Controller

Warwick Public Schools • Warwick, Rhode Island • Full Time

Posted on Thu, Jul 2, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Controller reports to the Director of Finance and provides leadership and oversight for the District's accounting, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, and financial compliance functions. This position is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the District's financial operations, managing audits and regulatory reporting, supporting budget development, and supervising key financial staff while ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. 

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: 

  1. Responsible for the overall operation, supervision, coordination and evaluation of the Accounting/Financial Reporting and Payroll Departments, Accounts Payable, and Federal Medicare Reimbursement Program. 
  2. Assures the accurate and timely completion of work within the department and that it is accomplished in accordance with District policies and applicable city, state and federal laws. 
  3. Responsible for the accuracy of the data maintained in the District’s financial software system. 
  4. Assures compliance with and assists, as necessary, in the preparation of all regulatory agency reports including; Federal, State, City, and Department of Education. Examples of reports are: UCOA, GAAP, GASB, Single Audit, OMBA-133 and School Committee Year End Projections. 
  5. Work closely with the Special Education department to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations regarding Medicaid reimbursement claims. 
  6. Monitor and maintain cash control and disbursement reconciliations, student activity account reconciliations and analysis and train school treasurers on the use of designated financial reporting software. 
  7. Assist in ongoing development of technology systems associated with each department. 
  8. Develop and maintain an extensive inventory of complex budget preparation spreadsheets, reports, instructions and systems that are used in developing the district’s annual budgets. 
  9. Assist the Director of Finance and other designated staff in the preparation of annual budgets and other related activities. 
  10. Coordinate and control all payroll activity in accordance with bargaining unit contracts, administrative policies and IRS regulations including the Affordable Care Act. 
  11. Control and maintain fiscal systems, recommend appropriate changes and arrange and 
  12. coordinate city, state, and federal audits. 
  13. All other duties assigned by the Director of Finance. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. At least five years of progressive responsibility in a business office or accounting position with at least three years of managerial experience preferred. Knowledge, experience and understanding of fund accounting, Alio Financial Software, UCOA and UCOA account segments preferred. 
  2. High level interpersonal skills, ability to work with others collaboratively and demonstrated ability to plan, organize and carry out activities independently required. Strong work ethic, excellent verbal and written communications skills, excellent public relations skills, and the ability to thoroughly and quickly analyze and resolve complex problems required. 
  3. Proficiency in Microsoft software applications, including Word, Access, Excel, Google Suite and PowerPoint and a thorough knowledge of federal and state accounting laws required. MBA or CPA required.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field required.   Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration, or a related field preferred.  Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.  

APPLICATION:

Apply in writing to: Human Resources Office 

Warwick Public Schools 

69 Draper Avenue 

Warwick, Rhode Island 02889 

 Jennifer Bertrand

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