Controller - Education - Blackbaud system

Job Title: Controller – REMOTE

Schools

Fully Remote Direct Hire role

Systems experience in Blackbaud - Tuition Management (Module a plus)

Experience working for an education institute would be highly preferred (private/college preparatory..etc)

Salary range 90K - 120K DOE

Benefits – Yes

3 Keys:

Education Accounting a must

Blackbaud System is a must

Savvy, personable, detailed

Hands on

Nice to Have/Not Required: CPA a plus

Selling Points:

1. Remote

2. Growth within the practice

3. Stable

Job Overview:

We are seeking an organized and detail-oriented Controller. This role is pivotal in managing the school’s bookkeeping/controller functions, along with help on the transactional side depending on client needs. Relationship management skills is a must.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting and financial management, with a focus on bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, operations, school activities, financial reporting, and treasury management. The role will involve collaboration with multiple departments, ensuring compliance, and supporting the school's financial integrity.

Strong relationship management skills

Key Responsibilities:

• Controllership: Manage Accounts Receivable, including recording payments from various sources
• Reconcile monthly bank, credit card, and loan payable account statements, and manage all bank feed activity.
• Prepare month-end entries for investments, liabilities, fixed assets, earned revenue, and pledge receivables.
• Prepare and process payroll entries, ensuring payroll deductions are current and accurate.
• Track and reconcile Pledge Receivables monthly; assess for collectability.
• Support treasury management, including approved money movements for working capital, endowment transfers, and bond-related payments.
• Review and reconcile balance accounts, including allowances for doubtful accounts and deferred revenue.
• Financial Reporting:Prepare and distribute monthly Budget vs Actual Reports by department.
• Load annual budget data into Blackbaud and ensure proper reporting.
• Maintain New Asset Roll-forward schedules for audits.
• Provide customized monthly financial reports for various school programs (Home & School, Green & White).
• Support the preparation of annual financial statement audits and 990 tax filing.
• Relationship Management:Participate in bi-weekly meetings with Admissions to develop contract language and prepare for enrollment (new and returning students).
• Attend Home & School meetings and provide support for parent programs and special funds.
• Engage in bi-weekly Business Office meetings to ensure smooth operations and communication across teams.
• Offer recommendations for process improvements and cost-saving measures.
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance & HR on HR-related tasks and communications.
• Payroll & Benefits:Ensure payroll entries are processed bi-weekly, with formal signoffs on changes, additions, and corrections.
• Manage and reconcile payroll deductions for tuition in FACTS.
• Support Benefit Deductions, 403(b), and Affordable Care Act Reporting.
• Address employee inquiries related to payroll, stipends, and HR benefits
• Accounts Payable & Expense Management:Process accounts payable transactions and expense management
• Ensure all transactions have proper supporting documentation
• Oversee the timely approval and payment of bills and reimbursement requests.
• Tuition & Fee Management:Ensure all tuition and fee activity is recorded and reconciled
• Oversee the re-enrollment process, entering contracts, payments, financial aid, and scholarships
• Reconcile Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships data with Admissions.
• Ensure all received payments (tuition, fees, advancement) are properly deposited and recorded
• Capital Assets & Investments:Maintain PP&E Fixed Asset Schedule, including CIP, and record depreciation entries
• Track and reconcile investment activities and update schedules for US Bank, Alternative Investments, and Term Bonds.
• Monitor and record any related entries
• Audit & Compliance:Prepare for and support annual financial statement audits, ensuring all necessary documentation is gathered.
• Assist with the preparation of 990 tax filings and other required audit documents.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial policies and accounting standards.
• Treasury & Cash Flow Management:Support treasury functions, including monitoring working capital, endowment transfers, and bond-related payments.
• Ensure that all money movements, including ACH payments and transfers, are accurately recorded.
• Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in financial management or accounting, preferably in the education sector.
• Experience with accounting software Blackbaud in the nonprofit world – IT’S A MUST
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, reconciliations, payroll processing, and accounts payable/receivable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with audit processes and tax reporting (990 forms).