What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at Mirman School?
Controller
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Location: Los Angeles, CA – in person on campus
FLSA Status: Full-Time/ Exempt
Salary range: $125,000 - $140,000. Salary based on experience.
About Mirman School
Mirman embraces, supports, and values the many facets and faces of giftedness as we nurture our students’
abilities to reach their highest potential. As an educational institution, we are committed to personalizing our
curriculum through depth and complexity, while celebrating the intellectual, creative, and kinesthetic
dimensions of childhood and adolescence. We foster a culture of inclusivity and connectivity in which our
students’ academic, co-curricular, and socio-emotional experiences and needs are supported. Mirman faculty
and staff model empathy and respect in our communal effort to enhance whole-child learning. Our goal is to
inspire lifelong curiosity and learning, the continuous pursuit of excellence, and ethical leadership among our
students and graduates.
Core Values
Responsibility — We are obligated to care for ourselves, our community, and our environment.
Integrity — What we believe is right directly shapes our actions.
Discovery — We enthusiastically pursue knowledge about ourselves and the world around us.
Empathy — We strive to understand and value the experiences and feelings of others.
Resilience — We recognize challenges as necessary steps in learning and personal growth.
Position Description
Performing a key role supporting the CFO and supervising the Accounting Manager and the Accounting and
Operations Associate, the Controller ensures the smooth, efficient operation of the Business Office. This
individual acts as a gatekeeper, liaison, and administrative partner, handling a variety of high-level
administrative and organizational tasks with discretion, professionalism, and warmth. They are responsible for
implementing best practices for the functions of the Business Office and school-wide procedures, utilizing
established internal controls and recommending new controls as needed. Responsibilities include management
of general accounting, audits, tax, contracts, enrollment agreements, cash management, A/R, A/P, bank
reconciliations, investment accounts, P-Card system, Amazon account, semi-monthly payroll, and 403(b)
contributions. Prepares reports, journal entries, budgets, and Finance Committee minutes and leads special
projects. The ideal candidate is proactive and detail-oriented in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Experience and Essential Job Functions
General Accounting
- Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP
- Complete audits for 6/30 fiscal year, 403(b) calendar year, and lead prep of Form 990
- Oversee the school’s daily accounting functions
- Assist and support the CFO with preparation of Preliminary and Final Budgets
Student Contracts and Billing
- Oversee preparation of student enrollment agreements each year
- Ensure A/R is monitored for accuracy and follow ups occur regularly when necessary
- Prepare reports to guide decisions for new enrollments, financial aid, and operational budgets
- Generate revenue recognition and accrual schedules for tuition, salaries, benefits, insurance, etc.
Cash Management
- Support the CFO in monitoring cash flow (checking, cash management, and investments)
- Assure daily financial account activity is accurate, screen for fraud, and follow up on transactions
- Complete daily review of credits and debits in all cash accounts
- Ensure Accounting Manager records payments for student tuition accounts and miscellaneous receipts
- Record donations and receipts in Blackbaud FE-NXT and coordinate in RE-NXT with Advancement
Payroll
- Support the HR Manager in preparing semi-monthly payroll (Paychex Flex) for all employees
- Maintain individual payroll files for deductions such as 403(b), deferred compensation, medical and
- Confirm accuracy of 403(b) contributions after each payroll is submitted; provide requested information
- Record payroll journal from Paychex, prepare reconciliation and update appropriate expense and liability
accounts in general ledger
- Work with the team to ensure accuracy of vendor invoices and employee/PSL reimbursements
- Double check appropriate budget manager approves payments
- Support the weekly issuance of checks, reimbursements, and EFT payments
- Ensure that sufficient funds are available for payments
- Supervise the preparation and monthly distribution of budget reports to budget managers
- Review monthly financial statements, including but not limited to Budget to Actual Report
- Supervise and complete with the annual preparation of audit work papers with external auditors
Other Responsibilities
- Complete reports, general journal entries, etc. necessary for annual fiscal year audit
- Assist CFO with special projects; provide reports to the Executive Team and budget managers
- Attend Senior Administration, Finance Committee, and Audit Committee meetings
- Maintain the highest confidentiality and discretion relative to all Business Office matters
- Facilitate the smooth daily functioning of the Business Office
- Maintain open and helpful communication with employees, students, parents, and vendors
- Assist with other duties as assigned
Qualifications
BA degree required; CPA and/or MA degree in accounting, finance, or business preferred
Minimum 5-7 years of prior experience in non-profit accounting, preferably in an educational setting
Looking to make a long-term commitment to this school community and business office team
Proven success working collaboratively and efficiently on a creative and goal-oriented team
Ability to make quick decisions, take initiative, and prioritize tasks
Exceptional organizational and time management skills; consistently prioritize multiple tasks effectively and
quickly; excellent written and verbal communication skills
High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills; able to interact with a diverse range of individuals with
warmth and professionalism; good sense of humor
Tech-savvy and proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar), Microsoft Office Suite, and familiarity
with school systems (e.g., Blackbaud, Paychex Flex) a plus
Culturally competent with a desire to be an engaged community learner
Growth mindset, detail oriented with solid analytical and management skills
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, depending on school events and meetings
First Aid and CPR training required (training provided if not currently certified)
Valid CA driver license and clear criminal background investigation
Job Perks
Beautiful, rustic campus easily accessible from both LA’s city and valley sides
Top-tier medical, dental, and vision coverage with zero to low premium contributions
403(b) retirement plan with a 5% match and immediate vesting
Flexible tuition eligibility if applicable
Professional development support including opportunities for growth
Relocation Assistance
Employee affinity groups
Paid holidays (e.g., Thanksgiving week, Winter and Spring breaks) plus vacation
Community and connection with staff/administration
Generous benefits package, pet insurance, Lifelock credit monitoring, and FSA accounts
Join an ambitious and joyful community of dedicated and creative professionals building a society where
everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. Mirman is a great place to be part of growing future leaders in a
supportive and caring school culture that features consistent collaboration, innovative approaches to teaching
and learning, a supportive administration, and lifelong connections among faculty and staff inspired by the
school’s unique mission. Come marvel at the wonder, humor, and inspiration that nurturing and engaging with
highly gifted students naturally brings.
To apply for this position, submit the following three PDFs to employment controller@mirman.org.
1. Cover letter introducing yourself to the Mirman School Search Committee
2. Resume or CV
3. A response to the following prompt:
What are the three most vital internal controls necessary to protect the school’s assets and what
steps have you taken in the past to ensure the accounting team effectively detects and prevents
fraudulent transactions?
At Mirman School, through an inclusive environment, we challenge our students and each other to be dynamic
problem-solvers and thoughtful citizens. Mirman does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender,
ethnic origin, age, physical disability or sexual orientation in administration of our educational policies, hiring
policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletics and other school-administered programs.
Salary : $125,000 - $140,000