Controller

The Fay School•Houston, TX

24d•$90,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Fay School is seeking a Controller to manage its general ledger, financial reporting, and audit preparation. This is a hands-on role in a small office where the Controller will personally perform detailed accounting tasks and has the opportunity to improve existing processes. The position is designed to grow over time, with potential for expanded responsibilities in broader business office leadership, supervision, human resources, benefits, compliance, and risk management. The role involves working closely with the CFO, Head of School, Finance Committee, and the Board. The initial phase of the role focuses on observing and documenting the fiscal year 2026 audit, followed by preparing financial statements and reports with review, and finally taking full ownership of the accounting function. Key responsibilities include managing the close process, preparing GAAP financial statements, handling campaign and construction accounting, managing tuition and receivables, implementing internal controls, and coordinating with HR and A/P officers. The role requires proficiency in accounting systems like Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT and advanced Excel skills, along with strong communication and discretion.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
Five or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience with personal ownership of a general ledger and financial statement preparation.
Non-profit fund accounting and GAAP knowledge including net-asset classification and donor restrictions.
Experience preparing audit schedules and working directly with an external audit firm.
Enterprise non-profit accounting system experience, Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT strongly preferred, or deep experience in a comparable system with a record of learning platforms quickly.
Advanced Excel.
Accurate, detailed work and orderly records delivered on deadline with little direction.
Clear communication with colleagues and families who don't work in finance.
Sound judgment, discretion, and absolute confidentiality.
Ability to work productively in a partially remote arrangement, and to be on campus when close, audit, or school events require it.
Successful background check [and fingerprinting].

Nice To Haves

CPA designation or candidacy to let the school consider bringing 990 and 5500 preparation in-house, expanding this role.
Independent school, higher education, or comparable non-profit experience.
Capital campaign and construction accounting.
Cash-flow and liquidity forecasting for a project funded from reserves and gifts rather than debt.
Clarity, Raiser's Edge, and ADP familiarity.
A record of transitioning outsourced accounting in-house.
Interest in eventually supervising staff.

Responsibilities

Own the general ledger, chart of accounts, and fund and net-asset structure.
Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
Prepare GAAP financial statements with variance analysis for the CFO, Head of School, and Board.
Handle pledge receivable accounting, discounting and allowances, donor restriction tracking, contract billings, change orders and retainage, construction-in-progress and capitalization.
Maintain the A/R subledger and Clarity-to-GL reconciliation.
Account for financial aid, remission, deposits, and auxiliary revenue.
Manage collections and payment systems, including PCI compliance.
Maintain accounting policies, authorization thresholds, and documentation standards.
Review payroll, disbursement, and receivable activity before CFO approval.
Own audit preparation and Form 990 and 5500 workpapers.
Safeguard confidential family, employee, donor, and vendor information.
Reconcile payroll and benefit liabilities recorded by HR and review A/P batches and vendor setup.
Make full use of Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, Clarity, and ADP.
Train budget managers.
Recommend process improvements.