Nonprofit Controller - Education Foundation & Schools

Merritt Academy; Mantua (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Merritt Academy is seeking a Controller to oversee financial operations for the J127 Education Foundation and its schools, including Merritt Academy, First Steps Academy, and The Appletree School. Based in Fairfax, VA, you will manage multi-entity accounting, GAAP compliance, and close processes.

You will partner with the Director of Finance and school leaders to prepare budgets, analyze results, coordinate audits, and improve internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field is required.
• CPA designation is required.
• 4+ years of progressive accounting experience, including general ledger and close responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting; education sector experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities with journal entries and reconciliations.
• Maintain general ledger integrity, including accruals, prepaid expenses, and adjustments.
• Prepare bank, balance sheet, and general ledger reconciliations; investigate discrepancies.
• Coordinate intercompany and interfund accounting across multiple schools and funds.
• Prepare financial statements and supporting reports; analyze variances for leadership.
• Coordinate year-end audit schedules and Form 990 documentation; assist auditors.
• Assist with annual budgets, forecasts, and enrollment-based revenue analyses.
• Develop operating budgets and personnel projections with leadership.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Organization

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

CPA designation

Tools

Excel

Blackbaud FE NXT

Paylocity

Job description

Merritt Academy is seeking a Controller to oversee financial operations for the J127 Education Foundation and its schools, including Merritt Academy, First Steps Academy, and The Appletree School. Based in Fairfax, VA, you will manage multi-entity accounting, GAAP compliance, and close processes.

You will partner with the Director of Finance and school leaders to prepare budgets, analyze results, coordinate audits, and improve internal controls.