Controller & Client Accounting Advisor (Independent School Focus)
Breakwater Accounting + Advisory•Wilmington, DE
•Remote
About The Position
At Breakwater Accounting + Advisory, we don’t just produce financials, we help nonprofits understand them, trust them, and use them to grow. We’re looking for a strategic, client-facing accountant who wants to go beyond the numbers and become a true advisor to schools and nonprofits. If you’ve ever thought “I could add so much more value if clients actually used their financials,” this is the role you've been looking for!
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Accounting, or a related field plus the equivalent education of a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
- 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting for Independent Schools, with experience in client advisory services (CAS) and/or an Assistant Controller/Controller role for independent schools
- Experience with Veracross is required.
- Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to assess financial health, identify risks, and recommend corrective actions.
- Exceptional communication and client-facing skills; ability to explain complex financial topics in a simple, practical way.
- Self-starter with the discipline to thrive in a remote, autonomous work environment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with QBO, other School General Ledger systems and Student Billing systems is a plus but not required.
Responsibilities
- Act as the strategic Controller and high-level financial advisor for a portfolio of 10-20 small to mid-sized independent schools or nonprofits (revenue range of $500,000 to $10,000,000+)
- Prepare and present high-level insights to Boards and Finance Committees, becoming their most trusted advisor
- Lead monthly and quarterly conversations that turn financials into clear insights and action
- Identify opportunities, risks, and blind spots, and guide clients toward better decisions; help schools navigate unique complexities like Tuition Receivable, Enrollment/Student Billing, and Donor-Restricted Funds.
- Translate financial data into simple, practical recommendations your clients can actually use
- Partner with clients on topics like cash flow, profitability, and operational efficiency
- Collaborate and mentor your team to ensure financials are accurate, then spend your time using them, not just reviewing them
Benefits
- Generous time off – five weeks PTO + holidays
- Full benefits + 401(k) match
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
Upload and Match Resume
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
