Posted: 03-Oct-25
Location: Houston, Texas
Type: Full Time
Salary: Negotiable
Categories:
Controller
At Awty, we believe that students learn best and faculty perform best in a culture of vibrant diversity. Diversity is an essential quality of our school environment; our commitment to learning and the pursuit of excellence can occur only in such a context. It helps us guide our students to become responsible world citizens. Our commitment to learning about and respecting one another’s diversity brings distinct richness to the Awty experience for students, alumni, employees, and parents.
Position Summary
The Controller is responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the school, ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of all financial records and reporting. The Controller will lead the accounting and business office functions, and play a vital role in financial planning, budgeting, and compliance. This position requires a professional with a strong background in accounting and finance, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to the mission and values of the school.
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer
Key Responsibilities (Including but not limited to):
- Financial Management and Reporting:
- Oversee all accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and the general ledger.
- Manage the month-end and year-end closing processes.
- Prepare and analyze financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows.
- Provide regular financial and compliance reports to the CFO, Head of School, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders, including Awty’s bank partners.
- Monitor and manage cash flow and perform necessary investment transactions.
- Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure internal controls and compliance.
- Administrative responsibilities with outside entities, including relationship bank, vendors, credit cards, and retirement plans
- Budgeting and Planning:
- In conjunction with CFO, lead the annual budget planning process for all school departments.
- Work with department heads to develop and monitor their budgets.
- Provide financial forecasts and analysis to support strategic decision-making.
- Tuition and Financial Aid:
- Manage the tuition billing, collection, and accounts receivable processes.
- Participate in the financial aid review
- Ensure accurate and timely reconciliation of tuition and financial aid data.
- Auditing and Compliance:
- Serve as the primary contact for the school's annual audit.
- Coordinate the preparation of all required financial documents for the audit.
- Ensure timely and accurate filing of all necessary tax returns and government reports, including Forms 990 (if a non-profit) and 5500.
- Stay current with accounting standards (GAAP for non-profits), relevant laws, and regulations in Texas related to private schools.
- Staff Management and Collaboration:
- Supervise and mentor business office staff along with the receptionist and school store.
- Collaborate with other school departments (e.g., Admissions, Advancement) to ensure accurate financial data and a smooth flow of operations.
- Represent the business office in administrative and strategic planning meetings.
- Collaborate with the independent school community including reporting and data sharing
Qualifications and Requirements
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in accounting or finance.
- Prior experience in a non-profit or educational setting is highly desirable.
- Experience with auditing and corporate finance.
- CPA certification is highly preferred.
- Skills:
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Blackbaud).
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to present financial information to a broad audience level
- Personal Attributes:
- A strong work ethic and a commitment to accuracy and integrity.
- A collaborative spirit and a positive attitude.
- A commitment to the mission and values of Awty.
TO APPLY:
Submit your application through the school's website. All applicants should include a cover letter, current résumé, and three professional references (including your most recent direct supervisor).
Compensation is competitive, as are benefits.
While all employees are subject to ongoing background checks, employees who have fiduciary responsibilities are also subject to credit checks.
The Awty International School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ethnic or religious beliefs, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and athletic and other school-administered programs or in its employment practices.