About this Controller role at St. Anne's-Belfield School
About the School
Since 1910, St. Anne’s-Belfield School has been committed to nurturing the whole student: body, heart, mind, and soul. As the largest independent school in the college town of Charlottesville, Va., our 900+ students, age 2 through Grade 12, inspire us each day as we aspire to educate the next generation of exemplary citizens and visionary leaders.
As a member of our school community, you'd be joining a team of people who are passionate about their roles and contributing to a community of purpose and belonging. Those who thrive at St. Anne’s-Belfield are people who, as outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate, pursue knowledge to generate impact, seek to engage diverse perspectives and practices, engage in reflection, demonstrate moral character and integrity, and work to understand and meet the needs of the community.
Our two beautiful campuses on 55 acres serve as vibrant hubs for curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence. This is perfectly complemented by our location in Charlottesville, one of the top 5 happiest cities in the U.S., as recognized by National Geographic and Outside Magazine. Opportunities abound to connect with nature, enjoy arts and culture, engage with the University of Virginia, only one mile away, and explore American history both within our region or Richmond (one hour by car) and Washington, D.C. (two hours by car).
If you're looking for a dynamic learning environment where your contributions help spark each child’s potential, we invite you to consider a career with St. Anne’s-Belfield. We at St. Anne's-Belfield School believe it is the quality and passion of our people that set us apart. We seek to hire the best teachers, administrators, staff members, and coaches to support our student body by offering a competitive benefits package and providing a wonderful working environment.
Position Title: Controller
- Department: Finance & Accounting
- Reports To: Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO)
- Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary
The Controller leads the day-to-day accounting operations, ensures accurate financial reporting, and maintains strong internal controls to safeguard the School’s assets. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO), you will serve as a critical strategic partner in budgeting, cash management, and endowment oversight. This is an exceptional opportunity for a detail-oriented, collaborative finance professional to drive fiscal integrity and support the operational goals of a dynamic educational community.
Essential Functions
Financial Leadership & Reporting
- Drive Financial Reporting: Lead the timely and accurate production of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting packages in strict accordance with GAAP.
- Budgeting & Analysis: Partner with the COFO to develop, monitor, and analyze the operating budget; provide proactive variance alerts and forecasting tools for special projects and capital expenditures.
- Audit & Compliance: Manage the annual financial audit, serve as the primary liaison for independent auditors, and oversee the timely filing of IRS Forms 990 and 990T.
Accounting Operations & Controls
- Oversight & Integrity: Oversee daily activities across accounts payable, billing, collections, fixed assets, and the general ledger to ensure best practices. Approves payroll.
- Safeguard Assets: Establish, implement, and monitor strong internal accounting policies and procedure checks across all departments.
- Tax & Reconciliation: Manage monthly bank reconciliations, execute inter-fund cash transfers, and handle semi-annual state sales and use tax refund filings.
Endowment & Revenue Management
- Endowment Administration: Reconcile quarterly investment reports, post general ledger entries, and ensure strict compliance with donor letters of intent.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Align general ledger gift records with the Advancement Office to streamline tracking for pledges, new gifts, and annual stewardship reporting.
- Tuition Tracking: Optimize student billing and enrollment management systems to accurately track net tuition revenue monthly.
Team Management & General Operations
- Mentor Staff: Supervise, mentor, and foster a collaborative environment within the business office staff.
- Data Reporting: Complete external surveys, compliance reports, and industry financial data requests (e.g., DASL).
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting and financial analysis experience, featuring heavy transactional oversight and previous supervisory/management experience. Non-profit experience is a bonus.
- Credentials: CPA license is highly desirable.
- Technical Skills: Advanced computer literacy with exceptional spreadsheet-based financial modeling and data analysis skills. Knowledge of non-profit accounting principles is strongly preferred.
The Ideal Candidate
- Seeks a meaningful, long-term commitment to a vibrant school community.
- Champions accuracy over precision—valuing the big picture while maintaining meticulous attention to foundational data.
- Is "locked in on goals but flexible on tactics."
- Possesses the communication skills and empathy to teach business terminology and financial concepts to non-financial faculty and staff.
- Has an entrepreneurial spirit.
What We Offer
- Salary $110,000 - $140,000, based on experience
- Generous paid time off (PTO) — up to 6 weeks vacation + 3 personal days annually
- Shared cost high-quality medical, dental, and vision insurance
- School paid short-term and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance
- Retirement plan with match
- Supplemental insurance policies
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Discounted gym membership
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition remission and program discounts for children enrolled at the school
- Free, after-school care for children enrolled at the school
- Free lunch when school is in session
- 20% discount to the St. Anne’s-Befield School store
