Controller - Education Industry - Remote

Business Office Services practice— a specialized offering designed to help independent schools address operational inefficiencies, staffing gaps, and financial challenges.Independent schools face increasing pressures to innovate and optimize financial and operational processes while maintaining long-term sustainability. Recognizing these challenges, Smith + Howard provides tailored business office solutions that help schools strengthen their financial health, improve operational efficiency and identify opportunities for financial growth. The new service offering includes:Business Office Assessments – Comprehensive evaluations to identify inefficiencies and implement best practices.Fractional Leadership – Experienced financial professionals to provide interim or part-time leadership for schools in transition.Full or Partial Business Office Outsourcing – Customized solutions to help schools streamline operations while ensuring continuity and institutional knowledge retention.The start date should be around early June to be ready for July account opening, this hire.A credit check will be ran as part of the background screeningJob Title: Controller Department: Business Office for Independent SchoolsFully RemoteNewly created position for the group practice so defiantly need to get a good person in play as it will be very important roleSystems experience in QuickBooksExperience working for an education institute would be highly preferred (private/college preparatory..etc)Salary range 85K-110K DOEGreat opportunity to get your feet in the beginning stages of a start-up business practiceJob Overview:We are seeking an organized and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join our Business Office Services Team for Independent Schools. 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 skillsKey Responsibilities:Controllership:Manage Accounts Receivable, including recording payments from various sources (Raiser’s Edge, Square, Homeroom, etc.).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.Reconcile FACTS and Raiser’s Edge data with QBS monthly.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 QBS 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 benefitsAccounts Payable & Expense Management:Process accounts payable transactions and expense management using approved software (BILL and Divvy).Ensure all transactions have proper supporting documentation in QBS, BILL, and Divvy.Oversee the timely approval and payment of bills and reimbursement requests.Tuition & Fee Management:Ensure all tuition and fee activity is recorded and reconciled in FACTS and QBO.Oversee the re-enrollment process, entering contracts, payments, financial aid, and scholarships into FACTS.Reconcile Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships data with Admissions.Ensure all received payments (tuition, fees, advancement) are properly deposited and recorded in QBO.Capital Assets & Investments:Maintain PP&E Fixed Asset Schedule, including CIP, and record depreciation entries in QBO.Track and reconcile investment activities and update schedules for US Bank, Alternative Investments, and Term Bonds.Monitor and record any related entries in QBO.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, preferably QBO, BILL, and Divvy.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).Time Allocation (Estimated):Associate (QBO Bookkeeping): 21 hours/week (accounts payable, revenue recording, payroll, bank feed activity, and budget input).Controller: 15 hours/week (balance sheet reconciliations, pledge/endowment tracking, financial reporting, treasury management, and bi-weekly team meetings).Annual Audit Support: 50-60 additional hours per year (audit preparation and support).Key Attributes for Success:Strong teamwork and collaboration with the Business Office and other departments.Ability to manage and optimize financial systems (QBO) for maximum efficiency.High level of integrity and attention to detail in handling financial data.Proactive approach to identifying and solving financial and operational challenges.This role is crucial to the financial health and operational success of School, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and timely reporting across various functions.