Controller — Nonprofit School Finance Leader

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

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.