School Controller at The Shefa School

About the Organization:

The Shefa School is a Jewish community day school in Manhattan serving students in grades K-8. Shefa specifically serves students with language-based learning disabilities who have not yet reached their potential levels of success in traditional classroom settings. Shefa is a pluralistic community school, serving families across the range of Jewish involvement and observance.

Position Overview:

The School Controller is a full-time, on-campus, 12-month position handling all daily accounting functions, including recording journal entries, preparing account reconciliations, and reviewing and maintaining financial controls. This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the School's accounting activities to ensure accurate, timely, and complete financial reporting in accordance with GAAP
• Oversee day-to-day accounting and financial operations, including month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, account analysis and reconciliations, and internal controls
• Facilitate the annual financial audit and Form 990 filing process with external auditors and tax advisors
• Prepare financial statements, management reports, and analyses for the CFO, Head of School, and Board committees
• Establish, maintain, and evaluate internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures
• Serve as a lead member of the School's Financial Aid Committee, reviewing applications and communicating with families about awards, tuition obligations, and payment plans
• Coordinate submissions for government funding and foundation grants

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required
• Five to seven years of progressive accounting experience; nonprofit or independent school experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, account reconciliation, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables and data formulas)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong attention to detail, and superior organizational skills
• Experience administering financial aid programs, tuition assistance, or other student financial services preferred