Controller

Department:    Business Office
FLSA:                  Exempt
Reports to:       Chief Financial Officer
Status:               Staff, calendar year
Designation:    Staff
Travel:               Minimal

POSITION SUMMARY:

The business office team is committed to advancing the mission of the School by providing accurate and timely financial services, with exceptional customer support for the School community, while acting as a steward of the School’s resources.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller plays a key role in ensuring the overall integrity of the School’s financial records by overseeing financial transactions, maintaining appropriate records, providing reports, developing and managing the budget with the CFO, establishing and maintaining appropriate controls, developing and administering all accounting policies and procedures, and overseeing Auxiliary Services.  

The Controller manages the Business Office operations and develops business continuity through cross-training initiatives and identifying/implementing career growth opportunities for the Business Office team.  

We are eager to accept applications from individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm working and learning community for students and employees from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences.

The Controller position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement following a successful orientation period, working remotely up to two (2) days per week and in the office a minimum of three (3) days, as aligned with the Hotchkiss Telework Policy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees, directly or indirectly, the Business Office staff and all activities assigned to them including accounts receivable, accounts payable, treasury management, bank reconciliations, general accounting, unitized endowment pool tracking, and budget monitoring and controls. 
• Directly supervises the following: Accounting Manager; Manager of Auxiliary Services; and Purchasing Agent.          
• Responsible for management of Purchasing, Accounting and Auxiliary services, including the Post Office.  Serves as primary liaison and provides oversight of relationships with the Campus Store and Dining Service contractors.  
• Responsible for all aspects of the general ledger and sub-ledgers. 
• Assists the CFO in developing and maintaining the School’s budget.  Provides timely and accurate budget vs. actual reports to Board of Trustees, Senior Administration and Budget Managers.  Monitors budget variances and notifies Budget Managers and/or Senior Administration of potential problem areas. 
• Prepares timely and accurate financial statements. Ensures adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP) and complies with all Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) rules. 
• Coordinates the annual audit including reviewing and/or preparing schedules for auditors. Coordinates periodic “soft” closes in advance of the official year-end close.
• Responsible for federal and state tax compliance at the School. Assists in preparation of tax returns. 
• Assists CFO on financing activities such as bond issues, leasing activities, and long-term financial modeling.
• Undertakes various ad hoc financial analyses for CFO. Participates in Finance and Audit & Risk committee meetings and others as appropriate.
• Collaborates and assists CFO in the review and renewal of various forms of insurance coverage including but not limited to Student Tuition, Student Medical Insurance, Liability, and Worker’s Compensation.  Reviews contracts with external groups or vendors and ensures appropriate coverage exists to mitigate risk and limit liability to the School.  
• Ensures effective and responsive delivery of Business Office services to the institutions and constituents served both internally and externally.   
• Manages operations (acquisition and disposals) of the School’s vehicular fleet, and oversees the maintenance of the fixed asset schedules and depreciation calculations.
• Reconciles all investment activity to endowed fund pool.  Reconciles and records transactions associated with Charitable Remainder and Pooled Income trusts on a quarterly basis.
• Assists the Advancement Office in proper recording of payments and valuations of gift annuities, pooled income gifts and other life income arrangements as well as reconciles pledge activities.
• Assists Financial Aid office with review of complex applications on an as needed basis.
• Prepares periodic surveys and compliance reports for various school industry organizations as well as other internal and external information requests for various data. 
• Additional duties and responsibilities as needed and assigned.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration with a concentration in accounting required, or a combination of education and work experience in related field.
• Higher education or independent boarding school experience is strongly preferred.  
• Certified Public Accountant designation is not required but highly desirable .    
• Minimum of eight years experience in a progressively responsible accounting position.
• Minimum of five years experience in a non-profit organization, preferably an educational institution.
• Minimum of five years experience in staff supervision.
• Proficient in computerized accounting, endowment unitization systems and spreadsheets. School currently uses Great Plains and Balance. 
• Demonstrated ability to modify and/or experience implementing new software systems highly desirable.  
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.  
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate as a member of a team, and ability to resolve challenges.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination).

 In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.