Controller

Sisters of Providence • Burbank, CA

6d • $150,000 - $167,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Providence High School is seeking a Controller, a financial leader responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and day-to-day execution of the school’s financial operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO), this role directly manages the Accounting Supervisor and collaborates with Advancement, Enrollment, and Budget Managers. The Controller ensures that all accounting, financial reporting, and internal control systems meet the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility for an institution with an annual operating budget of $20+ million. This role requires a proven track record of enhancing, automating, and optimizing accounting and finance processes, including technical expertise in ERP systems. The Controller brings exceptional attention to detail, deep technical accounting expertise, consistency and clarity in communication, serving as the CFOO’s primary partner in maintaining financial excellence, regulatory compliance, and institutional trust.

Requirements

• 6+ years of progressive accounting or financial management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in a Controller role
• Proven responsibility for financial operations supporting $20M+ annual budgets.
• Extensive hands-on experience with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
• Extensive hands-on experience with month-end and year-end close processes
• Extensive hands-on experience with internal controls and audit preparation
• Extensive hands-on experience with financial reporting and reconciliations

Nice To Haves

• MBA/CPA strongly preferred
• Experience in an independent school, higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex mission-driven organization.
• Experience working closely with a CFOO and supporting Board-level reporting.
• Familiarity with tuition-driven revenue models, financial aid accounting, and investment/endowment reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee reconciliation of all accounts to the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash management functions.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Prepare dashboards, budget v. actuals, and detailed financial reports for the CFOO, leadership, and Board committees.
• Maintain the integrity of all financial records, schedules, and reconciliations.
• Design, implement, and continuously strengthen internal controls to safeguard institutional assets.
• Ensure segregation of duties, approval workflows, and documentation standards across all financial processes.
• Monitor compliance with internal policies, donor restrictions, and Board-approved financial practices.
• Serve as a key guardian of fiduciary discipline across the institution.
• Ensure timely completion of audit schedules, confirmations, and required disclosures.
• Support preparation of Form 990 and other regulatory filings in partnership with the CFOO and external advisors.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial and tax regulations applicable to independent schools and nonprofit organizations.
• Support the CFOO in annual budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance and identify discrepancies or emerging issues.
• Partner with leadership to ensure accurate expense coding and financial accountability.
• Assist in maintaining multi-year financial models tools.
• Oversee accounting for restricted, temporarily restricted, and unrestricted funds.
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of endowed funds, capital contributions, and donor-restricted contributions.
• Partner with Advancement and the CFOO to ensure compliance with gift agreements and donor intent.
• Maintain and optimize financial systems, including ERP/accounting platforms (Blackbaud/NXT), reporting tools, and p-cards.
• Lead process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
• Ensure consistent financial procedures across Budget Managers, departments, and programs.
• Support documentation and training related to financial policies and procedures.
• Learn new technology, including AI, to automate functions.
• Supervise and mentor accounting and finance staff.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, teamwork, service, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with Facilities, IT, Human Resources, Safety and Security, Advancement, and Academic leadership.
• Serve as a trusted internal resource for financial questions and guidance.
• Communicate effectively with families, with consistency, clarity, and compassion.

Benefits

• The annual salary range for this position is $150k - $167k.
• Final compensation within this range will be determined based on the candidate’s years of relevant experience, education, and internal equity considerations.
• Compensation will be prorated based on the employee’s date of hire and Department of Labor (DOL) classification, including but not limited to full-time, part-time, exempt, or non-exempt status.
• All compensation is subject to applicable deductions and withholdings in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager