Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Reporting

Job Description

Title: Controller

Location: Lexington, Massachusetts

Starting Date: Immediately

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $115,000 to $130,000 Per Year

Cotting School, a recognized leader and innovator in special education, is seeking a collaborative financial professional to contribute to a mission‑driven organization focused on enabling students with disabilities to achieve their highest learning potential and level of independence. Reporting to the CFO, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful and visible impact within our organization and the broader community.

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process
• Lead the preparation of internal and external financial reporting, including financial reports for the Board of Trustees and other key stakeholders
• Support annual budget process and provide detailed reporting of budget vs. actual results
• Oversee accounts payable and vendor payments through
• Support financial operations related to employee compensation and benefits
• Partner cross‑functionally with departments across the School to support operational and financial goals

• Monitor cash and temporary restricted fund balances and provide cash flow forecasts
• Reconcile monthly bank and investment accounts
  
  Ensure cash management, banking, and investment processes are well documented and supported by strong internal controls
• Reconcile donor restricted contributions and expenditures
• Provide support for endowment investment activity

• Prepare reports, schedules, analyses, and documentation required for timely and efficient completion of annual financial statement and employee benefit plan audits, required tax and information returns, and all other required compliance filings
• Own the preparation of annual financial statements, including drafting financial statements, and lead technical accounting research on new accounting standards and complex transactions, ensuring appropriate interpretation, documentation, and implementation under GAAP

• Serve as administrator for Sage Intacct, , and Divvy Corporate Card Program
• Continue to improve reporting, dashboards, workflows, and system integrations
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, scalability

• 401(k) plan administration
• Support biweekly payroll processing
• Assist with benefits administration and annual open enrollment

Other duties and special projects as assigned by the CFO.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA license a plus
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit or independent school environment
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and close processes
• Experience with ERP systems;
  Sage Intacct experience strongly preferred
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential financial and payroll information
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to work independently and collaboratively

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a mission‑driven organization. Collaborative and supportive team environment – broad exposure to accounting operations, financial strategy, systems, and process improvement. Chance to contribute across multiple areas of finance and operations while growing professionally.

Competitive benefits package includes health and dental insurance available on day one, paid time off, employer‑paid long‑term disability, short‑term disability, and life insurance coverage. 401(k) plan and school match after meeting service requirements, tuition reimbursement up to $1,600 per calendar year, and complimentary daily lunch.

The company is an EEO employer and encourages a diverse workforce.