Controller, Finance & Banking, Accounting & Finance

Overview

Francis Parker School (Parker) is a coeducational independent day school in San Diego, California, with 1,330 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1912, the school’s mission is “to create and inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective, and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world.” Parker has two campuses: one in Mission Hills (Lower School, Junior Kindergarten - Grade
5), and a second in Linda Vista (Middle and Upper School, Grades 6 - 12).

Job Description:

The Controller at Francis Parker School (School) is a key member of the Business Office leadership team and oversees a six-member team responsible for managing the School’s accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and purchasing. This role ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), oversees the audit process, manages cash flow, and provides timely and accurate financial information to internal and external constituents.

The Controller collaborates closely with senior leadership to support the School’s mission by ensuring financial integrity and sustainability. The Controller performs both review-level and transaction-level work.

• Accounting

• Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations, including billing, accounts receivable, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, and general ledger.
• Process and record gift transmittals.
• 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.
• Review general ledger account activity on a monthly basis – investigate unusual or suspicious activity in a timely manner.
• Monitor and reconcile balance sheet and revenue/expense accounts – resolve variances in a timely manner.
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing under California wage-and-hour laws (e.g., overtime, meal/rest requirements, pay schedules, sick leave).
• Oversee payroll, including reconciliation of payroll registers, benefit deductions, employer taxes, and retirement plan contributions.
• Oversee tuition billing, payment plans, financial assistance adjustments, and related revenue postings.
• Manage collections processes professionally.
• Maintain the School’s books and records in accordance with the School’s document retention policy.

• Financial Reporting

• Ensure the integrity of the financial reporting process, adhering to GAAP standards.
• Prepare and distribute a monthly reporting package that includes the School’s financial results, an analysis of the results, key performance metrics, and other relevant financial information.
• Provide budget-to-actual reports to division and department heads on a monthly basis.
• Develop and maintain financial dashboards and internal reports for leadership and Board committees.
• Manage cash flow reporting and forecasting, including coordinating with the CFO to ensure there is adequate liquidity for the School’s operating and capital needs.

• Audit, Tax, and Compliance

• Serve as the primary liaison with the School’s external auditors for the annual financial statement and 403(b) audits, including the timely preparation and delivery of all PBC schedules and supporting documentation.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the School’s tax preparers to file the School’s Form 990 (federal) and Form 199 (state) informational returns.
• Ensure the timely and accurate filing of all federal, state, and local required returns and reporting, including payroll tax returns, sales/use tax returns, and 1099s.
• Comply with all regulations to which independent schools are subject, including California educational institution billing standards and consumer protection laws.
• Verify the School’s compliance with key financial policies, including purchasing, travel and entertainment expenses, and document retention.

• Internal Controls and Risk Mitigation

• Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to…