Senior Controller — Nonprofit Finance & Endowment Leader

The Thacher School; Ojai (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) match

Healthcare coverage

On-campus tuition remission for depend

Job summary

The Thacher School seeks an experienced Controller to lead day‑to‑day accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls in a nonprofit education setting. Reporting to the Director of Finance, Risk Management & Strategic Partnerships/CFO, you will guide a seasoned Business Office team and liaise with external auditors.

Responsibilities include preparing monthly statements, cash flow forecasting, annual statements for audits, and ensuring GAAP compliance.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including prior experience as a Controller
• Significant experience in non‑profit accounting, preferably within an independent school, foundation, or other educational institution
• Demonstrated expertise in fund accounting, including restricted and endowment funds
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, audit processes, and internal control best practices
• Proven experience supervising and mentoring accounting staff
• High proficiency with accounting systems and Google Workspace; Blackbaud experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly internal financial statements for management, including analysis and key metrics
• Maintain monthly and annual cash flow forecast and coordinate liquidity
• Prepare annual financial statements and all schedules for the audit; liaison with external auditors
• Ensure GAAP compliance and applicable non-profit accounting standards
• Support preparation of tax filings (Form 990, 990‑T, state filings)
• Ensure timely filing of federal, state, and local returns and reporting
• Support reporting related to endowment activity and designated funds
• Develop and maintain financial dashboards and internal reports for leadership and Board committees
• Prepare and report on key financial ratios to the Director/CFO
• Ensure regulatory compliance for independent schools and education standards
• Oversee budgeting and forecasting processes with senior leadership
• Oversee endowment, board‑designated funds, and invested funds accounting

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Staff supervision

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

CPA strongly preferred

Tools

Blackbaud FENXT

Google Workspace

Job description

The Thacher School seeks an experienced Controller to lead day‑to‑day accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls in a nonprofit education setting. Reporting to the Director of Finance, Risk Management & Strategic Partnerships/CFO, you will guide a seasoned Business Office team and liaise with external auditors.

Responsibilities include preparing monthly statements, cash flow forecasting, annual statements for audits, and ensuring GAAP compliance.