attitude.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting and Internal Controls

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, credit card transactions, and ancillary services of transportation and food service.
• Manage the monthly and year-end close processes, including preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and bank reconciliations.
• Oversee bank reconciliations, cash management, and monitoring of operating cash balances.
• Supervise accounting staff and ensure accurate processing of student billing, tuition receivables, financial aid, and contributions.
• Ensure accurate recording of contributed revenue for endowment activity, restricted gifts, annual fund, capital projects, and designated funds.

Cash, Investments, and Funds

• Oversee accounting, reconciliation, and reporting for endowment, board-designated, and other invested funds.
• Record investment activity and prepare related financial schedules.
• Assist in the preparation of materials for Finance meetings, including statements and the investment dashboard.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly internal financial statements for department chairs, CFO, Head of School, and Trustee Committees.
• Prepare annual financial statements and all schedules required for the annual audit; serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable non-profit accounting standards.
• Review and support preparation of required tax filings, including Form 990, 990-T, and applicable state filings.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, tax filings, professional standards, and internal policies.

Budget Analysis

• Ensure monthly reports are communicated in a timely manner to departments. Partner with stakeholders to identify variances and develop appropriate solutions and/or recommendations.
• Manage the outdoor trips program by establishing trip pricing and working with program leader to analyze costs and ensure profitability of program.
• Partner with the CFO to analyze performance trends and areas of growth as requested.
• Lead, mentor, and develop staff accountant, while fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, continuous growth, and collaboration.
• Work closely with Development, Admissions, and Human Resources to ensure accurate financials.
• Serve as a key leader during student enrollment and reenrollment by ensuring the completion of parental enrollment agreements, deposits, and payment plans.
• Work with Communications Director on key parental communications during enrollment and at the beginning of the school year.
• Partner with Athletics Department to manage revenue, enrollment, and financial assistance for summer camp.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; CPA license required.
• Non-profit accounting experience, preferably with an educational institution.
• 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience, including prior experience as a Controller.
• Demonstrated expertise in fund accounting, including restricted and endowment funds.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, audit processes, and internal control best practices.
• Demonstrated track record of identifying and implementing process improvements to streamline operations and better serve internal customer needs.
• Highly proficient with Financial Edge (required) and familiarity with FACTS preferred; Google Workspace and advanced Excel skills are a must.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Clear and concise communicator with outstanding written and oral skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; demonstrated track record of working in a fast-paced environment with the ability to prioritize key deliverables.
• Ability to take initiative, solve problems, and multitask within a lean environment.
• Decisive, nimble, and creative.
• A desire to be part of a vibrant school community.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary up to $175,000, 5 weeks vacation/time off from first year of employment, sick leave, 100% employer-paid healthcare for employees, FSA, dependent care spending account, up to 7% 403b match, and pet insurance.

PARKING

Free on-site parking.