Controller (Finance/Business Office)

Catlin Gabel is a progressive, independent school in Portland, OR.  We are committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning community. Our mission centers on academic excellence, innovation, and the holistic development of our students.

We are seeking a Controller to lead our financial operations with operational excellence, strategic foresight, and a commitment to building strong relationships within our community. Reporting directly to the Chief of Finance & Operations (CFOO), the Controller plays a pivotal role in managing day-to-day business office functions, driving strategic financial initiatives and partnering with leadership to ensure the School’s financial health and sustainability.

Salary: $120,000-$130,000/year

Application Requirements:

To be considered for this position, please apply through the school’s website: Catlin Gabel Careers.

The first round of applications were due January 8, 2025. However, the School will continue accepting applications until a hiring decision is made. If interested, please submit your resume, cover letter, and application.

Your application needs to include:

• Resume
• Completed Application on catlin.edu (employment page)
• One-Page Cover Letter detailing your interest in Catlin Gabel and the unique skills you bring to this role.
  • Upload your cover letter in the "Supporting Documents" section of your application.
  • For assistance, contact the HR Department at hr@catlin.edu.

Tentative dates for this search are as follows:

• • Remote Semifinal Round: Weeks of January 13th & 20th
  • On-Site Final Round: To begin the week of January 20th
  • Target Decision Announced: End of January
  • Target Start Date: Late February/Early March 2025 (negotiable)

A few of the role’s highlights include:

• Leadership: Oversee and manage the Business Office team, including the Accounting Manager and Accounts Receivable, ensuring operational excellence.
• Strategic Partnership: Collaborate with the CFOO and school leadership to execute financial priorities and support strategic initiatives.
• Financial Oversight: Prepare accurate monthly and annual financial reports, manage audits, and ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards.
• Team Development: Build financial acumen across the school by supporting and educating budget leads and department heads.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, adopting best practices and tools for efficient financial operations.
• Event Support: Coordinate financial processes for special school functions, such as auctions, festivals, and global trips.
• Support Services: Provide responsive support to employees and families with financial and business-related inquiries.

For the full job description, please click here.

*If needing to copy and paste use this link (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jp4VtvQjz0ca9qz7KcTIprTPzi05-Ot-/edit)

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Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field (CPA preferred).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards.
• Experience managing teams and fostering professional growth.
• Proficiency in financial software systems and a demonstrated ability to implement best practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Review of applications begins immediately, and position is open until filled. 

Position has a tentative start date of late February/early March of 2025.

Interested in some of the benefits the school has to offer?

Check out those details here! https://www.catlin.edu/about/employment

We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ candidates or candidates from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools. We are committed to an inclusive school experience for all those who come to work at Catlin Gabel School.

Salary : $120,000 - $130,000