Controller

Brentwood School, a vibrant and diverse K-12 independent school, is looking for a full-time Controller starting immediately.

The Controller is a senior financial leader responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and day-to-day execution of the School’s financial operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller ensures that all accounting, financial reporting, and internal control systems meet the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility for an institution with an annual operating budget of approximately $75 million. This role requires a proven track record of enhancing and optimizing accounting and finance processes, including technical expertise in ERP systems

The Controller brings exceptional attention to detail, deep technical accounting expertise, and a disciplined operational mindset, serving as the CFO’s primary partner in maintaining financial excellence, regulatory compliance, and institutional trust

This is a full-time, exempt position that may occasionally require evening or weekend work.

• Oversee all general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management functions.
• Ensure timely, accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Prepare detailed financial reports and analyses for the CFO, senior leadership, and Board committees.
• Maintain the integrity of all financial records, schedules, and reconciliations.

• Design, implement, and continuously strengthen internal controls to safeguard institutional assets.
• Ensure segregation of duties, approval workflows, and documentation standards across all financial processes.
• Monitor compliance with internal policies, donor restrictions, and Board-approved financial practices.
• Serve as a key guardian of fiduciary discipline across the institution.
  

• Ensure timely completion of audit schedules, confirmations, and required disclosures.
• Support preparation of Form 990 and other regulatory filings in partnership with the CFO and external advisors.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial and tax regulations applicable to independent schools and nonprofit organizations

• Support the CFO in annual budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance and identify discrepancies or emerging issues.
• Partner with department leaders to ensure accurate expense coding and financial accountability.
• Assist in maintaining multi-year financial models and financial planning tools.

• Oversee accounting for restricted, temporarily restricted, and unrestricted funds.
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of endowed funds, capital gifts, and donor-restricted contributions.
• Partner with Advancement and the CFO to ensure compliance with gift agreements and donor intent.
  

• Maintain and optimize the School’s financial systems, including ERP/accounting platforms and reporting tools.
• Lead process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
• Ensure consistent financial procedures across campuses, departments, and programs.
• Support documentation and training related to financial policies and procedures.
  

• Supervise and mentor accounting and finance staff.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, service, and continuous improvement.
  Collaborate closely with Human Resources, Advancement, Facilities, and Academic leadership.
• Serve as a trusted internal resource for financial questions and guidance.
  

• 7–12+ years of progressive accounting or financial management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Senior Accounting Manager role.
• Proven responsibility for financial operations supporting $30M+ annual budgets, with preference for experience at $50M+ scale.
• Extensive hands-on experience with:
  • GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
  • Month-end and year-end close processes
  • Internal controls and audit preparation
  • Financial reporting and reconciliations
    

• Experience in an independent school, higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex mission-driven organization.
• Experience working closely with a CFO and supporting Board-level reporting.
  Familiarity with tuition-driven revenue models, financial aid accounting, and endowment reporting.
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required).
• CPA strongly preferred.
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is a plus.
  

• Engage in professional and personal development with a consistent commitment to growth.
• Actively participate in opportunities that strengthen knowledge, skills, and leadership in school finance and nonprofit accounting.
• Commitment to fairness and to fostering community
• Other duties as assigned by CFO

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 $125,000 - $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.