Controller/Director of Finance

St. Andrew’s School seeks a dedicated and responsible individual to join our team as a full-time director of finance/controller. St. Andrew’s was founded in 1929 as an independent, Episcopal boarding school. The school educates about 315 students from around the world each year in an all-residential setting, and has a long-standing commitment to financial aid and socioeconomic diversity. Our students and faculty come from a wide range of backgrounds, traditions, and experiences, and it is this variety that creates a vibrant and challenging learning environment that makes our worlds larger.

The controller/director of finance is an experienced professional with broad knowledge of accounting, finance, and business principles, a strategic thinker, and an effective leader committed to the practice of sound financial stewardship. The controller/director of finance demonstrates the ability to lead change, innovate, and sustain strong working relationships.

Financial Management:

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the school's mission and goals.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and in partnership with the chief financial officer. Reviews budget proposals, and prepares necessary supporting documentation and justification.
• Assist the CFO in the preparation of reports of disbursements, special analyses, and reports for school administration and Trustees; develop recommendations for changes and/or improvements, monetary control, and adherence to the budget.
• Monitor financial performance and provide regular reports to the chief financial officer and head of school.
• Conduct financial analysis and forecasting to support decision-making processes.
• Oversee cash flow management, investments, and risk assessment.
• Monitor the School’s financial reports and determines ways to reduce costs, find efficiencies, and collect payments.

Accounting and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Prepare financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Reconcile all banking and financial accounts in a timely manner.
• Prepare timely and detailed reports on financial performance on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Coordinate audits and reviews, addressing any findings or recommendations.
• Maintain endowment funds that typically have donor-imposed restrictions placed upon the principal and/or income. Perform cash management, endowment, and investment accounting, including planned gifts and split-interest agreements.
• Perform bond accounting, ensuring that all covenants are fulfilled in a timely manner, including annual debt management reports to the Finance Committee.
• Perform cash management, endowment, and investment accounting, including planned gifts and split-interest agreements.
• Prepare all financial and accounting audit and internal control operations. Prepare all financial statements and footnotes for the external audit.
• Develop financial reporting and tracking procedures for school events and fundraising campaigns.
• Manage cash, cash-related receipts, accounts receivable, and collection functions, ensuring timely processing of billings, payments, and collections.
• Work with the Admissions Office on tuition issues during the application and contract processes.
• Interact with Board Committees and prepare and present materials for Board work.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements.
• Implement internal controls and risk management protocols to safeguard assets and mitigate risks.
• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and legal developments related to finance.
• Work closely with the CFO to monitor the school’s financial position and proactively mitigate financial risks.

Support Staff Oversight:

• Supervise support staff, including staff accountant, accounts receivable specialist, and bookstore manager, to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Foster a collaborative and productive work environment, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and support for employee growth and development.

Professional Attributes:

• Contribute to the delivery of the mission, vision, and values of the school community.
• Demonstrate inclusive and equitable practices to ensure that all members of the community feel a sense of belonging.
• Follow community policies and procedures and models positive behavior.
• Promote a trust-based community by keeping appropriate confidences.
• Manage time effectively and meet deadlines and commitments.
• Communicate and respond to all school communications in a timely manner.
• Exhibit flexibility and adaptability to change as needed.
• Exhibit professionalism, positive relationships and appropriate communication with all members of the community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting with Masters in Business/Accounting preferred.
• Five to ten years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. which may include public or private accounting, business operations, financial reporting, and analysis, or budget oversight and planning.
• Knowledgeable of accounting standards, audit, and internal control protocols, all applicable federal and state statutes.
• CPA or CMA certification preferred.
• Experience in independent schools or similar environment preferred.
• Demonstrated success in financial management, including business processes, internal controls, and process improvement.
• Strong technology skills, especially demonstrating excellence in Microsoft Suite (Excel Proficient) and Blackbaud products (BBTM, BBEM, Financial Edge NXT, Raisers Edge NXT).
• Excellent verbal and written communication, strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Experience with capital projects accounting, planned giving, and endowment management highly preferred.
• Proven success at working collaboratively and efficiently on a creative, diverse, and goal-oriented team. Self-motivated, ability to multi-task, excellent work habits, including a willingness to work the hours necessary to get the job done, especially when important deadlines cause greater than normal departmental pressures.
• Demonstrate the highest level of integrity and competence in thought, word, and action.
• Able to make informed decisions, take initiative, effectively consult with others, and prioritize tasks.
• Effective leadership and interpersonal skills are required to manage personnel and constituents, solve problems, and communicate effectively with school representatives, parents, students, and board members.
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Conditions of Hire:

• A thorough background check, inclusive of fingerprinting and a Child Protection Registry check, is required as a condition of employment.
• Applicant must complete satisfactory reference checks, confirmation of compliance with federal and state employment laws, and any other required condition of employment.

To Apply:

St. Andrew’s School is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome diverse candidates of all backgrounds, faiths, and persuasions, and seek to foster an inclusive, welcoming community environment. This job description is intended to describe the basic, critical elements of the job and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job.

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, a current resume, and a list of references.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 285-4211. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance. St. Andrew’s School is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.