Westmark School is a creative and supportive college preparatory school dedicated to educating, empowering and celebrating students with distinct learning styles, providing the tools necessary to achieve successful and fulfilling futures.

Position Summary:  The Controller position aligns with Westmark’s strategic vision to enhance an effective and efficient Business Office meeting the needs of our families, faculty and staff to deliver accounting, billing, payables, and other services. The Controller reports to and works closely with the Interim Director of Finance and Operations (“Interim Director”) as well as supervises and works closely with the Payroll & Purchasing Coordinator (“Coordinator”).  The Controller is responsible for the maintenance of all financial records through the management of the day-to-day accounting and the monthly, quarterly, and annual closes as well as the completion of the annual financial statement audit and tax return.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

●       Accounting and Finance

o   Manages the accounting department, ensuring accurate and timely financial information is input and generated from the Blackbaud financial system;

o   Performs account reconciliations, researching and resolving discrepancies, particularly for revenue, deferred revenue, accounts receivable and accounts payable, on at least a monthly basis;

o   Administers fixed asset ledger in the Blackbaud financial system and reviews purchases for items to be capitalized, depreciated, and disposed of, as appropriate;

o   Prepares journal entries for the operating P&L and Balance Sheet, including investments, gifts, pledged donations, student billing, fixed assets, summer programs, cash receipts, and other adjustments;

o   Completes monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close (P&L, Balance Sheet, Variance Analyses) in a timely fashion;

o   Executes evaluation and implementation of internal controls;

o   Maintains compliance with all government regulations and GAAP; and

o   Communicates accounting policies to employees and ensures compliance with such policies.

●       Student Billing and Other Receivables

o   Manages tuition, fees, and other billing, revenue recognition procedures, and student account receivable management;

o   Prepares and distributes monthly billing statements for families;

o   Ensures payments received for tuition, fees, and incidental charges are updated timely in Blackbaud and the operating bank account;

o   Works directly with parents as needed on student billing and payment matters;

o   Constructs and distributes collections emails/letters, including making sure accurate payment information is relayed from Blackbaud;

o   Consults and advises the Interim Director of problem accounts and of any and all adjustments; and

o   Assists the Interim Director with the financial aid process utilizing the FAST online platform.

●       Payroll and Other Payables

o   Supervises Coordinator in completion of the following:

▪         All payroll functions;

▪         All payables functions, including account coding;

▪         All corporate credit card reconciliations and accounting; and

o   Works closely with the Coordinator to review all payables accounts at least weekly.

●       Audit and Tax

o   Takes the lead position on preparation of schedules and work papers for annual school and 403(b) (if applicable) financial statement audits and school federal and state tax returns;

o   Coordinates preparation and maintenance of permanent office files for all audit schedules as well as schedules and work papers for tax filings (IRS 5500, IRS 990, California 199, Los Angeles County 571, quarterly sales tax report, private school affidavit and other required filing with local, state, and federal agencies); and

o   Acts as the subject matter expert for all accounting and tax rules.

●       Budgeting and Forecasting

o   Assists the Interim Director in developing, maintaining, and monitoring the school’s short-term budgets (operating, capital, development) and long-term financial models.

●       Treasury and Cash Management

o   Processes and posts multiple bank account deposits on an ongoing basis;

o   Maintains daily cash balances and reviews reports from banks daily;

o   Completes monthly bank reconciliations on a timely basis;

o   Assists the Interim Director in ensuring timely, accurate payment of debt serviced and monitoring of loan covenant requirements; and

o   Liaises with representatives from First Republic Bank and Pacific Western Bank.

●       Advancement

o   Coordinates and meets regularly with the Advancement office for the proper accounting of fundraising and the reconciliation between the fundraising and financial platforms in Blackbaud, including unrestricted annual giving, restricted annual giving, campaign giving and pledges, and endowment giving and pledges.

●       Governance

o   Assists the Interim Director in preparation of committee and board reports as well as the development of dashboard metrics as requested by board members and/or other constituents; and

o   Attends and participates in the Finance and Audit Committee meetings, as requested.

●       Other

o   Assists Interim Director and HR Director in preparing all periodic surveys and reports for the school’s trade organizations (e.g., NAIS, CAIS, and CAL ISBOA).

o   Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve the quality of services provided.

o   Identifies and determines root causes of problems and develops and presents recommendations for improvement.

o   Provides support in the hiring and training of the accounting department and other Business Office staff.

o   Completes additional duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

●      Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Accounting, Finance or related field. CPA license strongly preferred.

●      Minimum of 7+ years of experience in non-profit accounting, including managerial experience.

●      Recent experience working in an independent school environment strongly preferred.

●      Knowledge of:

○      Blackbaud Financial Edge system strongly preferred. 

○      Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge system preferred.

○      Paychex Flex payroll system preferred.

○      FAST system preferred.

●      Strong computer skills – Proficient in MS Office and Google Suite.

●      Ability and willingness to learn new technologies and systems.

●      Track record of effective financial and business management.

●      Knowledge and experience in setting up effective financial controls.

●      Strong written, verbal and presentation communication skills, problem solving, and organizational skills. Excellent organizational and analytical skills.  Accuracy and attention to details.  Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and handle confidential information with utmost discretion.  Ability to independently set priorities and handle competing priorities.

●      Comfort in working in a fast-paced environment.  Ability to work outside the job description in assisting other Business Office team members when unanticipated challenges arise.

●      Knowledge and experience in addressing parents, faculty and staff calmly and professionally.  Polite and calm demeanor – handles inquiries and works through problems tactfully and respectfully.

●      Fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

We offer a generous benefits package.  We also provide a stable and professional work environment.

If you would like to become part of our future and are looking for a growth and longevity, then please submit your resume for employment consideration.    

Westmark School is an equal-opportunity employer.