Controller in Pebble Beach, California at Stevenson School

Stevenson School is a PK-12 co-educational, college-preparatory, boarding and day school with enrollment of 750 students. The Upper Division campus (9-12) is located in Pebble Beach, CA and Lower/Middle Campus (PK-8) is in nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. Stevenson is a mission-driven school that aims to help students shape joyful lives while preparing them for success in school and beyond and instilling a passion for learning and achievement. The core values of the community are safety, trust, respect, belonging, and inclusion.

Stevenson School is seeking a Controller who will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer and serve as a member of the School’s Business Office & HR team. The Controller will participate in and oversee Business Office functions, offering strategic and operational leadership over Stevenson School’s fiscal management and long-term financial health. This includes GAAP-compliant financial reporting, complex budget development, and rigorous audit and tax compliance. The successful candidate will translate complex data into actionable insights for the CFO and Head of School. This is a 12-month, full-time exempt position and has direct supervisory oversight of the Assistant Controller.

Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & General Ledger Management

• Oversee the month-end close process, including the preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and detailed financial analyses.
• Produce timely and accurate monthly internal financial statements
• Maintain detailed records of net assets with and without donor restrictions, ensuring compliance with donor intent and accounting standards.
• Manage the accounting for the school’s investment portfolio and endowment, fixed assets, and depreciation.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Management

• Consult and offer recommendations regarding the financial feasibility of new programs and initiatives
• Lead the preparation, review, and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor cash flow for both operations and long-term capital projects to ensure institutional liquidity and fiscal health.
• Collaborate with budget managers across the school to provide transparent access to data and support effective departmental budget monitoring.
• Identify and create opportunities to reduce costs without compromising employee experience

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the annual independent financial statement audit and the 403(b) retirement plan audit, preparing all necessary work papers and schedules.
• Manage the preparation and filing of the Form 990, quarterly sales tax returns, business property tax, and annual property tax exemption filings.
• Ensure timely and accurate quarterly bond debt compliance filings.
• Ensure timely and accurate quarterly state and local tax filings.
• Design, implement, and maintain robust internal control processes and procedures to safeguard school assets and ensure data integrity.

Institutional Operations & Student Accounts

• Supervise student billing and tuition collection processes in FACTS, providing high-level oversight to ensure accuracy and a positive family experience.
• Oversee the accounting functions related to payroll, benefits, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Partner with the Advancement Office to ensure accurate gift accounting and reconciliation between the donor database and the general ledger.

Strategic Leadership

• Provide ad-hoc financial analyses to inform decision-making and advise the CFO and Head of School in strategic initiatives.
• Represent the business office in committee meetings or school events as requested, serving as a professional ambassador for the school’s fiscal management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• MBA or CPA a plus.
• 5 to 10+ years of progressive accounting experience within the not-for-profit sector. Candidates with direct experience in an independent school environment are highly preferred.
• Deep understanding of GAAP accounting theory and a proven ability to accurately read, interpret, and present complex financial statements.
• Excellent analytical capabilities with a successful track record of identifying trends, ensuring data integrity, and providing insightful financial oversight.

• High level of comfort and daily proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite and Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT

• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to connect authentically with all members of the school community, from staff and faculty to parents and board members.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate financial data clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Genuine interest in being an active, contributing member of a high-functioning, collaborative team.

• Commitment to maintaining absolute confidentiality and protecting the integrity of all sensitive information, whether handled internally or externally.
• Deep-seated commitment to being an active participant in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community, ensuring that the business office supports the school’s broader mission and values.

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $160,000 based on experience. In addition to competitive salary, Stevenson offers a substantial benefits package including:

• 6% non-elective 403(b) contribution (one year waiting period if not coming from a school)
• A menu of Anthem medical plans with 80% premium coverage provided by the School for employees and dependents
• Dependent Care FSA, vision and dental group plans
• Support of ongoing professional development.
• Fuel and housing stipends for eligible employees.
• Meals are provided on a daily basis when school is in session.
• 4 weeks vacation leave

In keeping with Stevenson’s core values, we seek candidates who demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion. Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Stevenson is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Interested candidates are invited to use the link provided to submit a resume and cover letter to: Human Resources at Stevenson School