Controller

Summary of Position:
The Controller will serve as the senior leader of the accounting and finance operations and is responsible for the management and oversight of all accounting, tax, budget and reporting functions. The Controller will be responsible for the Colburn School’s accounting activities, policies, and practices, the maintenance of its fiscal records and systems, and all procedures that support effective internal controls and program implementation. The Controller will evaluate and make appropriate improvements to internal accounting processes and systems, ensuring that practices are in line with the overall goals of the School and with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Controller will provide support to the Audit Committee including the production of audited financial statements. The Controller will have responsibility for maintaining the daily operations of the accounting department and will oversee all employees involved in the accounting process including general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, fixed assets, student accounting, and investments. The Controller will be responsible for working with the investment advisors on the endowment and will ensure compliance associated with debt service. The Controller will work with the Director of Budget and Reporting in the production of financial reports, financial forecasts and in the preparation and execution of the annual operating budget. As the School expands its performing arts business, the Controller will work the Director of Finance, Colburn Center, to develop and integrate the new Colburn Center project into the chart of accounts, financial statements, and reporting. The Controller will partner with the Director of IT to ensure the optimization of the School's financial management system, Blackbaud and other supporting technologies. The Controller will liaise across the institution to ensure fiscal compliance and oversight of financial aid and will coordinate and supervise the annual audit and tax preparation.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Controller will report to the EVP/CFOO. The Controller will lead the accounting team managed by the Director of Accounting and will also oversee the Director, Budgeting and Reporting. The Controller will work in partnership with the Director of Finance, Colburn Center.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the daily operations of the accounting department, including general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, fixed assets, student accounting, and investments.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Lead the development, implementation, assessment, and monitoring of all accounting and regulatory reporting policies to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements, and other accounting and business best practices;
• Support and ensure consistency with the School’s mission, goals, strategic plans, policies, and procedures;
• Improve expense management and accounts payable processes, including implementation of selected new software solutions;
• Optimize monthly close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting;
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations;
• Provide direct assistance to the Chief Financial & Operating Officer on accounting and tax matters;
• Maintain internal controls and safeguards;
• Coordinate all annual financial audits and the production of annual financial statements;
• Regularly compile and analyze financial data and present financial reports, including quarterly and annual financial statements in an accurate and timely manner;
• Oversee all financial, project/program, and grants accounting to ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period;
• Oversee cash flow forecasting and treasury management;
• Oversee reconciliations, roll-forward net assets schedules;
• Interface with various vendors including but not limited to auditors, tax consultants, OCIO, custodian and commercial banks;
• Liaise with Philanthropy and ensure accurate gift accounting and compliance;
• Ensure the optimization of the ERP system;
• Oversee the Accounting team including hiring, training, mentoring, and evaluating staff;
• Create and promote a positive and supportive environment; and
• Other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, investment accounting, and taxes;
• Keen analytic, organizational, management, and problem-solving skills that allow for strategic data interpretation vs. simple reporting;
• Ability to leverage the strengths of a diverse team, clarify roles and responsibilities, and develop and implement training programs to maximize impact and effectiveness;
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, discretion, and commitment to the ethical standards of the Colburn School;
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills including an ability to effectively translate complex information to constituencies at all levels including the Colburn School community, academic leadership, senior management, the Board of Directors, and others;
• Advanced knowledge and experience in Excel and Microsoft Office 365;
• Experience with optimizing processes and technology, including knowledge of Blackbaud (preferred);
• Experience with accounting for endowments and investment pools, including knowledge of Fundriver (preferred);
• Experience working with international students and associated tax reporting and compliance;
• Financial aid experience and oversight;
• Experience in contract management, procurement, and strategic sourcing;
• Experience with public bond compliance and covenants (preferred);
• Grants management experience including government, foundation, and corporation compliance and reporting;
• Knowledge of fund and grant accounting; and
• Experience in the education and/or performing arts industry (preferred), non-profit experience (required).

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field
• CPA licensure
• Ten years of relevant experience.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $160,000.00 to $180,000.00 depending on experience and abilities. The Colburn School offers excellent benefits including: medical, dental and vision insurance plans; Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance plans; paid sick leave and vacation; a 403(b)-retirement plan with a generous employer matching contribution.
About the Colburn School:
The Colburn School provides access to quality instruction for young people who possess a passion for music, dance, and drama, so they may further explore their interests and continue developing their talents. Colburn’s renowned faculty guide students through classes appropriate and catered to their age and skill level. The Colburn Community School of Performing Arts provides music instruction to beginners of any age, as well as to those who want to hone their skills or participate in one of the School’s ensembles, orchestras, or choirs. Highly gifted pre-college students may apply to study at the Colburn Music or Dance Academies, and college-age students prepare for careers in music performance through certificate and Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs at the Colburn Conservatory of Music.
The staff and faculty of the Colburn School are committed to bringing music and dance performances and education into the greater community so others can experience the many benefits associated with the performing arts. Every year, Colburn students and faculty present hundreds of free or affordable performances in Colburn’s beautiful, professional theaters on campus as well as in prestigious venues around Los Angeles. The Colburn School partners with 15 Los Angeles Unified School District schools, 13 of which receive Title I funding, to provide interactive and engaging concerts and instructional sessions to 5,000 students every year.
Colburn’s goal is to accommodate students in developing a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts whenever possible without the constraints of financial concerns, awarding over $500,000 in need-based scholarships to the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts every year. All students at the prestigious Colburn Conservatory of Music receive full tuition, room and board scholarships, and are admitted based solely on talent regardless of socioeconomic background. This is Colburn’s access to excellence promise.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the position prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.