Controller

Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s Capital seeks a Controller to support continued modernization of its business operations. MILTON has a small business office supporting a school of 480 students, 122 staff, and a $16M annual operating budget. With strong reserves and a growing endowment, this NEW position will serve as the right hand to the CFO and the second full-time business office member in supporting the School’s ability to deliver on its mission. Reporting to the CFO, the Controller will be a strategic partner to support modernizing and securing the financial future of the institution. This pivotal role manages the day-to-day accounting operations, ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial records, and supports long-term financial sustainability.? They will hold primary responsibility for maintaining the general ledger, contributing to audits and compliance, and leading continual improvement of systems and processes, including budget management and financial reporting. The ideal candidate has experience in an accounting role, preferably in an independent school or nonprofit, excels in both operational execution and process design, and brings a growth mindset to the School. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Accounting Responsibilities : Establish and maintain internal controls and procedures in compliance with GAAP and non-profit accounting standards. Manage all accounting functions, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and student billing. Manage the processing of all revenues and expenditures across the School. Manage full student billing cycle. Familiarity with Blackbaud Tuition Management a plus. Manage daily and monthly cash flow operations. Monitor Positive Pay systems for banking security. Complete month-end close. Perform journal entries and monthly account reconciliations. Prepare and review monthly and quarterly financial reports, including budget variances, cash balances, and balance sheet reconciliations. Review, enter, and reconcile all cash gift, deposit, and pledge batches from the Advancement Office via Raiser’s Edge into the General Ledger. Maintain restricted gift tracking for internal and audit purposes. Lead the planning and execution of the annual financial audit. Prepare reconciliations, supporting schedules, and documentation for auditors. Review final audit reports. Provide necessary documentation for the preparation of the annual Form 990. Provide financial analysis to support budget development. Enter the annual budget into the accounting systems, as provided by the CFO. Manage, modernize, and reconcile the reimbursement process and credit card purchasing process. General Business Office Responsibilities : Foster a trusting and professional partnership with the CFO to ensure efficient operations and adherence to best practices. Promote a positive, enthusiastic work environment with the administrative and teaching staff while maintaining strict confidentiality in all school-related matters. Maintain proficiency in accounting software and all systems used by the business office. Evaluate new software and solutions to enhance data processing, improve internal controls, and financial reporting. Assess cost-effectiveness, resource impact, and alignment with school-wide goals. Support modernization of the business office, including adopting new accounting tools and developing more effective processes for tracking donor contributions, restricted grants and gifts, and contracts. Work closely with the Admissions Office to ensure accurate processing of student enrollments and financial aid, and Athletics and Co-Curricular Departments for accurate process of athletics, after school, and other fees. Develop reports and analysis to report to the Board of Trustees. Support Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees. Supervise document filing systems, including retention and archiving of personnel, accounts payable, and payroll files. Other duties, as assigned. Payroll & Human Resources Responsibilities : Run payroll biweekly in coordination with the HR Director. Review payroll reports for accuracy and variance analysis. Collaborate with the CFO and HR Director on adherence to benefit administration, and compliance requirements. Manage year-end payroll system closure, including employee forms and reports, in coordination with the HR Director. Plan and manage the annual worker’s compensation audit and support data collection for retirement audit and Form 5500 filing. Maintain working knowledge of Faculty / Staff benefits administration and electronic open enrollment processes. Professional Development : Engage in ongoing professional education through the National Business Officers Associations (NBOA), Accounting & Finance CPE credits, Blackbaud software training, other relevant PD to keep up any certifications, etc. Participate in School Community While an in-person position is preferred, the School will consider remote or hybrid work with the expectation that the employee is available during School hours. In-person colleagues are expected to participate in several student-facing duties each week as well as in various school programs and events. Remote employees are encouraged to find ways to build community from their work location and may be asked to come to School for certain Professional Development opportunities. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required. CPA or other relevant professional certification a plus. Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit accounting, including deep familiarity with 501(c)(3) compliance and fund accounting. Strong command of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards, and proven track record in financial management, reporting, and audits. Impeccable attention to detail and accuracy. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders to build rapport and trust. Demonstrated ability to think analytically and strategically, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously, prioritizing appropriately. Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Financial Edge NXT, or similar), Excel, and reporting tools. Must successfully pass a background and credit check. PI280756971