Controller

Siena Catholic Schools of Racine•Racine, WI

12d

About The Position

Siena Catholic Schools of Racine is seeking an experienced Controller who demonstrates high integrity and shares the school system’s mission, vision, and values. The system comprises six elementary and middle schools and one high school, serving approximately 1,600 students. Its mission is to ignite excellence in faith, knowledge, and service and inspire students to become who God created them to be. The Controller provides strategic financial leadership and system-wide oversight of Siena’s financial operations, promoting long-term financial health, stability, accountability, and sustainability. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team and a key advisor to the President, the Controller provides analysis, insight, and recommendations to support decision-making and strategic priorities. The position oversees accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, cash flow, forecasting, internal controls, audits, regulatory compliance, and financial risk management. It ensures that financial systems, policies, processes, and reporting are accurate, efficient, transparent, and aligned with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and governance expectations. Working with the President, leadership, Principals, and Finance Committee, the Controller translates financial information into guidance for planning, resource allocation, operational decisions, and long-term sustainability. The Controller leads the annual budgeting process, develops projections and financial models, monitors performance and KPIs, identifies opportunities and risks, and recommends adjustments as needed. The role provides accurate and timely information to the Finance Committee, coordinates monthly financial reviews, and supports its oversight, consultation, and approval responsibilities. The Controller also establishes expectations, controls, processes, and accountability measures; maintains the integrity of financial records and reporting; and supports continuous improvement and responsible stewardship. The position builds relationships across Siena’s seven schools, administrative offices, parishes, financial institutions, auditors, government agencies, and other partners. It communicates complex financial information to varied audiences and serves as a trusted advisor to leadership and governance bodies. The Controller reports to the President, supervises the Accounting Analyst, Staff Accountant, and Payroll Accountant, and manages an annual budget of approximately $20 million.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration.
CPA or CMA certification.
At least 10 years of experience in an accounting function, including at least 5 years in a management or leadership position.
Familiarity with accounting systems and strong knowledge of Blackbaud FENXT.
Strong communication skills.
Excellent analytical abilities and robust knowledge of governance, risk, and controls.
Experience developing positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Broad knowledge of cash flow forecasting, long-term financial planning, and financial modeling, with a focus on accounting policies and procedures.
Ability to find innovative solutions to budgeting and capital improvement constraints and identify high risks.
Experience in the public or nonprofit sector.
Ability to meet the described physical requirements, including verbal communication, hearing and eyesight, reading documents, operating a computer and other equipment, prolonged sitting, walking on stairs and uneven surfaces, and occasionally lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.
Experience administering Wisconsin School Choice or a similar state parental choice program, and/or school accounting experience preferred.
Banking experience desired, including loans, deposits, CDs, and related processes and best practices.
Experience with lease accounting software preferred.
Experience managing grants, foundation funding, and other revenue sources outside the budget strongly preferred.
Practicing Catholic strongly preferred.
Experience in public and/or private schools preferred.
Experience with Wisconsin Choice Funding preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee accounting, budgeting, financial reporting systems, policies, and procedures to provide effective controls and meet stakeholder information needs.
Analyze financial data and trends and prepare reports and presentations for the President, senior leaders, Principals, boards, committees, auditors, and government agencies.
Evaluate and develop accounting software and updates, and monitor budget managers’ and accounting staff’s use of budgeting software.
Oversee accurate and consistent recording and reporting of financial and accounting data processed by staff and related departments.
Develop and implement financial policies; evaluate applicable accounting standards, regulations, and reporting frameworks.
Improve accounting efficiency and keep financial compliance, reporting, and accounting processes on track.
Manage financial audits, risk assessments, and internal audits; coordinate public accounting firm audits and filings, including Wisconsin School Choice Department of Public Instruction reporting, and meet reporting deadlines.
Oversee state and federal program reporting and compliance, including USDA food service programs.
Develop and maintain KPI dashboards for the President, leadership, Principals, boards, and Finance Committee.
Lead the annual budgeting process, including developing assumptions, providing departments with forms and projections, forecasting cash flow and income and expenses, coordinating capital expenditures, and supporting recommendations for tuition, fees, salaries, and benefits.
Meet with budget managers quarterly to review budgets and practices for alignment with financial policies.
Present budget and actual trends, deviations, risks, and recommendations to leadership and governance groups using graphics and charts; identify innovative solutions to budget and capital improvement constraints.
Work with senior leaders and the Director of Admissions, Development, Enrollment & Financial Aid to identify enrollment goals for each fiscal year.
Work with the Director of Human Resources on annual and ongoing compensation and benefits analysis, including 403(b) plan management.
Direct preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for departments, leadership, Principals, boards, and committees.
Analyze financial performance against plans and budgets, interpret results, and report trends, policies, and strategies to improve accountability and operating efficiency.
Direct staff in creating monthly close checklists and desk instructions for succession planning.
Develop financial projections and pro formas covering up to four to five years and present them routinely to the President, boards, and committees.
Synthesize financial information from all schools and administrative offices and communicate progress to stakeholders, including senior administration, staff, and the boards.
Lead the Finance Committee’s work, coordinate monthly agendas, and collaborate with members to review reports and obtain consultation, feedback, or approval.
Represent Siena publicly at school events, fundraising functions, meetings, parish functions, and community events.
Serve on the school system’s leadership team and oversee accounting functions, budget preparation, financial reporting, fiscal compliance, cash flow, and Finance department staff.