What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller (Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT) position at Cypress Christian School Bridgeland Campus?
Position Overview
Cypress Christian School is seeking a high-performing Controller to lead and execute the day-to-day financial operations of the organization. This role is critical in ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and operational excellence across all accounting functions.
The Controller will partner closely with the CFO to provide timely financial insights, maintain fiscal discipline, and support strategic decision-making. This position requires a hands-on leader with strong technical accounting expertise and deep experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Close
- Lead the monthly close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting
- Prepare and deliver monthly financial statements, including income statement, balance sheet, cash flow, and variance analysis
- Maintain integrity of the general ledger and supporting schedules
- Analyze financial results and provide clear, actionable insights to leadership
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Support the development of the annual budget in partnership with the CFO.
- Monitor budget-to-actual performance and provide ongoing forecasts
- Assist in tuition modeling and financial planning for future school years
Cash & Treasury Management
- Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and banking relationships
- Ensure accurate and timely bank reconciliations
- Provide visibility into cash position and future cash needs
Revenue & Receivables
- Oversee tuition billing and collections processes
- Monitor accounts receivable aging
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of all revenue-related transactions
Expenses & Payables
- Oversee accounts payable processes and vendor payments
- Ensure appropriate controls, approvals, and expense classification
- Monitor spending against budget and identify variances
Payroll & Compliance
- Oversee payroll processing and ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations
- Review reconciled payroll-related filings (W-2s, unemployment reporting, etc.)
- Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws and reporting requirements
Audit, Compliance & Controls
- Coordinate annual financial audits and external reviews
- Support preparation and review of Form 990
- Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with policies and procedures
- Provide required financial reporting for lending and regulatory compliance
Systems & Process Improvement
- Serve as the internal expert for Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, including system optimization, reporting, and troubleshooting
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
- Partner with internal teams to improve financial workflows and reporting capabilities
Leadership & Communication
- Present financial results and insights to leadership and Finance Committee
- Support cross-functional teams with financial analysis and decision support
- Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement
Success in This Role Looks Like
- Monthly close completed accurately and consistently within 10–12 business days
- Clean audits with no material weaknesses
- Fully optimized use of Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
- Clear, timely, and decision-useful financial reporting
- Strong visibility into cash flow and financial performance
- Continuous improvement in financial processes and systems
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT (required)
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA preferred)
- 5–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting
- Experience managing audits and working with external CPA firms
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial systems
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to operate independently with high ownership and accountability
Preferred Experience
- Experience in private school, nonprofit, or education environments
- Experience with financial system implementations or major system upgrades
- Background in process improvement or operational efficiency initiatives
Mission Alignment
- Must be a committed Christian whose lifestyle reflects a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
- Must fully support the school’s doctrinal statement and educational philosophy
- Must be actively engaged in a Bible-believing church