Saint Ignatius College Prep
Controller – Saint Ignatius College Prep, Chicago, IL
Saint Ignatius College Prep, a Jesuit Catholic, co‑educational college preparatory high school founded in 1869, seeks a mission‑driven Controller to advance the school’s mission of preparing a diverse student body for lives grounded in faith and characterized by integrity, lifelong learning, leadership, and compassionate service.
Key Outcomes
Accurate & Timely Accounting: All core accounting functions are completed on time, accurately, and in compliance with GAAP. Month‑end closes are completed efficiently, with reconciliations current and clean.
Reliable Financial Reporting: Leadership, committees, and auditors receive clear, accurate, and timely financial reports that support data‑driven decisions and build confidence in financial stewardship.
Operational Excellence: Internal controls, workflows, and systems are well maintained, efficient and continuously improved. Processes are documented and resilient.
Strategic Stewardship: Budgets, forecasts, and analyses provide actionable insights to align resources with mission priorities.
Mission‑Driven Service: Faculty, staff, families, and vendors experience a responsive, professional, and mission‑aligned Business Office.
Job Summary
Oversee and perform core accounting functions, including general ledger activity, journal entries, reconciliations, tuition billing, receivables, payroll accounting, and fixed asset management.
Supervise the Accountant to ensure timely and accurate accounts payable processing and other transactional workflows.
Manage month‑end and year‑end close processes, ensuring accurate financial statements and supporting schedules.
Maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and documentation to safeguard assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
Monitor cash flow and liquidity, manage short‑term investments, and ensure timely collection of tuition and other revenues.
Prepare clear, accurate, and timely financial statements, reports, and analyses for leadership, committees, and the Board.
Support annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting processes; provide meaningful variance and trend analyses.
Coordinate external audits, tax filings (including Form 990), and compliance with GAAP, IRS, and state nonprofit regulations.
Oversee grant and restricted fund accounting, ensuring compliance with donor intent and reporting requirements.
Collaborate with school leadership to provide financial insight and support decision‑making; serve as a resource to faculty, staff, and families.
Mentor and support accounting staff, fostering accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the Business Office and school’s financial objectives.
Qualifications
Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related experience. Public accounting experience strongly preferred. 5–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including direct responsibility for month‑end close, reconciliations, and preparation of financial statements. At least 3–5 years in a leadership or supervisory role, ideally in a nonprofit or educational environment. Proven ability to thrive in a hands‑on role that combines transactional accounting with higher‑level analysis, forecasting, and process improvement.
Technical Skills Proficiency in financial systems (Blackbaud or similar), accounts payable automation systems (preferably Ramp) and advanced Excel/reporting skills. Demonstrated ability to design and produce clear, user‑friendly financial reports for non‑financial stakeholders. Strong understanding of internal controls, compliance, and GAAP for nonprofit organizations.
Leadership & Communication Ability to supervise, coach, and support staff while also taking ownership of most daily accounting activity. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information in plain language.
Personal Attributes High attention to accuracy, timeliness, and accountability. Enjoys both detail‑oriented accounting work and big‑picture financial analysis. Flexible and adaptable, willing to engage in both routine and strategic work. Commitment to the values and mission of Jesuit Catholic education.
Salary Range The expected salary range for this position is $135,000–$165,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Exceptional candidates with CPA credentials and extensive relevant experience may be considered at the higher end of the range. A comprehensive benefits package is provided, including retirement contributions and professional development opportunities.
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Key Outcomes
Accurate & Timely Accounting: All core accounting functions are completed on time, accurately, and in compliance with GAAP. Month‑end closes are completed efficiently, with reconciliations current and clean.
Reliable Financial Reporting: Leadership, committees, and auditors receive clear, accurate, and timely financial reports that support data‑driven decisions and build confidence in financial stewardship.
Operational Excellence: Internal controls, workflows, and systems are well maintained, efficient and continuously improved. Processes are documented and resilient.
Strategic Stewardship: Budgets, forecasts, and analyses provide actionable insights to align resources with mission priorities.
Mission‑Driven Service: Faculty, staff, families, and vendors experience a responsive, professional, and mission‑aligned Business Office.
Job Summary
Oversee and perform core accounting functions, including general ledger activity, journal entries, reconciliations, tuition billing, receivables, payroll accounting, and fixed asset management.
Supervise the Accountant to ensure timely and accurate accounts payable processing and other transactional workflows.
Manage month‑end and year‑end close processes, ensuring accurate financial statements and supporting schedules.
Maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and documentation to safeguard assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
Monitor cash flow and liquidity, manage short‑term investments, and ensure timely collection of tuition and other revenues.
Prepare clear, accurate, and timely financial statements, reports, and analyses for leadership, committees, and the Board.
Support annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting processes; provide meaningful variance and trend analyses.
Coordinate external audits, tax filings (including Form 990), and compliance with GAAP, IRS, and state nonprofit regulations.
Oversee grant and restricted fund accounting, ensuring compliance with donor intent and reporting requirements.
Collaborate with school leadership to provide financial insight and support decision‑making; serve as a resource to faculty, staff, and families.
Mentor and support accounting staff, fostering accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the Business Office and school’s financial objectives.
Qualifications
Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related experience. Public accounting experience strongly preferred. 5–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including direct responsibility for month‑end close, reconciliations, and preparation of financial statements. At least 3–5 years in a leadership or supervisory role, ideally in a nonprofit or educational environment. Proven ability to thrive in a hands‑on role that combines transactional accounting with higher‑level analysis, forecasting, and process improvement.
Technical Skills Proficiency in financial systems (Blackbaud or similar), accounts payable automation systems (preferably Ramp) and advanced Excel/reporting skills. Demonstrated ability to design and produce clear, user‑friendly financial reports for non‑financial stakeholders. Strong understanding of internal controls, compliance, and GAAP for nonprofit organizations.
Leadership & Communication Ability to supervise, coach, and support staff while also taking ownership of most daily accounting activity. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information in plain language.
Personal Attributes High attention to accuracy, timeliness, and accountability. Enjoys both detail‑oriented accounting work and big‑picture financial analysis. Flexible and adaptable, willing to engage in both routine and strategic work. Commitment to the values and mission of Jesuit Catholic education.
Salary Range The expected salary range for this position is $135,000–$165,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Exceptional candidates with CPA credentials and extensive relevant experience may be considered at the higher end of the range. A comprehensive benefits package is provided, including retirement contributions and professional development opportunities.
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