Business Manager/Controller

The Fenn School seeks a Business Manager/Controller to start effective March 1, 2020. 

Reporting to the Assistant Headmaster for Finance and Operations, the Business Manager/Controller is responsible for preparing financial analysis and presentations related to strategic and budget planning, creating processes for effective financial operations, management of all financial audits and reporting, and the day to day activities related to all financial accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and employee benefits administration. With two direct reports, the Business Manager/Controller will be fully engaged in the business operations of the School.

The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of accounting experience, a CPA or MBA, and an interest in supporting independent school education.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Manage/oversee the day to day responsibility for all financial accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and employee benefits administration; serve as back-up for all of these functions, when necessary
• Maintain current working knowledge of employment laws applicable to workers in Massachusetts and accounting principles (GAAP) as they apply to not-for-profit accounting; ensure appropriate financial policies and internal controls are implemented and followed
• Lead and coordinate internal annual financial audit and retirement plan audit process; prepare work papers, analyses and reconciliation documents and schedules for annual audit
• Prepare/submit organizer documents for completion of IRS Form 990 and Massachusetts Form PC, Town of Concord 3ABC, Form 5500, Form 8955-SSA, ESR 1094-C and 1095-C Forms
• Responsible for fund accounting accuracy, maintenance of the fixed asset database, maintenance of files and ensuring proper accounting for the lease agreements for school vehicles and equipment
• Collaborate with AHFO to develop/update/implement short and long-term strategic plan financial models; integrate these plans into annual budget planning process
• Prepare financial exhibits and analyses (budgets updates, proforma financial statements, etc.) for the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee meetings, prepare interim financial statements and analyses and prepare and distribute periodic departmental budget reports
• Collaborate with Advancement Office staff to reconcile fund designation for cash receipts, pledges, and future pledge maturities schedule; manage endowed funds database; provide stewardship reports upon request
• Collaborate with the Director of Summer Fenn and Auxiliary Programs to establish effective/efficient processes for financial management
• Research/analyze/present comparative financial metrics for peer independent schools and comparative faculty salary scales from peer independent and public schools and compile and submit statistics for various school and financial surveys
• Monthly, reconcile all cash, checking, and investment accounts; review and reconcile general ledger accounts; prepare journal entries as necessary
• Annually, collaborate with AHFO and Headmaster on process for re-employment and new hire employment contracts and appointment letters
• Provide assistance to faculty with field trips; invoicing families, paying vendors and determining petty cash needs
• Participate in Finance Committee, Committee on Faculty and Staff, Retirement Plan Committee and others as necessary

Essential Competencies and Education/Training:

• BS/BA or advanced degree in Accounting or related field is required; CPA or MBA is desirable
• 5-8 years of experience with general ledger accounting principles and current payroll and employee benefits administration is required; non-profit accounting experience is preferred, but not necessary
• Intermediate to advanced experience with Microsoft Office products, practical experience with wide range of web-based/online software; willingness to adapt to and implement new/efficient work processes and applications
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong ethics and handling sensitive information and situations discretely with complete confidentiality are required
• Supportive of the school’s mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion and displays an understanding of cultural fluency. The school is eager to consider applications from traditionally underrepresented groups.
• Must work independently and collaboratively in a small, fast-paced office environment; ability to manage multiple competing priorities among all levels of school faculty, staff and administrators, vendors and parents           

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to deborahtandrews@comcast.net.

Fenn has been recognized for its leadership in diversity and multicultural education. The School is fully committed to culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. The Fenn School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, genetic information, religion, creed, sexual orientation, transgender status, or disability.