Controller - Independent School Manager

breakwater accounting + advisory

New York, NY

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$80,000–$120,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Accounting, Analysis Skills, Billing, Cash Flow, Corrective Action, Customer Relations, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Finance, Financial Analysis, Financial Control, Financial Planning, General Ledger Accounting, Genetics, Mentoring, Nonprofit, Outsourcing, Profit & Loss, Restricted Funds, Risk Analysis, School Management, Small Business, State Laws and Regulations, Team Player, Tuition Fees
LOCATION
New York, NY
POSTED
Today

RemoteController & Client Advisor (Independent School Focus)Remote (U.S.-based) | HQ in Wilmington, DEFull-Time | W2Salary: $80,000–$120,000, based on experienceHelp Nonprofits Make Smarter DecisionsAt Breakwater Accounting + Advisory, we don't just produce financials, we help nonprofits understand them, trust them, and use them to grow.We're looking for a strategic, client-facing accountant who wants to go beyond the numbers and become a true advisor to schools and nonprofits.If you've ever thought “I could add so much more value if clients actually used their financials,” this is the role you've been looking for!What You'll Actually DoAct as the strategic Controller and high-level financial advisor for a portfolio of 10-20 small to mid-sized independent schools or nonprofits (revenue range of $500,000 to $10,000,000+)Prepare and present high-level insights to Boards and Finance Committees, becoming their most trusted advisorLead monthly and quarterly conversations that turn financials into clear insights and actionIdentify opportunities, risks, and blind spots, and guide clients toward better decisions; help schools navigate unique complexities like Tuition Receivable, Enrollment/Student Billing, and Donor-Restricted Funds.Translate financial data into simple, practical recommendations your clients can actually usePartner with clients on topics like cash flow, profitability, and operational efficiencyCollaborate and mentor your team to ensure financials are accurate, then spend your time using them, not just reviewing themWho Thrives HereYou naturally think like a strategic Controller , not just an accountantYou understand the unique rhythms of the academic year and enjoy the nuances of tuition billing and donor-restricted fundsYou enjoy talking to clients and building real relationshipsYou ask “why?” and “what should we do next?” - not just “is this correct?”You care about helping nonprofits succeed and take that responsibility seriouslyYou enjoy collaborating with a team and sharing ideas to solve problemsYour own values align with Breakwater's Core Principles: Proactive, Positive, Purposeful, Protective, Prepared, and PrincipledWhat You BringBachelor's degree (or higher) in Accounting, or a related field plus the equivalent education of a Bachelor's degree in Accounting5+ years of progressive experience in accounting for Independent Schools, with experience in client advisory services (CAS) and/or an Assistant Controller/Controller role for independent schoolsExperience with Veracross is required . Experience with QBO, other School General Ledger systems and Student Billing systems is a plus but not required.Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to assess financial health, identify risks, and recommend corrective actions.Exceptional communication and client-facing skills; ability to explain complex financial topics in a simple, practical way.Self-starter with the discipline to thrive in a remote, autonomous work environment.Why BreakwaterAdvisory-first work – your value is in your thinking, not just your outputReal impact – your clients will actually use your adviceFlexibility – work from anywhere with our Remote environmentSupportive team – collaborative, low-ego team that shares ideas and solutionsPeople-first culture – we care about our team and our clients as peopleModern, tech-forward approach – always improving how we workGenerous time off – five weeks PTO + holidaysFull benefits, 401(k) match, eligibility to participate in annual bonus programAbout BreakwaterBreakwater Accounting & Advisory provides outsourced accounting services to small businesses and nonprofits across the U.S. We are a woman-led company, a four-time Top Workplace (Delaware News Journal), and an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company.We believe in great people first, technology-forward thinking second, with just the right combination.If you want to be more than “the person who sends the financials” and instead be the person clients rely on to make decisions, we'd love to talk.Breakwater Accounting + Advisory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.#J-18808-Ljbffr

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breakwater accounting + advisory