Brentwood School inspires every student to:
Think critically and creatively.
Act ethically.
Shape a future with meaning.
BRENTWOOD SCHOOL
Controller
Brentwood School, a vibrant and diverse K-12 independent school, is looking for a full-time Controller starting immediately.
Summary of Position:
This role oversees all accounting operations, ensures strong internal controls, and delivers accurate and timely financial reporting to support the mission of Brentwood School. The Controller manages accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger accounting, and school-issued credit cards, while also partnering with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, audit preparation, and compliance. The role includes leading process improvements, implementing automation initiatives (including the planned Corpay AP upgrade), and managing special projects as assigned.
This is a full-time, exempt position that may occasionally require evening or weekend work.
Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Accounting & Financial Reporting
- Oversee all accounting functions, including journal entries, monthly close, reconciliations (payroll, bank, credit cards, advancement, summer school, bookstore, tuition, prepaids, investments), and preparation of internal financial statements.
- Prepare and distribute monthly departmental budget-to-actual reports to administrative leadership.
- Manage cash flow forecasting and monitor endowment balances.
Compliance & Audit
- Ensure compliance with school policies, internal controls, and external reporting requirements.
- Manage all audit processes, including preparation of workpapers and responses for financial statement and retirement plan audits.
- Coordinate preparation of Form 990 with the external audit and tax firm.
- Oversee timely regulatory filings, annual reports, and nonprofit compliance requirements.
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Assist the CFO in the annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Provide financial analysis and decision support for senior leadership and departments.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Supervise and mentor accounting staff, including AP, AR, and Payroll functions.
- Serve as a resource to Admissions, Advancement, and Auxiliary Program teams on financial matters such as enrollment, billing, and reporting.
- Coordinate periodic financial surveys and reporting for trade organizations (INDEX, NAIS/DASL, Cal-ISBOA).
Projects & Innovation
- Lead process improvements and efficiency initiatives across the Business Office.
- Oversee the AP automation upgrade (Corpay) and related systems projects.
- Support other strategic projects as assigned by the CFO or senior administration.
Professional Development
- Engage in professional and personal development with a consistent commitment to growth. Participate fully in meetings and initiate opportunities that demonstrate one’s growth knowledge and skills.
- Actively participate in opportunities that strengthen knowledge, skills, and leadership in school finance and nonprofit accounting.
Education & Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
- CPA license or MBA strongly preferred.
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Experience:
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3–5 years in a supervisory or management role.
- Nonprofit and/or independent school experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with financial statement preparation, audits, and regulatory filings (e.g., IRS Form 990, retirement plan audits).
- Proven background in process improvement, systems implementation, or automation initiatives.
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Skills & Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal control practices.
- Proficiency with accounting and financial systems; experience with Blackbaud NXT, Corpay, or similar systems a plus.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.
- Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
- High attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Commitment to fairness and to fostering community.
While being vaccinated for COVID-19 is not required, it is strongly recommended.
COMPENSATION: Brentwood School's diverse and talented faculty ranges widely in experience level, from those new to teaching to veterans who are experts in their respective disciplines with 30+ years of experience. Our salary range, of $120,000 - $150,000, includes all levels of experience. Salaries are determined based on years of experience, education, full- or part-time status, and number of months worked per school year. Salary ranges do not include benefits i.e. 403b retirement matching, paid lunchtime, free breakfast and lunch, free parking, subsidy toward medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D plans, and generous time off. The pay range is an estimate and is not guaranteed. If hired, your actual base salary will be determined by your education, experience, and schedule.
For more information about our school, please visit our website at www.bwscampus.com.
Apply online using the below URL:
https://bwscampus.clearcompany.com/careers/jobs/8b99dcc4-2136-fd1c-2b39-c23af64ea184/apply?source=3531020-CS-59036
