Controller

Children’s Day School (CDS) is a co-educational preschool through eighth grade serving over 455 students in the Mission Dolores neighborhood of San Francisco. Spanning two campuses, and home to a diverse community of students, faculty, and families, CDS is a vibrant learning community. Our teachers practice constructivist teaching; born of “learning by doing,” it is how we achieve excellent academics. We believe by encouraging children to fully engage in complex topics, and in myriad ways, we are giving them tools to become lifelong learners and passionate citizens of the world. To learn more about CDS, visit our website at www.cds-sf.org.

Position Summary
The Controller is responsible for maintaining all financial records through effective management of day-to-day accounting operations and overseeing monthly, quarterly, and annual closes. The role also includes ensuring the successful completion of the annual financial statement audit and tax return. The Controller reports directly to the Director of Finance and Operations and supervises the Accounting staff. This is an on-site, non-remote position located in San Francisco.

Key Responsibilities
Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Manage all aspects of the monthly close process in accordance with GAAP, including:
  • Reconciling all asset and liability accounts.
  • Reviewing all revenue and expense accounts for accuracy and comparing them against budgets and contracts quarterly.
  • Recognizing tuition and ancillary program revenues and discounts.
  • Tracking and amortizing prepaid expenses.
  • Performing gift and pledge reconciliations in collaboration with the Advancement Office.
  • Monitoring stock gifts, calculating valuations, and recording gains/losses.
  • Booking journal entries (recurring and ad hoc) and preparing necessary adjustments.
  • Maintaining restricted net asset schedules and posting quarterly release entries.
  • Monitoring credit card purchases schoolwide.
  • Reviewing biweekly payroll submissions and preparing related GL postings.
  • Preparing and initiating 403(b) transfers and related journal entries.
  • Approving weekly check runs prepared by the Staff Accountant.
  • Maintaining the depreciation schedule for fixed assets and recording disposals.
  • Preparing quarterly and annual financial statements and other required analyses.
  • Responding to departmental inquiries regarding budgets, revenues, and expenditures.

• Oversee the maintenance and functionality of the Blackbaud accounting system, including:
  • Maintaining the Chart of Accounts.
  • Developing and enhancing reports to meet organizational needs.
  • Performing month-end close procedures.

• Review payroll for accuracy, ensuring alignment with budgets and contracts on a biweekly basis, including:
  • Salaries, paid time off, deductions for benefits, retirement contributions, commuter benefits, and employment taxes.
  • Submissions to the San Francisco Health Care Program on a quarterly and annual basis.

• Serve as the primary contact for the external audit firm.
• Prepare audit work papers and financial statements.
• Draft written responses to audit reports and recommendations.
• Prepare and oversee the filing of:
  • IRS Forms 990 and 199, ensuring compliance with public inspection requirements.
  • Business property tax (Form 571-L).
  • Welfare exemption for secured and unsecured property (Form BOE 267A).
  • Pension and benefit plans (Form 5500).
  • Sales tax returns.
  • Other governmental agency reports as needed.
• Coordinate and manage the calendar year-end 403(b) ERISA audit.

• Manage the school’s cash position and banking requirements, including:
  • Completing monthly bank reconciliations promptly.
  • Preparing debt covenant reports.
  • Preparing quarterly reports required by lenders.

• Provide backup support to the Staff Accountant for accounts payable, payroll, accounts receivable, and cash receipts, as needed.
• Perform other projects as assigned by the Director of Finance and Operations.

• Growth and Change Mindset: Embrace challenges, solicit feedback, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
• Leadership, Vision and Curiosity: Lead the accounting team and provide direction to embrace new processes and efficiencies.
• Strong Analytical Skills: Demonstrate a deep understanding of accounting principles and financial analysis.
• Attention to Detail: Maintain accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks.
• Collaborative Communication: Exhibit excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Commitment to Education: Show a genuine interest in schools and education.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience, with supervisory experience preferred.
• Proficiency in accounting systems (Blackbaud preferred), Excel, and payroll systems.
• Outstanding organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Salary Range: $141,548 - $164,406
• Benefits Include:
  • Generous paid time off and 14 paid holidays.
  • Health and wellness benefits (medical, dental, and vision).
  • Employer-paid retirement plan.
  • Tuition remission.
  • Education reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Employee referral program.

• TB Assessment.
• Livescan background check.
• E-Verify.

Application Process
To apply, visit careers.cds-sf.org and include your resume and cover letter.

At CDS, we recognize that not all candidates will meet every qualification. We value diverse experiences and backgrounds, and we welcome applicants with curiosity and a willingness to learn.

CDS is an equal opportunity employer. Our community is diverse in many ways, including race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and ability. We actively welcome and value the same diversity in our faculty and staff.