School Finance & Accounting Controller

Global Village Academy•Thornton, CO

1d•$80,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The School Finance & Accounting Controller serves as the organization's chief accounting professional and is responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of all financial operations. The Controller oversees accounting functions, financial reporting, budgeting support, cash management, internal controls, audit coordination, grant accounting, and regulatory compliance while providing strategic financial guidance to the Executive Director. This position ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Colorado Department of Education (CDE) financial reporting requirements, federal and state grant regulations, and applicable charter school financial standards. The Controller develops and maintains strong internal controls, promotes fiscal accountability, and supports sound financial decision-making across the organization. These efforts directly contribute to the success of the three schools in the Denver metro area.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience.
Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge of GAAP and governmental accounting.
Experience preparing audited financial statements.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
School district or charter school finance experience.
Experience with Colorado school finance and CDE reporting.
Experience administering federal grants.
Experience with ERP/accounting systems and financial reporting software.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee all accounting operations, including payroll, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, cash management, and financial reporting.
Maintain accurate accounting records in accordance with GAAP.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
Analyze financial performance and provide clear communication of financial trends, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership, each of the three school campus boards, and the GVA Collaborative Board to support informed financial decision-making and fiscal oversight.
Monitor organizational cash flow and liquidity.
Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures.
Oversee month-end and year-end closing processes.
Ensure accurate account reconciliations.
Monitor restricted and unrestricted funds.
In coordination with GVAC staff members, ensure compliance with all bond issuances across the organization.
Lead the development of annual operating budgets for the three schools and the GVA Collaborative in partnership with the Executive Director and school leaders.
Monitor budget performance and recommend adjustments.
Prepare financial forecasts and multi-year financial projections.
Conduct variance analyses and provide recommendations to leadership.
Support strategic financial planning initiatives.
Develop, implement, and monitor strong internal accounting controls.
Ensure proper segregation of duties and financial accountability.
Evaluate financial processes and recommend operational improvements.
Monitor compliance with organizational purchasing and expenditure policies.
Identify financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
Maintain documentation supporting internal control procedures.
Coordinate annual financial audits and single audits.
Serve as primary liaison with external auditors.
Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation.
Ensure timely completion of audit recommendations.
Maintain compliance with: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Colorado Department of Education financial reporting requirements, Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), Charter school financial regulations, State and federal reporting requirements.
Oversee accounting for federal, state, and private grants.
Monitor grant expenditures for compliance.
Prepare financial reports for grant reimbursements.
Coordinate grant budgets with program administrators.
Ensure proper documentation for grant expenditures.
Prepare and present accurate, timely monthly financial reports and analyses for the Executive Director, school leaders, and Board of Directors, including consolidated and entity-specific financial statements for the three schools and the Collaborative.
Produce financial dashboards and key performance indicators.
Prepare required state financial submissions.
Coordinate annual financial reporting requirements.
Present financial information in a clear and understandable manner.
Monitor banking relationships.
Oversee cash receipts and disbursements.
Manage investment and reserve accounts in accordance with Board policy.
Prepare cash flow projections.
Ensure adequate liquidity for operations.
Supervise accounting and payroll personnel as assigned.
Provide coaching, training, and professional development.
Establish departmental goals and performance expectations.
Promote continuous process improvement.
Foster a culture of accountability, customer service, and collaboration.
Serve as a trusted financial advisor to the Executive Director.
Participate in organizational strategic planning.
Evaluate financial implications of operational decisions.
Recommend financial strategies that support organizational sustainability.
Assist leadership with long-range financial planning.
Maintain confidentiality of financial and personnel information.
Attend Board meetings as requested.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Communicate effectively and timely with Charter School Authorizers.