Financial Controller

Mission

Cardinal Newman High School

A Catholic college, preparatory community. Educating students in the wholeness of body, mind, and soul.Consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Manifested by faith, leadership, and service

Job Summary
Reporting directly to the President and collaborating closely with the Finance Team, the Financial Controller is entrusted with the integrity of all financial, accounting, budgeting, and reporting activities.

This pivotal role extends beyond traditional non-profit accounting. The Financial Controller is instrumental in shaping financial strategy, preparing compelling presentations for the Board's Finance Committee, and serving as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team. A core responsibility is to ensure that Cardinal Newman High School possesses the sophisticated financial systems and rigorous procedures necessary for seamless program implementation and impeccable audit outcomes.

The Financial Controller is a proactive partner, engaging deeply with program leaders and their teams. They not only educate on financial best practices but also actively explore innovative ways the finance function can empower and enhance program operations. Furthermore, the Controller collaborates with the President, senior leadership, and HR/Operations staff to foster a truly integrated and optimized environment across finance, advancement, human resources, and operational functions, ultimately strengthening the school's mission delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Finance and Accounting Leadership

• Oversee the school’s budget and program budgets, all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, and program budgets and actual expenditures.
• Coordinate all audit activity.
• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership abreast of Cardinal Newman’s financial status;
• Assist Cardinal Newman’s leadership in the annual budgeting and planning process; administer and review all financial plans and compare to actual results with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
• Support the President in engaging the Board’s Finance Committee around issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery.
• Oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period; collate financial reporting materials for government, corporate, and foundation grants;
• Manage organizational cash flow forecasting by working in partnership with program directors; continuously collaborate with program directors to assess the financial efficacy of program operations and establish finance and administrative systems to support program operations.
• Manage and track the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and investment guidelines.

Team Leadership

• Leverage strengths of the finance team members, help to clarify roles and responsibilities and develop and implement training programs in order to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals;
• Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.

Additional Responsibilities

• Act as a professional role model in a Catholic environment
• Support the Mission, policies, and goals of the school
• Ensure the safety and welfare of all students
• Hold in strict confidence all matters pertaining to the school
• Adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined in the Cardinal Newman Faculty-Staff Handbook and the Diocese of Santa Rosa Lay Employee Handbook

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be considered as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Experience and Educational Qualifications

Experienced leader with seven to ten years of non-profit accounting and finance experience, ideally beginning in accounting and audit, followed by experience gathering, evaluating, presenting and reporting financial information to executive teams and external stakeholders. S/he will ideally have experience in a complex nonprofit that has multiple programs and budget managers.

Other qualifications include:

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to Cardinal Newman’s mission; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will own, in partnership with the President, the responsibility for finance
• Minimum of a BA; CPA and/or MBA preferred
• Solid experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments
• A track record in grants management as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate and foundation grants is essential
• Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software
• Proficiency in Google and Office Suite; Blackbaud experience desired

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Position type: Exempt, 12 month position
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, hours flexible around school schedule; occasional after work hours or weekends
• Must be able to operate a keyboard and mouse
• Must be able to work physically on tasks for long periods of time
• Must be able to sit, walk, stand, bend, crouch and stoop for extended periods of time
• Join our team as we strive for excellence in our financial operations while fostering an environment of growth and innovation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person