Financial Controller
Opening Statement
Sacramento Waldorf School is seeking a Financial Controller serving in a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the financial operations at Sacramento Waldorf School (SWS). This role includes managing financial transactions, reporting, budget forecasting, and implementing cost controls to ensure financial stability. The Controller will develop and enforce financial policies and procedures, ensuring strong internal controls, efficient transaction processing, and timely, accurate financial reporting. Reporting to the Whole School Administrator, the Controller will also supervise accounting staff, manage the annual independent audit, support senior leadership and committees, and engage in key areas like payroll management and tuition assistance. The ideal candidate will bring a solid foundation in financial management, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement.
About
Established in 1959, Sacramento Waldorf School is the oldest Waldorf School in Northern California. We are an accredited full member of AWSNA (Association of Waldorf Schools of North America) and have also been accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) since 1983. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and offer commensurate salaries and benefits for the region based on experience and qualifications. Employment is contingent on a post-offer, pre-employment, fingerprint-based background check.
Sacramento Waldorf School is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, or any protected class. We recognize that the range of ethnicities, nationalities, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientation, learning differences, and life experiences within our community enhance the school’s learning environment, and we are committed to fostering equity and inclusion. SWS asks all employees to proactively commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion; personal improvement; and service to the SWS mission, bringing energy and excitement to serve the students, faculty, and families of the school.
Essential Job Duties
Technical Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:
1.) Management of Accounting Operations & Production of Financial Statements.
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Supervise core financial functions related to accounts payable/expenses and accounts receivable / receipt of tuition and program income. Perform monthly close and reconciliations including those related to bank and investment
2.) Reporting of Financial Activity.
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Produce regular monthly and annual financial reporting for use by department and program heads, the Finance Committee and BOT including profit and loss; budget to actual variance analysis; balance sheet; statement of cash flows and cash projection. Produce year-end payroll reporting, and provide finance data for DASL, the SWS Annual Report, and for use by Communications and Advancement. Perform ad-hoc analyses to support programmatic and business decision-making.
3.) Development & Monitoring of Operating Budget.
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Draft annual operating budgets and maintain multi-year budget projections. Work collaboratively with the WSA to engage and consult with all appropriate stakeholders. Ensure completeness and accuracy of the budget. Present draft to the Administrative Council and Finance Committee, and work with the WSA to address questions raised.
4.) Management of Annual Independent Audit.
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Prepare and oversee the execution of the annual independent audit. Work with accounting staff to ensure timely preparation of all required materials. Implement audit management letter recommendations.
5.) Supervision of Accounting Staff.
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Provide guidance and supervision to designated accounting staff, in accordance with policies and procedures Responsibilities in this area include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; supporting staff professional development, and providing ongoing feedback and regular performance evaluations.
6.) Engagement with Senior Leadership & SWS Committees.
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Work with the WSA to interpret, communicate, and execute school policies and procedures relative to the business of SWS. Provide support to the WSA, as well as other BOT and SWS Committees, as needed.
7.) Payroll Management & Compensation Support.
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Manage semi-monthly payroll, ensuring timeliness and accuracy of all data. Provide support to Human Resources in setting compensation for new hires and in recommending compensation changes.
8.) Monitor Tuition Management & Tuition Assistance.
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Monitor tuition billing activities working with outside tuition billing vendor, including reconciliation of accounts, monitoring of cash flow, and addressing accounts in arrears.
9.) Management & Reporting of Restricted Funds and Investment Accounts.
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Ensure appropriate tracking and reporting related to the receipt, expenditure and release of restricted funds.
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Execute and record transactions within all investment accounts.
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Completion of Tax & Compliance Requirements.
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Submit paperwork related to annual property tax exemption, as required by the County or State.
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Work with independent auditors and tax accountants to complete the annual filing of the IRS 990, annual ACA reporting, filing of Form 5500.
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Review annual 1099 production to ensure timeliness and accuracy.
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Ensure filing of 571-L form with Secretary of State.
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Execute or ensure proper completion of other required legal and regulatory filings as needed.
Qualifications
Education and Related Work Experience:
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Bachelor’s degree required, with a preference for a degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
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Minimum of 5 years of progressive financial management experience, with a strong foundation in accounting systems, financial budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.
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Proven experience in financial reporting, modeling, and analysis, with a focus on accuracy and timeliness.
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Experience in nonprofit organizations or independent schools, particularly with nonprofit GAAP accounting, is highly preferred.
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications:
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CPA certification is a plus, but not required.
Employment Details
General information for prospective employees:
If employed for 75% or more over the course of the year, employees are eligible to participate in the following school-provided benefits:
a. Individual health and dental insurance 95% employer-paid for select plans
b. Dependent health and dental insurance 75% of premium
c. Individual and dependent vision insurance (partial employer-paid)
d. Eligible dependent children receive a tuition remission equal to 75% of the employee’s Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) percentage, applicable to employees who are 75% FTE or higher.
f. $10,000 life insurance policy with the option to purchase additional coverage
g. Personal time, holidays, and sick leave as outlined in the Employee Handbook
h. Up to 2% match in the School’s Retirement Plan upon completion of two years of full-time employment
To Apply
To apply, please complete an application, and submit a resume and letter of interest to jobs@sacwaldorf.org.