Controller, Accounting, Financial Reporting

Since its founding in 1912, Francis Parker School has stood as one of San Diego’s most respected independent schools, known for its academic excellence, civic‑minded student body, and deep commitment to nurturing character and leadership. With two campuses serving 1,330 students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, Parker offers a dynamic, coeducational day school experience rooted in the progressive ideals of its namesake, Colonel Francis W.

Parker, referred to as the “father of progressive education.”

As Parker looks to the future, it does so from a position of financial strength. With a healthy applicant pool, a very low attrition rate, cash reserves of over $20 million, an endowment in excess of $60 million, and a long history of exceeding its financial goals, Parker is well‑positioned to flourish for years to come.

• Salary $160,000 to $180,000 and 403b match/contribution up to 7.5%
• 6 weeks vacation/time off in addition to standard holidays and 2 weeks sick leave
• Tuition remission for dependents of employees
• Financial aid for advanced degrees and professional development
• Will preparation and financial planning services
• See benefits summary for full details

The Controller at Francis Parker School (School) is a key member of the Business Office leadership team and oversees a six‑member team responsible for managing the School’s accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and purchasing. This role ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), oversees the audit process, manages cash flow, and provides timely and accurate financial information to internal and external constituents.

The Controller collaborates closely with senior leadership to support the School’s mission by ensuring financial integrity and sustainability. The Controller performs both review‑level and transaction‑level work.

Accounting

• Oversee day‑to‑day accounting operations, including billing, accounts receivable, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, and general ledger.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and other guidelines for not‑for‑profit entities and independent schools.
• Ensure that all financial transactions and journal entries are supported with complete and accurate documentation.
• Review general ledger account activity on a monthly basis – investigate unusual or suspicious activity in a timely manner.
• Monitor and reconcile balance sheet and revenue/expense accounts – resolve variances in a timely manner.
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing under California wage‑and‑hour laws (e.g., overtime, meal/rest requirements, pay schedules, sick leave).
• Oversee payroll, including reconciliation of payroll registers, benefit deductions, employer taxes, and retirement plan contributions.
• Oversee tuition billing, payment plans, financial assistance adjustments, and related revenue postings.
• Manage collections processes professionally.
• Process and record gift transmittals.
• Maintain the School’s books and records in accordance with the School’s document retention policy.
• Ensure the integrity of the financial reporting process, adhering to GAAP standards.
• Prepare and distribute a monthly reporting package that includes the School’s financial results, an analysis of the results, key performance metrics, and other relevant financial information.
• Provide budget‑to‑actual reports to division and department heads on a monthly basis.
• Develop and maintain financial dashboards and internal reports for leadership and Board committees.
• Manage cash flow reporting and forecasting, including coordinating with the CFO to ensure adequate liquidity for the School’s operating and capital needs.

Audit, Tax, and Compliance

• Serve as the primary liaison with the School’s external auditors for the annual financial statement and 403(b) audits, including the timely preparation and delivery of all PBC schedules and supporting documentation.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the School’s tax preparers to file the School’s Form 990 (federal) and Form 199 (state)…