Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Reporting

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Regular Full Time Professional Lake Forest, Lake Forest, IL, US

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

Lake Forest Academy seeks an experienced non-profit accounting leader to start in June 2026. The Controller provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Lake Forest Academy’s accounting and related functions. This role reports to the CFO and is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of LFA’s financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP, regulatory requirements, and best practices for 501(c)3 institutions.

The Controller oversees the preparation and issuance of annual financial statements, audits, tax filings, and internal and external financial reports, while maintaining strong internal controls and effective financial systems. This position also provides leadership to a team of accounting professionals, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, supports student billing and collections, and collaborates across campus to align financial operations with LFA's mission and strategic priorities.

The Controller must be available to work in the office all five business days; this is not a remote or hybrid position.

• Supervise and support the Business Office staff, which currently includes a Staff Accountant, Accounts Receivable Coordinator and Accounts Payable Coordinator
• Oversee the day to day operations of the Business Office
• Develop and/or document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
• Implement policies and procedures for financial reporting
• Manage and comply with government reporting requirements and tax filings
• Manage and comply with bank mandatory reporting requirements
• Manage accounting records and maintain responsibility for the production of accurate financial reports, internal and external
• Maintain and review accuracy of GL activity and adjust as necessary
• Prepare and review account reconciliations
• Prepare year end reports
• Compare performance with budgets
• Work with department heads on departmental budgets/actual spending
• Prepare reports for trustee committee meetings
• Attend board Finance and Endowment Committee meetings
• Coordinate and oversee annual audit with external auditors
• Coordinate and prepare schedules for IRS Form 990 and 990-T and state Form IL-990-T annually with external tax group
• Create and maintain a strong working relationship with partnering banks
• Manage funds in all bank accounts, including monitoring daily balance in the operating account to maintain sufficient funds to meet our financial obligations
• Process timely loan payments
• Request draws and payments on the line of credit
• General movements of funds amongst our accounts whether to manage balances, transfer restricted donations received or endowment draws
• Initiate and/or approve wire transfers and ACHs
• Prepare and submit any bond paperwork
• Prepare pledge report and synchronize legally binding pledges with Advancement
• Assist, oversee and confirm with the Advancement Department
• Establish endowed fund setup
• Ensure proper documentation for all contributions
• Post and report contributions
• Manage endowed fund
• Handle pledges and the pledge report
• Assist with various survey submissions
• Support co-workers and other departments with requests
• Serve on committees and task forces, as needed
• Support CFO as needed
• Engage in ongoing professional growth
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree required, with an emphasis in accounting preferred
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and/or Masters in related field preferred
• In-depth understanding of U.S. GAAP, FASB standards, and fund accounting principles specific to non-profit entities
• Demonstrated knowledge of audit processes, financial statement preparation, and IRS tax compliance for nonprofits, including IRS Form 990
• Minimum 3 years of successful supervisory experience with direct reports
• Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP Systems
• Excellent oral and…