About this opportunity
The Thacher School lists this Controller opportunity in ojai, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
The Thacher School is one of the most selective and highly regarded boarding schools in the nation. Founded in 1889 by Sherman Day Thacher, the School serves academically talented students from over 20 states and close to 10 countries in a rigorous college preparatory experience. The faculty and students live and work closely together on a 427-acre campus nestled in the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest in Ojai, California (85 miles north of Los Angeles). Honor, fairness, kindness, and truth are the cornerstones of School life. Together, the School community commits to the belief that demands in the academic classroom, when combined with those of mountains and horses, of sports and the arts, produce independent minds, strong bodies, and powerful character. The School enrolls 260 students, has an operating budget of $34 million, and an endowment of $196 million.
Thacher seeks an experienced, technically astute accounting professional to serve as its next Controller.
This role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all accounting operations and financial reporting and compliance. Reporting to the Director of Finance, Risk Management & Strategic Partnerships/CFO “Director/CFO”, this position oversees day‑to‑day accounting functions, guides and supports a seasoned Business Office team, and ensures strong internal controls and full compliance with GAAP standards for non‑profit organizations. The Controller also serves as the primary liaison to external auditors.
SUMMARY OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prepare timely and accurate monthly internal financial statements for management that includes the School’s financial results, an analysis of the results, key performance metrics, and other relevant information.
Maintain a monthly and annual cashflow forecast, including coordinating with the Director/CFO to ensure there is adequate liquidity for the School’s operating and capital needs and investment of excess cash balances
Prepare annual financial statements and all schedules required for the annual audit; serve as the primary liaison with external auditors
Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable non-profit accounting standards
Support preparation of required tax filings, including Form 990, 990‑T, and applicable state filings
Ensure the timely and accurate filing of all federal, state, and local required returns and reporting
Support reporting related to endowment activity, restricted gifts, capital projects, and designated funds in conjunction with the Director/CFO
Support the development and maintenance of financial dashboards and internal reports for leadership and Board committees
Prepare and report on key financial ratios to the Director/CFO
Comply with all regulations to which independent schools are subject, including California educational institutional billing standards and consumer protection laws.
Budgeting & Analysis
Assist the Director/CFO in the development of the annual operating and capital budgets
Assist the Director/CFO in the development and maintenance of a new comprehensive, multi‑year financial planning model to support decision‑making and the achievement of the School’s strategic objectives
Assist with the preparation of budget‑to‑actual reports to departments heads on a monthly basis
With the support of the Assistant Controller, partner with budget holders and senior leadership to provide financial insight and analysis in support of institutional planning
Prepare financial analyses and other ad hoc reports to inform decision‑making and strategic initiative priorities
Cash, Investments & Funds
Oversee accounting and reporting for endowment, board‑designated, and other invested funds in conjunction with the Director/CFO
Record investment activity and prepare related financial schedules
Assist in preparation of Board materials for Finance, Investment, and Audit Committee meetings as well as public credit rating surveillance reviews as needed
Accounting & Internal Controls
Oversee all day‑to‑day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting
Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and other guidelines for not‐for‐profit entities and independent schools.
Ensure that all financial transactions and journal entries are supported with complete and accurate documentation
Ensure accurate recording of gifts and classification of unrestricted, temporarily restricted, and permanently restricted funds
Monitor and reconcile balance sheet and revenue/expense accounts – resolve variances in a timely manner
Maintain and strengthen internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with regulatory and audit requirements
Oversee bank reconciliations and cash management in conjunction with the Director/CFO
Supervise accounting staff and ensure accurate processing of student billing, tuition receivables, financial aid, and advancement‑related activity
Administration of the Ramp credit card and employee expense reimbursement program including managing issuance of new cards
Manage user access and entitlement within Ramp and Blackbaud FENXT
Daily management of bank activity as well as oversight of monthly reconciliation of bank accounts
Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
Ensure that there is a trained backup for all key duties for business continuity in the event that a team member is absent
Work closely with advancement, admissions, facilities, human resources, Parents’ Association, and senior leadership to ensure accurate financial integration across the organization
PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES OF THACHER FACULTY & STAFF
Contribute to the delivery of the mission, vision, and values of the school community.
Build, foster and participate in an inclusive school community.
Model lifelong learning, flexibility and a growth mindset.
Maintain a commitment to professional development.
Maintain high standards of professionalism with students and colleagues.
Enthusiasm for working with teenagers
Manage time effectively and meet deadlines and commitments.
Values collaboration with colleagues and active participation in a community of students and adults.
Embrace and actively participate in signature Thacher programs, including the backcountry program.
Exhibits flexibility and adaptability to change as needed.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required; CPA strongly preferred
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including prior experience as a Controller
Significant experience in non‑profit accounting, preferably within an independent school, foundation, or other educational institution
Demonstrated expertise in fund accounting, including restricted and endowment funds
Strong knowledge of GAAP, audit processes, and internal control best practices
Proven experience supervising and mentoring accounting staff
High proficiency with accounting systems and Google Workspace; Blackbaud experience preferred
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a mission‑driven environment while maintaining high professional standards
Hands‑on manager who is comfortable both executing and overseeing work
Strong judgment, integrity, and discretion
Collaborative, service‑oriented approach with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly
SALARY RANGE
Salary Range is $200,000 - $240,000. Final salary is based on experience relevant to the role and internal equity. Thacher offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 403(b) match, healthcare coverage, on campus tuition remission for dependents of employees, and a broad range of other benefits.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
A criminal background check must be successfully completed before employment can begin.
Note: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. As prescribed by law, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Worksite address
ojai, CA, 93023, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.