Financial Controller

The John Thomas Dye School; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

A private elementary school in Los Angeles seeks a Controller to lead financial operations, including monthly financial reporting and compliance management. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, 5+ years of experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in accounting software. This full-time position offers a salary range of $135,000 to $145,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of accounting experience required.
• 2+ years of supervision/management experience required.
• Experience in an independent school or non-profit setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the monthly financial close process and reporting.
• Oversee compliance with IRS and state nonprofit reporting requirements.
• Support the Financial Assistance program with reporting and inquiries.

Skills

Accounting experience

Leadership skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s in Accounting

CPA or MBA (preferred)

Tools

Blackbaud

Microsoft Office Suite

ADP (or similar HRIS)

Job description

Overview

The John Thomas Dye School is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational elementary school in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1929, John Thomas Dye School (JTD) serves 336 students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 with approximately 85 full-time faculty and staff. JTD is located on an 11-acre campus in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. JTD stands at a pivotal moment as it embarks on a transformative capital campaign and construction project.

The Controller is responsible for leading core financial operations of the School, with a strong emphasis on monthly close, financial reporting, all audit requirements, tax reporting, misc. financial compliance, student tuition and fee billing, and general financial management. As a strategic partner to the Director of Finance (DOF), the Controller will also verify accuracy of contributions receivable in partnership with the Advancement Department, liaising with the Parents' Association on financial matters, serving as a member of the Financial Assistance Committee, and attending committee meetings of the Board of Trustees to support the DOF with documentation and minutes. This position supervises the Business Office support staff to ensure accurate and timely financial data for decision-making and compliance.

Compensation & Benefits

Base pay range

$135,000.00/yr - $145,000.00/yr

Position details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Accounting/Auditing
• Industries: Primary and Secondary Education

Responsibilities

• Priority areas
  • Monthly Close Process and Financial Reporting
  • Audit & Tax and Financial Compliance Management
  • Financial Assistance Program
  • Accounts Receivable Management: Student Tuition Billing, Contributions Receivable, Parents’ Association
  • Supervise Accounting Manager and Accounts Payable Specialist

Essential Functions

• Financial Operations & Reporting
  • Manage the monthly financial close process, ensuring timely journal entries, reconciliations, and reporting, including coordinating tasks delegated to other staff.
  • Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports for internal stakeholders.
  • Support the Director of Finance with the annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling process.
  • Act as backup support for treasury management, payroll processing, and ad hoc accounting functions.

Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Manage all aspects of the annual financial audit, including preparation of lead schedules, fieldwork coordination, and annual accrual basis general ledger entries.
• Manage supplemental audits: Workers Compensation, 403(b) Defined Contribution Plan, Energy benchmarking, Welfare exemption, and other local and state compliance.
• Oversee compliance with IRS and state nonprofit reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain internal control policies and procedures.
• Maintain internal control protocols: review/approve journal entries, supervise accounts payable, payroll, bank reconciliations, treasury transactions, and reports prepared by other Business Office staff.

Tuition, Contributions & Financial Aid

• Manage primary student billing systems and auxiliary revenue systems: Blackbaud Tuition Management, Campbrain, Square, OneCause, Bidding for Good.
• Manage contribution income and pledge receivables, and all related reconciliations for each fundraising campaign.
• Support the Financial Assistance program with reporting, inquiries, family application review, updating summary schedules, family communications, and general software support. Serve as a member of the Financial Assistance Committee.
• Collaborate with Advancement on restricted fund tracking and reporting.

Community & Committee Engagement

• Support the Parents' Association financial systems related to the JTD store, community events, and monthly reporting.
• Serve as Business Office liaison for Parents' Association financial matters.
• Support the Director of Finance with Board of Trustee Committees: Audit, Finance, and Investment.
• Lead financial planning for capital improvements and major initiatives.

Leadership & Special Projects

• Manage two direct reports: Accounting Manager and Accounts Payable Specialist
• Perform other tasks and special projects as assigned to support the Business Office and the School

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; a CPA or MBA is preferred.
• 5+ years of accounting experience required.
• 2+ yrs of Supervision/Management experience required.
• Have experience in an independent school or non-profit setting (preferred).
• Demonstrate the ability to supervise employees and foster a positive team environment.
• Demonstrate proficiency with required technology and software, including Blackbaud (dual-entry accounting software), MacOS, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, ADP (or similar HRIS), and cloud-based software solutions.
• Intermediate to advanced spreadsheet skills required (Google Sheets and Excel).
• Exhibit strong time management skills and the ability to navigate conflicting priorities effectively.
• Apply critical thinking with strong attention to detail; identify problems, resolve issues, and make thoughtful recommendations.
• Work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Maintain and secure sensitive and confidential information in verbal, written, printed, and electronic formats.
• Exhibit strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Communicate effectively, empathically, and professionally (both verbally and in writing) with faculty, staff, vendors, parents, guests, and visitors.
• Show a commitment to fostering a positive school community, collaborating with colleagues, and supporting the broader mission of the School.