Controller

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Diane DeSantis, Chief Financial Officer, at ddesantis@msjnet.edu.

Controller

Position Overview

Mount Saint Joseph High School seeks a collaborative, strategic, and detail-oriented Controller to serve as a key member of the Business Office leadership team.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is responsible for the integrity of the school’s financial operations and accounting functions. The Controller oversees financial reporting, accounting operations, budgeting support, cash management, audit coordination, compliance, and internal controls while ensuring the timely and accurate stewardship of School resources.

This position offers an opportunity to play a significant role in advancing the mission of one of Maryland’s premier Catholic college-preparatory schools. The Controller partners closely with senior administrators, department leaders, faculty, staff, parents, and external stakeholders to support sound financial decision-making and long-term institutional sustainability.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled accounting professional who combines technical expertise with strong leadership, customer service, and relationship-building abilities.

Essential Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger activity, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, payroll coordination, and account reconciliations.
Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.
Prepare financial statements, analyses, dashboards, and management reports for School leadership and external stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), nonprofit accounting standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Maintain the integrity and accuracy of all financial records and reporting systems.

Internal Controls & Compliance

Develop, implement, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Safeguard School assets through sound financial management practices and risk mitigation strategies.
Monitor compliance with applicable regulations, reporting requirements, and financial policies.
Evaluate operational processes and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Audit & Financial Stewardship

Manage the annual external audit process, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, and coordination with auditors.
Serve as the primary liaison for audit activities and ensure timely resolution of recommendations or findings.
Maintain reconciliation schedules related to investments, endowments, restricted funds, and other institutional assets.

Budgeting & Strategic Financial Planning

Partner with the CFO and department leaders in the development, monitoring, and analysis of departmental and institutional budgets.
Support financial forecasting, scenario planning, and long-range financial modeling.
Analyze financial trends and provide recommendations that support strategic planning and operational decision-making.
Assist School leadership in promoting fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation across the institution.

Enrollment, Financial Aid & Advancement Support

Collaborate with the CFO and Director of Enrollment Management in developing and monitoring the School’s financial aid budget.
Support the administration, accounting, and reporting of financial aid awards and related activities.
Oversee student billing and collections processes in partnership with the Student Billing Manager.
Work closely with the Advancement Office to reconcile gifts, restricted funds, endowment activity, and donor-related financial transactions.

Leadership & Collaboration

Serve as a trusted advisor and financial resource to School leadership.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
Build strong working relationships throughout the School community.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess:

Thorough knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Demonstrated experience managing accounting operations, audits, compliance requirements, and financial reporting functions.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate it effectively to non-financial audiences.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial management systems.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
High standards of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
Commitment to collaboration, customer service, and supporting a mission-driven educational environment.

Education & Experience

Required

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Minimum of five or years of progressively responsible accounting or finance leadership experience.
Demonstrated success managing audits, financial reporting, budgeting processes, and internal controls.

Preferred

CPA designation.
Experience in an independent school, educational institution, nonprofit organization, or similarly complex mission-driven environment.
Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT.
Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred.

Why Mount Saint Joseph High School?

Founded in the traditions of the Xaverian Brothers, Mount Saint Joseph High School is a Catholic college-preparatory community committed to educating young men to become leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion.

The Controller will play a vital role in supporting this mission by helping ensure the School’s long-term financial strength and stewardship of resources that directly impact students, faculty, staff, and families.

Compensation & Benefits

Mount Saint Joseph High School offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits program that includes: