Controller

Woodberry Forest School, located in Madison, VA, is an exceptional private boarding school community for high school boys in grades nine through twelve. It is one of the top boarding schools in the United States and one of the only all-boys, all-boarding schools in the country. Woodberry's 1,200-acre campus is the largest for boarding schools in Virginia, and one of the largest private school campuses in the country.

Job Title: Controller

Job Summary:

The Controller will play a key role in managing the school’s financial operations, ensuring compliance with accounting principles, and providing accurate and timely financial reporting. They will oversee daily accounting functions, monthly and year-end closing, budgeting, and financial analysis. This position will be asked to provide ad hoc analyses and date accumulation in support of projects managed by the COO and CFO. A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• General Ledger Management: Oversee general ledger entries, reconciliations, and ensure proper classification of all financial transactions, including direct entry of various daily transactions.

• Endowment Accounting: Record, reconcile and account for endowment and investment activity including unitization and end of month market value adjustments.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Assist with the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets and forecasts, providing analysis of variances and recommending financial strategies.
• Audit Support: Assist with the preparation for audits and provide necessary documentation to external auditors. Help implement audit recommendations as needed.
• Cash Flow Management: Monitor and manage cash flow, ensuring sufficient liquidity for school operations and compliance with Plant and Operating Reserve policies.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as private school-specific guidelines.
• Financial Analysis: Provide analysis of financial data to support decision-making by senior leadership.
• Process Improvement: Continuously seek improvements in accounting processes and internal controls to enhance efficiency and accuracy, including opportunities to utilize AI in areas of finance and accounting.
• Business office supervision: Oversee the work of the Director of Accounts Payable and the Director of Student Accounts as well as working closely with the Director of HR in preparing and reviewing payroll.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the business office, as well as other departments, to provide financial guidance and support.
• Database Administration: Oversee and administer the databases of the business office

• Survey Support: Assist with the annual peer surveys data accumulation and submission

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required).

• CPA certification preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting or finance, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or senior-level role.
• Experience in a non-profit or educational setting is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, accounting principles, and financial regulations.
• Proficiency with accounting software (experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT is a plus), Google Suite and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

WOODBERRY FOREST SCHOOL IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER