Financial Controller (Nonprofit / Independent School)

Orion Placement; Wellesley (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Generous PTO

School holidays

Retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Orion Placement is seeking a senior-level Controller for a mission-driven educational organization in Wellesley, MA. The role leads accounting operations, GAAP reporting, and external audits while ensuring strong internal controls.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of controller experience in nonprofits or independent schools, plus an MBA or CPA and hands-on use of Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT. This hybrid opportunity offers stability, benefits, and professional growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Controller-level accounting and financial leadership experience.
• MBA and/or CPA credential required.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting and audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee day-to-day accounting operations.
• Manage the general ledger, journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial close.
• Ensure GAAP-compliant reporting for a nonprofit.
• Coordinate annual audits with external auditors.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Communication

Organization

Analytical thinking

Discretion

Relationship building

Education

MBA

CPA

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT

Job description

• Take on a highly visible financial leadership role with meaningful impact on a mission-driven organization
• Partner closely with senior leadership and help shape sound financial operations and decision-making
• Join a warm, collaborative workplace where every team member is valued
• Lead critical accounting, reporting, audit, compliance, and internal control functions
• Bring your nonprofit or independent school expertise to an organization focused on long-term stability and excellence
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, generous paid time off, school holidays, retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities
• Benefit from a flexible hybrid schedule with approximately 3 to 4 days per week on-site

Location:

Wellesley, MA. This is a hybrid opportunity with approximately 3 to 4 days per week working on-site and flexibility to work remotely the remainder of the week.

Note:

This is a senior-level Controller search. Candidates must meet all core qualifications, including 10+ years of Controller-level experience, hands‑on experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, an MBA and/or CPA credential, and a demonstrated record of professional stability that includes approximately 5+ years with at least one organization.

About Us

We are a mission-driven educational organization committed to creating an exceptional learning environment and a strong, supportive community. Our employees work collaboratively across the organization, and every team member plays an important role in supporting our mission and long-term success. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Lead and oversee the organization's day-to-day accounting operations
• Manage the general ledger, journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial close processes
• Ensure accurate financial records and reporting in accordance with GAAP and applicable nonprofit accounting standards
• Prepare quarterly and other periodic financial reports and analyses for senior leadership
• Coordinate the annual audit process and serve as a key liaison with external auditors
• Oversee nonprofit financial compliance, including support for IRS Form 990 and other required filings
• Maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, procedures, and financial documentation
• Partner with the Director of Finance, senior administrators, and board committees on financial reporting, planning, and organizational priorities
• Leverage Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT to support accurate accounting operations and meaningful financial reporting
• Identify and implement opportunities to strengthen processes, improve efficiency, and enhance financial controls
• Manage competing priorities while maintaining exceptional accuracy, discretion, and professionalism

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Controller-level accounting and financial leadership experience required
• 5+ years of experience within an independent school or nonprofit organization required
• Hands‑on experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT required
• MBA and/or CPA credential required
• Demonstrated record of professional stability, including approximately 5+ years with at least one organization required
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting operations
• Experience leading or coordinating annual audits and working directly with external auditors
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, and compliance requirements
• Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and relationship-building abilities
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively

Why You Will Love Working Here

You'll join a collaborative, welcoming community where your expertise is respected and your work has visible impact. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a critical leadership function, partner with thoughtful colleagues, and contribute to an organization whose mission extends well beyond the finance office. We offer the stability, benefits, flexibility, and supportive culture that make this an exceptional long-term career opportunity.