Controller

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.Key Responsibilities & Duties:Supervises and supports the Business Office staff, which currently includes a Staff Accountant, Accounts Receivable Coordinator and Accounts Payable CoordinatorOversees the day to day operations of the Business OfficeDevelops and/or documents business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controlsImplements policies and procedures for financial reportingManages and complies with government reporting requirements and tax filingsManages and complies with bank mandatory reporting requirementsManages accounting records and maintains responsibility for the production of accurate financial reports, internal and externalMaintains and reviews accuracy of GL activity and adjusts as necessaryPrepares and reviews account reconciliationsPrepares year end reportsCompares performance with budgetsWorks with department heads on departmental budgets/actual spendingPrepares reports for trustee committee meetingsAttends board Finance and Endowment Committee meetingsCoordinates and oversees annual audit with external auditorsCoordinates and prepares schedules for IRS Form 990 and 990-T and state Form IL-990-T annually with external tax groupCreates and maintains a strong working relationship with partnering banksManages funds in all bank accounts, including:monitoring daily balance in the operating account to maintain sufficient funds to meet our financial obligationsProcessing timely loan paymentsRequesting draws and payments on the line of creditGeneral movements of funds amongst our accounts whether to manage balances, transfer restricted donations received or endowment drawsInitiates and/or approves wire transfers and ACHsSigns checksPrepares and submits any bond paperworkPrepares pledge report and synchronizes legally binding pledges with AdvancementAssists, oversees and confirms with the Advancement DepartmentEndowed fund setupProper documentation for all contributionsPosting and reporting of contributionsEndowed fund managementPledges and the pledge reportAssists with various survey submissionsSupports co-workers and other departments with requestsServes on committees and task forces, as neededSupports CFO as neededEngages in ongoing professional growthOther duties as assignedQualifications and Experience:Bachelor's degree required, with an emphasis in accounting preferredCertified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and/or Masters in related field preferredIn depth-understanding of U.S. GAAP, FASB standards, and fund accounting principles specific to non-profit entitiesDemonstrated knowledge of audit processes, financial statement preparation, and IRS tax compliance for nonprofits, including IRS Form 990Minimum 3 years of successful supervisory experience with direct reportsAdvanced computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP SystemsExcellent oral and written communication and management skillsAbility to manage multiple prioritiesAbility to work collaboratively with community membersFlexibility and a sense of humorDress appropriately for a workplace with frequent customer service interaction and community outreachSupports and acts in accordance with LFA's mission and valuesUpholds LFA's standards of professional courtesy, punctuality, discretion and confidentialitySupports departmental goals and colleaguesPhysical Demands:While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls. The employee must be able to climb a flight of stairs, as elevators are not always available. Minimum physical exertion. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 75% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, mouse, phone, and similar machines.Compensation:Lake Forest Academy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes full medical and dental coverage, retirement benefit, and other benefits. The final salary will be commensurate with the experience and expertise of the final appointed candidate, with a range between $100,000-$140,000 per year and 30 days of PTO. For more information visit www.lfanet.org/employment.About Us:Founded in 1857, Lake Forest Academy is a coed boarding school serving 450 academically bright and motivated students in grades 9 to 12 from across the globe. The Academy offers a rigorous curriculum focused on academic excellence and characterized by small classes and close faculty/student interaction. The school's mission of educational excellence is founded on the four pillars of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility. The LFA community places students at the center of their own learning and provides the support needed to develop confidence and strong values. Please visit our website http://www.lfanet.org/ for more information about us.Limitations and Disclaimer:The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.Employment at Lake Forest Academy is "at-will," which means either you or Lake Forest Academy may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason without prior notice.In accordance with Lake Forest Academy's policies and state and federal law, receipt of this position is contingent upon the individual's successful completion of all requirements to establish the legal right to work in the United States, as well as a background check. In the event Lake Forest Academy has not received a complete background check prior to the first day of employment, employment will be on a temporary basis until such results are successfully completed.Non-discrimination Policy:Lake Forest Academy is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. This means Lake Forest Academy will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, color, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, transitioned, transitioning or perceived to be transitioning), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), marital status, domestic partner status, pregnancy and breastfeeding, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.