Job Summary:

The Controller is an integral and critical part of the Business Office at Brookwood School ensuring timely and accurate financial information.  The position works closely with both the DFO and also the Business Office Administrator in the Business Office, along with a wide variety of faculty and staff from across the school.  The successful candidate will be responsible for not only attending to the day to day tasks of the position, but also identifying and developing process improvements that streamline workflow.

Essential Duties: 

• Responsible for all accounting aspects of the school and integrity of the general ledger

• Track enrollment and reconcile to receivables & tuition billing
• Track investments and record gains and losses
• Reconcile release of net assets and restricted contributions as per School’s endowment spending policy
• Manage monthly tuition payment plans

• Reconcile payroll, student billing, and payable / disbursement activity to general ledger monthly

• Support and assist in recording of fundraising activities and reconciliation to general ledger

• Responsible for financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Prepare and enter monthly journal entries
• Monthly close and reconciliation of bank and all balance sheet accounts
• Prepare annual financial audit package and coordinate 403(b) and Workers’ Comp audits
• Cash management and supervise all incoming cash receipts
• Settle due to / from accounts monthly
• Manage record keeping of fixed assets

• Provide information and assist in filing of all federal and informational returns
• Provide covenant calculations as required for banks and lenders
• Oversee financial internal controls
• Review contracts as needed
• Prepare reports and work with administrators and departments regarding budget performance
• Maintain financial records in accordance with school’s record retention policy
• Keep informed of financial, regulatory and other information pertaining to nonprofit entities and schools
• Back-up coverage for accounts payable, payroll, and other functions as needed
• Other duties as assigned

The Successful Candidate will have: 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, CPA strongly preferred 
• 5-7 years of non-profit accounting experience, preferably in a school environment, public accounting, or auditing
• Experience accounting for investments and endowment spending

Additional Qualifications

• Unquestionable integrity and proven ability to treat sensitive information with the utmost discretion
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Superb prioritization and organizational skills
• Highly attentive to detail where speed and accuracy are of equal importance
• Strong customer service skills
• Creative, critical, and analytical thinking geared toward process improvement
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Skilled at establishing and cultivating strong relationships across all levels of the organization
• Experience working for an independent elementary school a plus, but not a requirement
• Excellent computer skills - proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Google docs, Blackbaud or equivalent accounting software
• Proficiency in and commitment to antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion

About Brookwood School

Brookwood is an Early Childhood through Grade 8 independent school of about 300 students located on a beautiful 30-acre wooded campus in Manchester, MA on the coast of the North Shore of Boston. At Brookwood, kids come first—not the test, not trophies, not to-do lists. We know how kids learn best. Every day, we use our expertise to challenge kids intellectually and ensure they feel valued so that they can grow into their best selves. Our program focuses on building 21st century skills and graduating students of conscience, character, compassion, and cultural competence. Brookwood also offers a playful, collaborative work environment for 85 faculty and staff who go the extra mile to do what is best for kids.

Connections working at Brookwood School