Job Description

Job Details Job Location The Northwest School - Seattle, WA Position Type Full Time Administrative Faculty Job Category Education Description The Northwest School is an independent day and boarding school. We serve students in grades 6 to 12 on an urban campus in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. We provide an interdisciplinary liberal arts education that nurtures compassionate, globally aware and environmentally conscious individuals who find joy in learning and are ready to inspire and innovate in our interconnected world. Northwest fosters a warm, inclusive community dedicated to our school values. We believe that a diverse community enriches our institution, making it more creative and dynamic. The Northwest School is committed to building a faculty and student body that reflects the diversity of the broader society. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Position Overview: The Controller is a key member of the Business Office team, reporting directly to the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO). The Controller is responsible for managing the day-to-day financial operations of the school, including supervision of accounts receivable (AR), accounts payable (AP), payroll, and general ledger activities. This role ensures sound financial stewardship in support of the school's mission, maintains effective internal controls in accordance with best practices and regulations, and ensures the accuracy of financial records. The Controller also supports timely financial reporting and leads efforts to modernize and streamline Business Office systems and processes. The Controller assists the Director of Finance and Operations with the financial affairs of the organization and with preparation of budgets and financial analyses of operations, including interim and final financial statements with supporting schedules, guidance of the DFO, Head of School and Finance Committee. The ideal candidate brings strong accounting acumen, team leadership skills, and a vision for continuous improvement through technology and best practices. Essential Functions: General Accounting & Financial Reporting Maintain the general ledger and prepare accurate and timely financial statements. Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Reconcile all balance sheet accounts at least quarterly and ensure proper documentation. Lead the annual financial audit and preparation of Form 990 by working closely with external auditors and preparing schedules and documentation. Maintain and improve documentation of policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, accounting standards (GAAP), and internal policies. Accounts Receivable: Supervise the activities of Accounts Receivable, including tuition billing and collection, including working with families on payment plans. Oversee financial aid disbursements in coordination with the admissions and financial aid teams. Ensure accurate recording of donations, auxiliary income, and other receivables. Monitor daily bank balances for operational cash flow purposes Accounts Payable: Oversee the Accounts Payable activities, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of accounts payable, purchase orders, petty cash, employee expense reports, and cash control. Supervise processing of vendor invoices, purchase orders, and reimbursements. Ensure compliance with school policies and maintain strong internal controls. Monitor cash disbursements and bank activity. Review and approve applications for new credit arrangements. Payroll: Review and oversee monthly payroll processing, ensuring accuracy in compensation, deductions, benefits and total payroll tax compliance. Oversee Payroll Coordinate to coordinate with HR on employee onboarding, offboarding, and benefit enrollments/changes. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and reporting requirements. Process Modernization & Systems Improvement: Evaluate and implement new technologies and software to improve efficiency and accuracy in the Business Office. Lead initiatives to digitize manual processes, improve reporting tools, and strengthen internal controls. Serve as project manager for finance-related systems upgrades or transitions. Leadership & Collaboration: Supervise Business Office faculty or specialists related to AR/AP and payroll. Serve as a resource for faculty regarding financial procedures and policies. Support the Director of Finance and Operations in long-term financial planning and reporting to the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture within the Business Office. Partner with Advancement, Admissions, and other departments on cross-functional initiatives. Other Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance and Operations or the Head of School. Maintain regular and reliable attendance as a core and essential function of the position. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field and five years of related experience is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job. 2-4 years of supervisor experience is required. Demonstrated knowledge of general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, income tax and banking. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving ability. Able to work independently and as part of a team. Preferred Qualifications: A CPA and experience with MIP software is highly desired. Experience with independent schools is preferred. Experience not for profit is preferred Experience with school tuition management systems (e.g., Blackbaud or similar). Familiarity with Washington State employment laws and tax regulations. A collaborative spirit and a commitment to the school's mission and values. Compensation: The salary range is $105,000 - $125,000 based on education and years of experience. This is a 12-month 1.0 FTE position eligible benefit.The Northwest School offers an excellent benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life and accident insurance coverage, fully paid for employee only coverage. A retirement program matches up to 6% of an employee's salary after one year of service in a 403(b) plan. An intentional, mission focused school culture, generous time off, lunch, access to the on-site fitness facility, an exceptional commitment to professional development, and a unique urban location are also benefits of working at the Northwest School. Application Process: Please submit a cover letter & resume via the Paycom system on the school's website. **Please note we are unable to consider materials submitted through other avenues such as Indeed.com without a corresponding application through our website. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that values workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, or marital THE NORTHWEST SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

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