Marlborough School

Controller & Business Manager

Founded in 1889, Marlborough School is an independent girls' college-preparatory school for grades 7 through 12 located in Los Angeles, California. Marlborough is the oldest independent girls’ school in the Southern California region. Central to Marlborough’s vision that Equity Leads Education is the belief in and passion for empowering young women to use their immense talents to better the world and become trailblazers in their own right. Bolstered by world-class faculty and staff, Marlborough students are challenged and inspired to work towards their own personal best and, in doing so, have an almost endless array of courses, extracurriculars, electives, and programs to spark their curiosity, deepen their compassion for one another, and lead lives of purpose.

Position Overview:

The Controller & Business Manager plays a vital role in the operations and management of the School. The position oversees the Business Office and provides management oversight and direction with regards to the School’s financial reporting and operations. The Controller & Business Manager also serves as the School’s Financial Aid Administrator and provides assistance to the Director of Enrollment Management and Collegiate Partnerships and other senior administrators with regard to the School’s enrollment management program.  The position also plays an integral role in the School’s risk management process, including maintaining effective internal controls and general risk management policies and procedures with regard to fiscal procedures and insurance matters.  The position interfaces regularly with senior administrators and others on various matters relating to the budget and planning process, annual financial audit and tax filings, preparation of annual and quarterly financial statements, financial aid process, enrollment management process, and enterprise risk management strategies. Finally, the position develops, implements, and maintains effective communication with the School’s various constituents regarding budgetary and fiscal management responsibilities. The position is a management position, which may require evening and weekend work as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

General Accounting Tasks:

• Provides leadership to the Business Office staff, including training, mentoring, and overall management of day-to-day operations.

• Provides strategic financial guidance in all areas of the School’s financial operations, including maintaining documented accounting policies and procedures, ensuring appropriate internal controls, overseeing the day-to-day accounting functions, and issuing timely communication with regard to various budgetary matters.

• Reviews the work of the Senior Accountant.

• Reviews and posts journal entries as necessary.

• Provides guidance and oversight over the payroll process and completes final review prior to submission.

• Provides oversight over monthly closing activities to ensure timely completion. 

• Responsible for the accounting of complex activity including any year end journal entries that may be required. Examples include accounting for the School’s endowment and tuition revenue recognition entries required at fiscal year-end. 

• Leads fiscal year-end closing procedures.

Financial Reporting

• Responsible for preparation of the School’s year-end financial statements and the School’s operating budget report. 

• Assists in the preparation of the Federal and State (Forms 990 and 199) Informational Tax Return.

• Assists in the financial statement audit, benefit plan audit, and workers compensation audit, including coordination with the School’s independent auditors. 

• Together with the Associate Head for Finance & Administration, oversees the School’s annual budget and planning process, including recommendation and implementation of process improvements.

• Monitors daily cash balances and necessary cash flows.  

• Stays informed on any required implementation of new accounting standards and financial reporting best practices for nonprofit organizations.

Risk Management

• Works closely with the Associate Head for Finance & Administration and other managers to develop, implement, and lead the School’s enterprise risk management process.

• Meets regularly with senior administrators and School personnel in developing and implementing effective risk management policies and procedures.

• Provides timely recommendations regarding policy changes and implementation strategies.

• Provides overall direction and leadership in securing appropriate insurance coverage at competitive rates.

• Provides guidance and strategic direction on all contractual transactions of the School, including but not limited to regular review of annual student enrollment contracts.

Financial Aid Administrator

• Directs the School’s financial aid process and makes recommendations on awards to the Financial Aid Committee.

• Assists with the advancement of the School’s enrollment management strategies and practices.

• Provide assistance to returning and prospective families with regards to their student’s enrollment and financial aid. 

• Recommends strategies for enhancement and expansion of overall financial aid funding.

Other Responsibilities

• Provides strategic support to the Associate Head for Finance & Administration regarding the Finance and Audit Committees of the Board of Trustees. Attends committee meetings.

• Responsible for completion of various school surveys related to state and national associations. 

• Participates actively in the School community, attending student and employee events and activities.

• Other duties and projects as assigned.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive annual salary ranging from $155,000 to $185,000.

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Access to voluntary benefits and professional development programs.

• Competitive retirement plans, including employer matching contributions.

• Generous time-off allowance to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

For more information about Marlborough School, its rigorous academic curriculum, fine arts and athletics programs, or if you would like to learn more about this position or other career opportunities, we invite you to visit the Careers link under the “About” drop-down menu on our website at: http://www.marlboroughschool.org. 

Marlborough School is an equal opportunity employer. Marlborough recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Marlborough School is a diverse, inclusive community that strives to maintain diversity in all areas of employment.

Apply here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=4ed23063-4461-44c0-b2ae-c2817e9315d2&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CurrentOpenings&jobId=916202

Requirements:

• 10+ years progressive relevant accounting experience (preferably nonprofit organizations).

• 5+ years of supervisory experience required.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Accounting or related field.

• CPA or CPA candidate desirable but not required.

• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. 

• Working knowledge of Google Suite applications and Microsoft Office.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; resourceful problem-solver; high level of discretion and proven record of maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgment.

• Strong analytical skills with an ability to work independently and in collaborative groups within a fast-paced environment that often requires juggling multiple priorities.

• Excellent management and supervisory skills. 

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