Controller

Intrinsic Schools•Chicago, IL

11d

About The Position

Intrinsic Schools is a charter network whose mission is to create a revolutionary new school model that prepares all students for postsecondary success and world-changing endeavors. We offer a chance to make a unique impact in urban education by creating an academic model that leverages great teaching and the precision of technology to personalize education for each student. At our Belmont campus, we serve students in grades 7-12. At our downtown campus, we currently serve students in grades 9-12. Our student demographics are 90% students of color, 86% free and reduced lunch and 19% students with disabilities. Why Intrinsic We offer a chance to make a unique impact in urban education by creating an academic model that leverages great teaching and the precision of technology to personalize education for each student. Our goal is to prepare all students for post-secondary success as demonstrated by high quality student work, growth on assessments and "noncognitive" factors such as empathy, student independence, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity. About this opportunity The Controller is responsible for both the oversight and execution of the organization’s accounting operations. This hybrid role owns the month-end close, financial integrity, and compliance while also performing hands-on accounting work as needed. The Controller ensures accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and timely completion of all accounting deliverables.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required
6–8 years of progressive accounting experience.
Strong close, audit, and AP process experience.
Comfortable operating in a hands-on, high-volume environment.
Strong judgment and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

CPA preferred.

Responsibilities

Own and manage the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close process.
Prepare journal entries and supporting schedules based on materiality and complexity.
Review and post journal entries, accruals, and allocations as needed.
Review balance sheet reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
Ensure timely and accurate financial statements and grant-related financial reporting.
Manage the monthly budget reporting and variance analysis process, ensuring accurate, timely, and meaningful reporting to budget owners and leadership.
Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Interpret and apply grant, restricted fund, and regulatory requirements.
Review and approve exceptions to purchasing and AP policies.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable regulations.
Provide oversight of AP, purchasing, and PO processes.
Review AP aging and address systemic issues.
Support resolution of escalated vendor issues.
Ensure AP activity is properly recorded and cut off at month-end.
Review and file annual 1099 tax forms, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with IRS regulations.
Lead audit preparation and serve as primary auditor contact.
Review audit schedules, adjustments, and findings.
Ensure accuracy of grant expenditure tracking and reporting.
Supervise and mentor the Accounting Manager.
Identify and implement process improvements and system enhancements.
Partner with the Director of Finance on financial analysis and risk management.