Controller

Organization:

For more than a century, Bank Street College of Education has led the charge to place students’ needs at the center of practice and policy in the field of education. Today, Bank Street is a multifaceted organization bringing innovative approaches to improving the quality of classroom practice and serves as a national advocate for children, families, and the system and policy changes that bring effective and equitable teaching to all.

The organization includes:

• The Bank Street Education Center
  supports and influences positive learning outcomes for students, educators, and communities every day through research, direct work with schools and communities, and strategic partnerships.


• The Graduate School of Education
  offers educator preparation programs that combine the study of human development, learning theory, and sustained clinical practice to produce well-prepared educators ready to help students flourish.


• Children’s programs
  – including the School for Children, Family Center, Head Start, and Liberty LEADS – for children from birth to high school graduation that foster all facets of human intelligence—academic, social, and emotional—so students can thrive in school and succeed in life.

The three instructional divisions are supported by the Development & Alumni Relations Office, the Communications Team, and the Division of Strategy & Operations, which includes teams responsible for human resources, IT, finances, and facilities.

The mission of Bank Street College is to improve the education of children and their teachers by applying to the education process all available knowledge about learning and growth and by connecting teaching and learning meaningfully to the outside world. They see in education the opportunity to build a better society.

Opportunity for Impact:

The Controller is a critical financial leader focused on operational rigor and execution excellence, ensuring the financial records and controls are impeccable to support the College's mission. Bank Street is focused on stability and innovation, and this role will provide the reliable, accurate financial foundation required for sustainable growth across the education landscape.

The Controller will ensure unwavering accuracy and compliance. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) within the Division of Strategy & Operations, the Controller will serve as the accountable operational expert of the finance team, rolling up their sleeves to ensure all processes, systems, and reports are executed flawlessly and in compliance with all internal and external standards.
Position Summary:

The Controller is the senior leader responsible for the integrity, reliability, and accuracy of the College’s financial records. This leader is charged with executing rigorous financial stewardship, building a robust internal controls environment, and driving operational discipline across Bank Street College. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who prioritizes getting the work done efficiently and correctly while building strong, trust-based relationships across all divisions.

Key Competencies & Core Focus:

• Technical Accounting Mastery:
  Expert execution of GAAP, fund accounting, endowment management, and compliance (OMB Circular A-133, IRS Form 990).


• Process Execution & Operational Excellence:
  Driving process discipline, implementing strong internal controls, and ensuring the smooth, accurate function of systems (e.g., Blackbaud Financial Edge).


• Accountable Team Leadership:
  Building a high-performing, execution-focused accounting team with direct managerial oversight of Accounts Payable (AP) and functional oversight of Payroll.


• Relationship-Driven Partnership:
  Collaborating effectively across College divisions and providing clear, reliable financial information to stakeholders.

Core Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations & Team Oversight

• Team Leadership and Management:
  Manage, train, mentor, and evaluate the performance of the accounting staff, fostering a culture of high execution, accuracy, and compliance.


• Transactional Oversight:
  Directly manage the Accounts Payable (AP) function, ensuring efficient disbursement processing, expense management, and accurate vendor relations.


• Payroll Function:
  Oversee the accuracy and timeliness of the Payroll function (working closely with HR/Talent), with the objective of transitioning to full operational oversight of this core function over time.


• General Ledger Integrity:
  Manage and maintain the College’s General Ledger and subsidiary ledgers, ensuring all transactions are recorded accurately, consistently, and on a timely basis.


• Internal Controls:
  Establish, document, and strictly monitor a robust system of internal controls to safeguard institutional assets, prevent financial irregularities, and ensure financial integrity across all operational divisions.


• Policy and Procedure:
  Responsible for the authorship, documentation, and continuous maintenance of the official financial policies manual, ensuring all staff adhere to established fiscal policies and procedures.

Financial Reporting & Audit Management

• Financial Close Process:
  Lead and execute the accelerated monthly and annual financial close process, including all journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analyses.


• External Reporting:
  Prepare and review all required periodic and annual financial statements (including Balance Sheets, Statements of Activities, and Cash Flows) in full conformity with GAAP.


• Audit Management:
  Manage the annual external financial audit and the Single Audit process, preparing all necessary schedules, documentation, and serving as the primary point of contact for the independent auditors.


• Tax and Regulatory Compliance:
  Oversee the accurate and timely preparation and filing of annual tax returns (IRS Form 990), quarterly returns, and other required government filings (e.g., IRS Form 5500).


• Accounting Standards:
  Research and implement new accounting standards (FASB) and tax regulations that impact the College’s financial operations and reporting, ensuring timely adoption.

Specialized Higher Education & Compliance Accounting

• Restricted Fund Management:
  Ensure accurate and compliant accounting for endowment and all other donor restricted funds, including proper tracking of releases from restriction and adherence to donor intent and Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) principles.


• Investment Accounting:
  Account for the College’s investment portfolio in coordination with the CFO.


• Government Compliance (A-133):
  Oversee the accounting and preparation of the annual Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and ensure full compliance with OMB Circular A-133 (Single Audit) requirements.


• Funding Proposals:
  Prepare and submit in a timely manner complex regulatory proposals, including Federal Indirect Cost (IDC) and fringe benefit proposals.


• Support and Reporting:
  Provide accurate financial reports and data to the CFO for forecasting and decision-making by senior leaders and the Board.


• Cross-Functional Liaison:
  Act as the key liaison between the Business Office and other College divisions on all accounting and reporting matters, ensuring strong partnerships.

Qualifications & Experience:

• CPA highly preferred, or an MBA/Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance. A Bachelor's degree in Accounting is required.


• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in non-profit or higher education finance, with a strong leadership background in hands-on accounting and internal controls.


• Demonstrated experience managing and developing a team of accounting professionals.


• Significant, demonstrable experience with endowment accounting, government grant compliance (A-133), and restricted fund management in a complex non-profit or higher education environment.


• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex financial matters to non-financial stakeholders.


• Technical Proficiencies: Advanced experience with major ERP/accounting systems such as Blackbaud Financial Edge, and knowledge of large-scale payroll systems like Oracle Payroll.

Salary info: $145,000 - $165,000 annually