What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at Cognita Schools?
Position: Controller
Location: Stow, Massachusetts, Masters Academy International
Start Date: June 1, 2026
Masters Academy International
Masters Academy International (MAI) is New England’s only school that intentionally integrates pro-level coaching and top-tier academics to prepare future leaders, excelling in sport, scholarship, and life. At MAI, athletics are not an extracurricular add-on; they are a core pillar of student identity and future opportunity.
Our student athletes pursue ambitious goals and train with purpose. The athletic program at MAI is designed to develop exceptional competitors while also cultivating the character, habits, and mindset required for long-term success. We believe in doing things the right way: with excellence, integrity, and care for the whole student.
About The Role
MAI is seeking an Controller to serve as a financial architect and hands-on operational leader responsible for building a durable financial foundation that supports the school’s long-term growth. Ultimately, the Controller is responsible for creating the essential systems and financial guardrails necessary for the Academy to scale effectively while ensuring its financial health remains as intentional as its mission for student development.
What You Will Do
As the Controller, you will take full ownership of MAI's day-to-day financial operations, managing everything from the general ledger and cash flow to the month-end close process with a mindset of discipline and accuracy. Beyond technical accounting, you will serve as a strategic partner to the CFO and school leadership, translating complex financial data into actionable insights that empower the team to make confident, high-speed decisions.
Who You Are
You are a mission-aligned "architect of clarity" who thrives in the flexible, fast-paced environment of a startup. You are a proactive problem-solver with a "figure it out and make it better" mindset, blending a disciplined grasp of GAAP with a commitment to maintaining clean, reliable numbers. Ultimately, you are someone who believes deeply in the power of education, sports, and mentorship, and you are ready to use your detail-oriented expertise to ensure the Academy’s financial health is as durable as its vision for student growth
Qualifications
Compensation And Benefits
The salary range is $120,000. Benefits for eligible roles include medical, life insurance, a 401(k) savings plan, and more.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding
We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization. We strive to build a culture in which every colleague feels that they belong, are trusted, and are valued. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and strongly encourage those from underrepresented groups to apply.
How to Apply:
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 15th May 2026
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
Location: Stow, Massachusetts, Masters Academy International
Start Date: June 1, 2026
Masters Academy International
Masters Academy International (MAI) is New England’s only school that intentionally integrates pro-level coaching and top-tier academics to prepare future leaders, excelling in sport, scholarship, and life. At MAI, athletics are not an extracurricular add-on; they are a core pillar of student identity and future opportunity.
Our student athletes pursue ambitious goals and train with purpose. The athletic program at MAI is designed to develop exceptional competitors while also cultivating the character, habits, and mindset required for long-term success. We believe in doing things the right way: with excellence, integrity, and care for the whole student.
About The Role
MAI is seeking an Controller to serve as a financial architect and hands-on operational leader responsible for building a durable financial foundation that supports the school’s long-term growth. Ultimately, the Controller is responsible for creating the essential systems and financial guardrails necessary for the Academy to scale effectively while ensuring its financial health remains as intentional as its mission for student development.
What You Will Do
As the Controller, you will take full ownership of MAI's day-to-day financial operations, managing everything from the general ledger and cash flow to the month-end close process with a mindset of discipline and accuracy. Beyond technical accounting, you will serve as a strategic partner to the CFO and school leadership, translating complex financial data into actionable insights that empower the team to make confident, high-speed decisions.
Who You Are
You are a mission-aligned "architect of clarity" who thrives in the flexible, fast-paced environment of a startup. You are a proactive problem-solver with a "figure it out and make it better" mindset, blending a disciplined grasp of GAAP with a commitment to maintaining clean, reliable numbers. Ultimately, you are someone who believes deeply in the power of education, sports, and mentorship, and you are ready to use your detail-oriented expertise to ensure the Academy’s financial health is as durable as its vision for student growth
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Experience: Strong accounting experience with a proven track record of thinking beyond the transaction level to shape long-term operations.
- Expertise: Demonstrated ability in building or improving accounting processes in environments that are still taking shape.
- Knowledge: Solid grasp of GAAP and financial operations; Advanced proficiency with ERP systems, with specific experience in NetSuite considered a significant plus; Exceptional ability to design practical workflows and internal controls; Skilled in communicating complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
- Preferred Qualifications: Experience working within schools, athletics programs, nonprofits, or other mission-driven organizations; Experience in a startup environment or a small, growing team where roles must remain flexible.
Compensation And Benefits
The salary range is $120,000. Benefits for eligible roles include medical, life insurance, a 401(k) savings plan, and more.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding
We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization. We strive to build a culture in which every colleague feels that they belong, are trusted, and are valued. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and strongly encourage those from underrepresented groups to apply.
How to Apply:
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 15th May 2026
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
Salary : $120,000