Controller

Walnut Hill School for the Arts has an immediate opening for a Controller to join the Business Office at a warm and welcoming independent boarding school in Natick, MA. 

The Controller is an integral member of the Business Office, responsible for processing payroll through ADP, ensuring accuracy and integrity of the general ledger, preparing for and managing the annual audit, and assisting in the preparation and analysis of all financial reports. The Controller ensures that all processes and functions feeding the general ledger operate smoothly and with optimal internal controls and segregation of duties appropriate for the size and complexity of Walnut Hill.

Reporting directly to the CFOO, the Controller is also responsible for recommending and administering all accounting policies and procedures, insuring that strong internal controls and effective transaction processing routines protect the assets of the school, and result in meaningful, timely and accurate financial reporting.

Responsibilities:

Financial Operations & Reporting:

• Full responsibility for general ledger, including month-end close and annual audits;
• Ensure accurate and timely financial information and reporting, including all financial statements, cash and variance analyses, and dashboard reports;
• Prepare, post, and reconcile all investment activity and related accounting entries, and prepare all associated spreadsheets and analyses;
• Review, post, and reconcile all cash, stock, and in-kind gifts from the Development Office;
• Ensure accurate and appropriate coding and/or approval of all revenue, expenditure, and journal transactions to their appropriate accounts, including unrestricted, temporarily restricted, and permanently restricted funds; coordinate with the Development Office to prepare annual stewardship reports for all endowed funds;
• Maintain an accurate and appropriate general ledger chart of accounts;
• Calculate and appropriately allocate internal department charges (e.g., transportation, food, benefits); 
• Analyze and work with appropriate department heads and administrators for auxiliary programs to ensure profitability and effectiveness; 
• Resolve any reporting issues with the IRS and other Federal and State regulatory agencies;
• Cross-train on finance functions including AP/AR, budgeting, and student billing;
• Provide support in the hiring, training, and review of accounting department staff; and
•  Assist the CFOO in the preparation and monitoring of monthly departmental budget reports and forecasts, working with administrators and department chairs regarding budget performance; provide support to CFOO for Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and/or other Board-related meetings.

Audit, Compliance, and Controls:

• Plan, coordinate, and prepare for the School’s annual financial audits, including finance and health and welfare plans, the annual IRS Forms 990 and 5500, and other state and local informational returns; 
• Ensure compliance with all internal controls and accounting procedures;  
• Actively stay current on new regulations in GAAP and relevant non-profit accounting issues;
• Prepare, review, and/or file forms, including but not limited to, annual IRS Form 5500s, annual excise tax report, annual 1099 forms, charitable organization registration form, property tax exemption, and unclaimed property tax return; 
• Complete compliance reporting including 1095, workers' compensation, and BLS reports; prepare all periodic surveys and compliance reports for various school industry organizations (e.g. NAIS, NBOA, AISNE, GBIS, Commonfund, etc.) as well as other internal and external requests for financial data as appropriate;
• Maintain all general and permanent records and office files for the School;
• Communicate accounting policies to employees and ensure compliance with such policies;
• Identify and recommend process or customer service improvements and ensure adherence to industry best practices; 
• Remain aware and current of independent school industry trends and activities; and 
• Learn and reproduce current processes and recommend best practices to streamline Business Office and School procedures.

Payroll & Benefits Administration

• Process bi-weekly and semi-monthly payroll through ADP for approximately 150+ employees; manage all tax accounting, ACA, benefits, and other payroll functions; review and maintain all payroll reporting and recordkeeping; document procedures and cross train other members of the Business Office;
• Collaborate with Human Resources on benefits administration including reconciling carrier invoices and ensuring proper funding for medical insurance, TIAA retirement contributions, and GTL/LTD insurance; 
• Assist with running annual Open Enrollment processing through ADP.