Controller
New Canaan Country School (NCCS) is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9 living in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Located in New Canaan, CT, and serving 550 students, our mission is to guide students to reach their intellectual, creative, moral, and physical potential. A talented and devoted faculty engages our students in developmentally appropriate ways, delivering a challenging curriculum that builds intellectual skills and fosters creative and critical thinking. We lead by example and challenge students to fulfill their potential, find their path, and follow their passions whether in the classroom, on the playing fields, on the stage, or serving the community.
The Controller is an integral part of the Business Office, reports directly to the CFO and has three primary responsibilities: (1) manage the financial operations (2) manage the school’s audits and (3) manage human resources (HR) for NCCS. We seek a detail-oriented, hands-on manager that is able to handle the related day-to-day operations of this role and interact daily across all of the school’s constituencies, as required. In a leadership capacity with the Accounting Team, the Controller has oversight over the general ledger and financial information and prepares financial analyses of school operations for the CFO, Head of School, Finance Committee and Board of Trustees for decision-making purposes. This position also oversees all of the school’s audits and collaborates with the CFO to ensure compliance and timely reporting, as required within the organization, by state agencies and the school’s interested parties. Additionally, this position is responsible for the administration of the school’s onboarding processes, payroll and benefits, as well as compliance and risk management. Basic responsibility lies in the development, communication and coordination of a sound overall business environment conducive to the educational objectives of the school, as a partner to the CFO. The intended start date for this full-time position is July 1, 2021, however, there is flexibility around this date.
The Controller is an integral part of the Business Office, reports directly to the CFO and has three primary responsibilities: (1) manage the financial operations (2) manage the school’s audits and (3) manage human resources (HR) for NCCS. We seek a detail-oriented, hands-on manager that is able to handle the related day-to-day operations of this role and interact daily across all of the school’s constituencies, as required. In a leadership capacity with the Accounting Team, the Controller has oversight over the general ledger and financial information and prepares financial analyses of school operations for the CFO, Head of School, Finance Committee and Board of Trustees for decision-making purposes. This position also oversees all of the school’s audits and collaborates with the CFO to ensure compliance and timely reporting, as required within the organization, by state agencies and the school’s interested parties. Additionally, this position is responsible for the administration of the school’s onboarding processes, payroll and benefits, as well as compliance and risk management. Basic responsibility lies in the development, communication and coordination of a sound overall business environment conducive to the educational objectives of the school, as a partner to the CFO. The intended start date for this full-time position is July 1, 2021, however, there is flexibility around this date.
Responsibilities:
Financial Management and Reporting
· Directs and coordinates all financial operations including accounting, compliance, and reporting. Working with the CFO, Head of School and Leadership Team, maintains the school’s financial integrity.
· Monitors and maintains systems of internal control and safeguards the school’s assets; provides both internal and external reports of operations; promotes a service-oriented operation while exercising prudent fiscal judgment.
· Prepares the school’s annual budget.
· Provides timely budgetary information, projections and updates to the CFO, Head of School, and other constituents as required.
· Prepares cash flow reports.
· Provides direct supervision to two accountants, and supervises the activities of accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, and fixed asset reporting. Analyzes, recommends and implements appropriate policies.
Audits and Risk Management
· Plans, oversees and facilitates all of the school’s annual audits: financial, pension and Workers Compensation. Keeps current on reporting changes of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Provides information, as required, of pronouncements that may have a material effect on the school, so that policies may be revised where necessary.
· Prepares schedules for 990 and all audits, as well as annual financial statements.
· Manages pension reporting and compliance (Form 5500, plan updates and amendments, etc.).
· Is the liaison to the insurance carriers for all insurance renewals.
· Coordinates and reconciles financial data and reporting between departments: Admissions and Development/Fundraising.
Human Resources Management
· Oversees Human Resources day-to-day operations, including onboarding practices, benefits administration for all employees, compliance, managing employee complaints and all related human resources related communication.
· Reviews and revises the Faculty and Staff Handbook as required and necessary.
· Consults with employees to resolve personnel issues.
· Maintains secure and confidential human resource related files and records.
· Reviews and manages workers compensation and CT Unemployment Claims.
· Ensures periodic reconciliation and monitoring of carrier billings for accuracy, including communicating with vendor representatives, as necessary, to update the enrollment rosters and accordingly, conduct timely billings/payment.
· Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications:
The successful individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. An individual must be able to accept and assume assigned responsibilities and make responsible decisions when required. The school desires an individual with a strong background in financial management, preferably in the education arena or at a non-profit organization.
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in Accounting. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is preferred. A passion for accounting work, with experience in a similar role, as well as an ability to supervise accountants is desired.
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities Required:
· Hands-on manager
· Strong analytical and reporting skills.
· Use the Blackbaud systems with proficiency: Financial Edge.
· Proficiency in conducting payroll through Paylocity is preferred.
· Prepare budgets and exercise fiscal management. Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques and programs.
· Speak effectively before groups and/or employees of the organization.
· Engage in teamwork and work cooperatively with others.
· A good attitude and sense of humor is a must.
· Other duties as required.
Interested candidates should complete our Application for Employment at https://pmanager.countryschool.net/employment/, attaching a cover letter and resume. We also encourage you to provide the contact information for at least two references or provide two letters of recommendation when you submit your other materials in order to expedite certain processes.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
