Controller

Start Date: August 18, 2025 (approximate)

Level: Mid-level Managerial

Salary: USD $60,000 - $65,000 / year

Location: Hybrid based in Yonkers, NY

Reports to: Director of Financial Aid and Operations

Application Requirements: Resume and cover letter

Benefits: Pre-tax benefits including employee contribution to a 403(b) and health insurance plan

Time Off: 15 days PTO, closures for Jewish holidays and some national holidays, close early on Fridays

Background and References Checked: Yes

About AJR

The Academy for Jewish Religion (AJR) is a pluralistic, accredited rabbinical, cantorial, and graduate seminary located in Yonkers, NY. With classes taught primarily online, our diverse student body spans North America and beyond. AJR is addressing a critical shortage of qualified Jewish clergy by offering a flexible, academically rigorous program accessible to students from varied backgrounds, life situations, and Jewish approaches. Our commitment to pluralism is active and lived—we prepare clergy to engage deeply with Jewish tradition and the broader world, leading with curiosity, intention, and openness. We are a Zionist institution that embraces a wide spectrum of support for the State of Israel, even as we engage thoughtfully with its contemporary challenges. Rooted in dignity and inclusion, AJR is building a Jewish future that is whole and holy.

AJR is certified by the US Department of Education (ED) to administer Federal Student Aid. We use Generally Accepted Government Accounting Standards (GAGAS), also known as the Yellow Book, to prepare our annual audited financial statements, which are reviewed annually by ED. A highly proficient Controller is vital to maintain our certification so we can continue offering Federal loans to our students.

Description 

The position of Controller at AJR is a highly collaborative one. The Controller reports to the Director of Financial Aid and Operations but interacts with all members of the staff. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently to get tasks done, and to work closely with those who work in other areas. The Controller has primary responsibility for maintaining AJR’s General Ledger, paying bills, executing payroll, and producing financial reports. The ideal candidate must have experience in nonprofit accounting. Experience working in higher education is desirable. The Controller must be exceedingly detail oriented and diligent in maintaining the checks and balances required by our auditing standards.

This is a 30 hour per week hybrid position. The Controller must be available to work onsite one full day per week at AJR’s administrative offices located at 28 Wells Avenue in Yonkers, NY. Currently, the day the on-site administrative staff works together in Yonkers is Monday. In addition to the on-site day, the Controller will generally work an additional three full days remotely, Tuesday-Thursday. The precise schedule can be flexible and could include Fridays.

Duties

1. Performing all data entry into the General Ledger including: income and receivables, expenses and payables including credit card expenses, and other adjustments. AJR currently uses QuickBooks Desktop for its accounting software.
2. Produce financial reports monthly and as needed.
3. Preparing checks for signature by the CEO. All checks are signed by AJR’s CEO, who reviews all expenditures. 
4. Verify all outflows in the online bank fraud prevention system.
5. Manage payroll. Currently, AJR uses Paychex’s “Flex” system to pay full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees (i.e., adjunct faculty), as well as contractors. 
6. Onboard new employees and contractors and enter them into the payroll system after verifying all required forms and other similar paperwork are completed. HR paperwork is reviewed by our independent auditors. 
7. Open and maintain any necessary tax-related, unemployment insurance, workers compensation, and/or disability insurance accounts with other states as necessary.
8. Perform monthly reconciliations for bank and merchant accounts.
9. Reconcile the General Ledger monthly with the Student Database (Populi) and the Donor Database (Donor Perfect).
10. Work with the Senior Director of Administration to reconcile the balance of the Petty Cash box quarterly or as needed.
11. Assist the Director of Financial Aid and Operations in preparing the annual operating budget, the annual audit, and other required reports and filings.
12. Complete annual censuses and other reporting to insurance companies and other agencies.
13. Answer questions from other staff members, members of the Board, or the student body.
14. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid and Operations or CEO.
15. Click here for additional detail about the duties.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3-5 years’ experience in non-profit accounting including strong knowledge of GAAP and/or GAGAS practices 
• Ability to work independently, to establish and revise priorities to meet shifting needs, and to prioritize and organize workload to meet deadlines.
• Accounting software knowledge, particularly QuickBooks, and proficiency using Excel
• Experience using Google Workspace
• Background and References checks

To Apply

Please send resume and cover letter to AJR’s Director of Financial Aid and Operations, Rabbi David Cavill, at controllersearch@ajr.edu. Please include “Controller” in the subject line.