Controller at Riverdale School

About the Organization

Riverdale Country School is a Pre‑K through grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. A school at the forefront of educational innovation, Riverdale Country School has become a global leader in practices such as interdisciplinary and experiential learning, character education, positive education, and design‑thinking in schools, asking fundamental questions about education and its purposes.

To learn more, please visit their website.

About the Role

Riverdale Country School seeks a Controller to lead and strengthen its accounting and financial reporting operations. The Controller will oversee all financial systems and will serve as a strategic and hands‑on leader responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of Riverdale's financial operations, including compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and process improvements. The Controller will manage all accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and cash management, and partner closely with senior administrators to provide timely, transparent financial insights.

A key member of the school's finance leadership team, the Controller will collaborate closely with the Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operations, the Fractional CFO, the Board's Finance and Audit Committees, and other school leaders. Beyond technical expertise, this leader will model Riverdale's collaborative and learning‑oriented culture, leading with transparency, communication, and inclusivity.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a community that honors tradition while embracing innovation and will bring a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Through sound fiscal stewardship, deep collaboration, and values‑driven leadership, the Controller will play a critical role in advancing Riverdale's mission.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Accounting and Financial Operations

• Oversee all accounting operations, including accounts payable, receivable, general ledger, and cash management, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with GAAP
• Improve the preparation of timely, audit‑ready financial statements, budgets, and forecasts; establish a consistent monthly and quarterly close rhythm that provides leadership and the Board with real‑time insight
• Strengthen financial systems and internal controls, accounting policies, and compliance systems that safeguard assets and ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements
• Proactively identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, financial accountability, and risk management across the organization
• In partnership with the Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operation, co‑lead the modernization of financial systems by automating high‑volume workflows, improving data integrations, and ensuring tools meet Riverdale's operational needs across both campuses
• Manage annual audits and maintain strong, transparent relationships with external auditors

People Leadership and Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 5 accounting professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, learning, and shared success
• Clearly communicate goals and expectations, delegate effectively, and ensure team members are empowered and supported to deliver high‑quality results
• Cultivate an inclusive and collaborative culture that values open communication, trust, and mutual respect and one that invests in the professional development of the finance team

Strategic Communication and Cross‑Team Collaboration

• In partnership with the Head of School and the Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operations, serve as a financial point of contact, communicating complex financial information clearly and confidently to a wide range of stakeholders
• Build strong, collegial relationships across departments, offering guidance that integrates financial insight with mission‑driven decision‑making
• Listen actively and engage thoughtfully with peers and leaders, ensuring financial perspectives are…