The Controller is a senior member of the Business Office and a key partner to the CFOO in stewarding the financial resources of St. Luke’s School. This role is responsible for the integrity of the School’s financial systems, including accounting operations, internal controls, financial reporting, and compliance.
The Controller ensures accurate and timely financial information to support strategic decision-making and partners with school leadership to advance the School’s mission across academics, arts, and athletics.
This position supervises the Business Office Associate and the Accounts Payable & Payroll Specialist.
Primary Responsibilities:
Accounting & Internal Controls
- Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, cash receipts and disbursements, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and student billing.
- Ensure accurate recording and classification of unrestricted, temporarily restricted, and permanently restricted funds.
- Manage the monthly and year-end close processes, including preparation and review of journal entries and account reconciliations.
- Establish, maintain, and continuously strengthen internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with audit and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee bank reconciliations, cash management, and monitoring of operating cash balances.
- Administer the School’s credit card program, including user access and compliance.
- Supervise Business Office staff and ensure accurate and efficient processing of tuition billing, receivables, financial aid, and advancement-related transactions.
Financial Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare timely and accurate monthly internal financial statements and analyses for internal stakeholders; keep the CFOO informed of the School’s financial position.
- Lead the preparation of annual financial statements and audit schedules; serve as the primary liaison to external auditors.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
- Support preparation and review of required business and tax filings, including Forms 990 and 990-T, and applicable state filings.
- Complete required surveys and reports for industry organizations (e.g., NAIS, NBOA, INDEX, Fairchester, Commonfund).
- Support financial reporting related to endowment activity, restricted gifts, capital projects, and designated funds.
- Monitors debt and loan agreements, ensuring compliance with all covenants.
Budget & Financial Planning
- Partner with the CFOO in the annual budgeting process, including consolidating department budgets and developing operating projections.
- Collaborate with department and division heads to review budget requests and align resources with institutional priorities.
- Assist in developing recommendations for tuition, salary adjustments, and financial planning assumptions.
- Monitor budget performance throughout the year, providing forecasts and variance analysis.
- Ensure expenditures align with the approved budget and established authorization protocols.
Leadership & Strategic Support
- Supervise, mentor, and develop Business Office staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and service.
- Serve as a collaborative partner to administrators, department heads, and trustees on financial matters.
- Support Financial Affairs Committee and Board reporting as needed.
- Stay current on trends and best practices in independent school finance and nonprofit accounting.
- Contribute to compensation and benefits analysis, including annual review processes.
Key Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business required; Master’s degree preferred.
- 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Controller or equivalent leadership experience; nonprofit or independent school experience strongly preferred.
- Deep knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, audit processes, and internal controls.
- Strong systems proficiency, including Excel/Google Workspace; experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge and Raiser’s Edge preferred.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences.
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams while also working hands-on in day-to-day operations.
- High integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to a mission-driven environment.
Located in New Canaan, Connecticut, St. Luke’s attracts families from 25 towns throughout Connecticut and New York. A combination of challenging academics and truly exceptional community support distinguishes St. Luke’s and encourages our students to go above and beyond their own expectations. The school offers an inclusive environment where differences in race, culture, and personal beliefs are embraced as assets that enhance education. St. Luke’s prides itself on being a forward-thinking school where students hone their own distinct leadership skills - developing a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead.
St. Luke’s School is an equal opportunity employer. St. Luke’s School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by law with regard to hiring, terms and conditions of employment or educational programs. We strive to provide a welcoming educational environment where the value and dignity of every member is respected.
