Controller

Controller Opportunity

Palo Alto, CA

Salary range $165,000 to $180,000

At Keys School, we know that the exploration of emotional intelligence alongside a sense of belonging unlocks powerful intellectual growth. Within the safe, healthy, and inspiring community of Keys, personalities come to life, young people discover themselves, and students embrace learning with minds and hearts. Founded in 1973, we are a co-ed K-8 school with 320 students across two campuses in the heart of Silicon Valley. We operate at full enrollment with $17M in revenue, $9M in endowment/reserves, $40M in assets, and a dedicated and generous parent community.

Position Overview

Keys School seeks a hands-on, forward-thinking Controller to join its collaborative Business Office team. Rooted in the school’s commitment to social-emotional learning, inclusivity, and belonging, the Controller plays a key role in advancing the mission through sound financial stewardship and continuous improvement.

Reporting to the Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO) and working closely with the Accounting Manager, the Controller oversees all accounting operations, budget management, payroll administration, and audit preparation. This position ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial data, supports compliance and human resources reporting, and contributes to the overall transparency and efficiency of the Business Office. The ideal candidate brings not only accounting expertise but also curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to innovation—leveraging technology and process improvements to make financial work smarter, more responsive, and mission-aligned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Manage the general ledger and ensure timely and accurate recording of all financial transactions.
• Prepare detailed financial reports, including statements of financial position, activity, and cash flow, as well as analyses of historical and projected income and expenses.
• Perform monthly reconciliations, variance analyses, and forecasts.
• Oversee cash flow projections and reconcile bank and investment accounts.
• Maintain fixed asset and depreciation schedules and ensure accurate tracking of inventory.

Budgeting and Planning

• Lead the development of the annual operating and capital budgets in partnership with the CFOO and department heads.
• Support budget managers in tracking and analyzing performance against budget.
• Assist with long-range financial planning and scenario modeling.

Payroll and Human Resources Support

• Oversee payroll processing, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and accuracy in all related reporting.
• Support the CFOO and HR in maintaining accurate employee data and managing benefit-related accounting.

Audit, Compliance, and Tax

• Serve as primary liaison with the school’s independent auditors (West Rhode & Roberts).
• Prepare audit workpapers, schedules, and supporting documentation, and respond to recommendations.
• Manage preparation and filing of the school’s Form 990, Form 5500, and other required reports.
• Maintain documentation of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in compliance with GAAP and nonprofit best practices.

Tuition and Advancement Support

• Oversee student billing and collections, including management of past-due accounts.
• Support the issuance and collection of student enrollment and re-enrollment agreements.
• Partner with the Advancement Office to ensure proper recording and release of gifts according to donor intent.

Endowment and Investment Oversight

• Oversee quarterly endowment reporting and accounting to ensure adherence to donor restrictions and investment policy.
• Collaborate with the CFOO to prepare investment performance reports and analysis for the Finance and Investment Committees.

Technology, Compliance, and Process Improvement

• Complete periodic surveys and compliance reports for accrediting and professional associations (NAIS, CAIS, ISBOA).
• Stay current on changes in accounting standards, tax laws, and independent school business operations.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reporting capabilities.
• Support adoption of modern, technology-based tools that strengthen financial systems and workflows.

General Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of the Business Office team, modeling professionalism, collaboration, and discretion.
• Participate in school-wide meetings and events as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong accounting and analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data modeling) and Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, Drive, Forms).
• Demonstrated ability to learn and implement new technologies; enthusiasm for optimizing systems and workflows.
• Innovative mindset with curiosity and initiative to pursue continual improvement.
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences.
• Collaborative and collegial approach with flexibility, initiative, and a sense of humor.
• High ethical standards and sound judgment in handling confidential information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; CPA or MBA preferred.
• 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally in a nonprofit or educational setting.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office; experience with integrated financial or HR systems preferred.
• Demonstrated success implementing or improving accounting systems and processes.
• Occasional availability on evenings or weekends during audit and budget cycles.
• Must maintain DOJ/FBI background and tuberculosis clearances and a valid driver’s license.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary range of $165,000 to $180,000
• Retirement plan employer contribution of 7% of annual salary
• Excellent medical/dental/vision benefits
• 3 weeks vacation and additional 3 to 6 days personal time from first year of employment
• Additional 80 hours paid sick leave annually
• 50% tuition discount for dependent children of employees.

Contact

This retained search is managed by Mary Law Executive Search, the Bay Area leader in placing nonprofit and private school Finance and HR professionals.

Mary Law

mary@marylawexecutivesearch.com

925-785-6991

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