Controller

ABOUT THE POSITION:

Hawai?i Preparatory Academy (HPA) is seeking a Controller who will play a key role in managing the school's financial operations and supporting long-term planning and accountability. This position works closely with the CFO, Business Office team, and school leadership to ensure financial integrity across the organization. The Controller is responsible for managing the school's accounting systems, ensuring compliance with all applicable standards and regulations, and overseeing audits, reporting, internal controls, and daily operations. This role also supervises Business Office staff and partners with other departments to support tuition, payroll, benefits, and admissions and advancement-related financial processes

All responsibilities at the school are expected to support HPA's mission and align with its core values of integrity, respect, pursuit of excellence, and wonder. We welcome individuals who foster an inclusive and supportive environment that celebrates diversity, culture, and belonging.

Hiring Timeline - Applications will be reviewed in February. The school anticipates making a hiring decision in March. Prior to the official start date, the selected candidate may be asked to check in periodically through the end of the school year, with regular work beginning July 1, 2026.

JOB OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the planning and execution of the annual financial audit and 403b audit; prepare reconciliations, schedules, and documentation for auditors and review the final report.
• Direct the work of the Business Office including timely/accurate monthly and year-end closing of books. Prepare quarterly financial statements. Perform or assist with accounting duties during staff absences.
• Oversee accounts receivable and accounts payables, including supervising AR staff and ensuring timely collections consistent with the School's mission and values.
• Perform treasury functions including cash management, financial planning, banking relations, credit lines, loans, and investment accounting.
• Attend and take minutes for Assets and Audit Committee meetings of the Board.
• Establish and maintain internal controls and procedures in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Ensure accounting policies and procedures are complete, accurate, and updated regularly to reflect current practices.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, higher productivity and efficiency and reduction of waste and financial risk.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, tax, and filing requirements.
• Participate in the quarterly Retirement Plan Committee and annual working group.
• Support the Admission Office by annually updating tuition rates and other financial terms and conditions for external publication. Participate in the annual enrollment and financial aid processes, including the setup of electronic tuition payment accounts, enrollment agreements, and tracking records.
• Provide financial support to the Advancement Office for recordkeeping, accounting, reporting, collections, and endowment management.
• Collaborate with the Human Resources Department on payroll, benefits, employee leave, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain the accuracy, integrity, and functionality of software for financial reporting, tuition management, financial aid, payables, p-cards / spending, endowment, and advancement, and explore new systems that may improve our effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Head of School for Business Operations (CFO).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5-6 years of progressive experience in accounting, including deep familiarity with 501(c)(3) compliance and fund accounting.
• Any combination of education and work experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.
• Computer knowledge in Microsoft Office, advanced Excel proficiency, Google Workspace, and ERP system.
• Supervisory experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take full charge of the accounting cycle.
• Impeccable character. Trustworthy. Demonstrated ability to work with the School's finances and other highly sensitive and confidential information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with Blackbaud's Financial Edge NXT accounting software.
• CPA with experience in school accounting strongly preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Be able to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

Apply here. Please include a resume and cover letter.

Employment Term: Year round

Status: Exempt

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Employee Essential Expectations

ABOUT US:

The mission of Hawai'i Preparatory Academy (HPA) is to provide exceptional learning opportunities in a diverse community honoring the traditions of Hawai'i. Our work is grounded in HPA's Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Pursuit of Excellence, and Wonder.

Located on Hawaii Island, one of the most beautiful places on the planet, HPA is a co-educational, college-preparatory, day and boarding school that serves kindergarten through 12th grade. Our students live and study within rare landscapes, precious ecosystems, and a mix of world cultures. We embrace these attributes to create unique signature programs, research partnerships, and growth opportunities to empower students with a sense of purpose and the real-world skills to explore and reinvent that purpose over a lifetime. HPA's goal is to be among the greenest of schools and to undertake a leadership role in sustainability education, where our campus serves as a living laboratory that sends engaged citizens and agents of change into the world.

We seek individuals who believe in our school mission and core values and who share our commitment to the children of Hawai'i Island as well as the dynamic young people who come to HPA from around the world.

HPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, marital status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law.