Financial Controller

POSITION: Financial Controller

REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt/11 month

SALARY RANGE: $85,000 + commensurate with experience 

Our Mission

The Charter School for Applied Technologies prepares students to attain family-sustaining careers by integrating career exploration and a lifelong learning culture. 

The Charter School for Applied Technologies (CSAT) opened its doors in 2001 as a 700-student school serving grades K-6. Today, CSAT is a busy campus consisting of three distinct buildings (Elementary, Middle and High Schools), that host approximately 2,300 students from 19 different school districts throughout WNY.
Why CSAT?
We are a team inspired by our mission of preparing students to attain family-sustaining careers. If you are looking for a supportive culture providing professional development, training, and mentorship, this could be the place for you! 
We offer outstanding healthcare benefits, a supportive work environment, generous paid time off and are part of the New York State retirement system.

Position Summary

The Financial Controller is a key member of the Finance Team and is responsible for the school's overall accounting operations, inclusive of Food Service and payroll transactional activities.

Core Responsibilities

• Maintain financial records according to GAAP and NYSED requirements
• Develop systems for monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations and closings
• Assists with the preparation of financial forecasts and financial statements
• Monitors the school's cash position versus budget and forecasted expenses
• Monthly review of bank reconciliations
• Reviews all Journal Entries
• Coordinates and oversees full implementation of student district of residence's invoicing
• Prepares and interprets detailed account analysis, as requested
• Maintains the general accounting systems to ensure reporting of accurate and reliable data
• Assists in the development of the school's annual budget
• Provides assistances during all audits � annual independent and others
• Ability to perform a wide range of supervisory responsibilities over all accounting functions

Accounting and Reporting 

• Assist in setting standards for student achievement and provide leadership, direction, and support to the implementation of the school's instructional and program designs
• Provide instructional leadership in advancing proven teaching and learning practices
• Collaborate and formulate annual preparation, adjustments, and design of instructional and program plans along with the administrative team
• Observe and monitor instruction of teachers, student growth and achievement regularly
• Continually evaluate the progress on all measures of students and staff performance and take action to achieve improvements as needed
• Assist in the recruitment, development, motivation, and retention of an effective team of teachers jointly responsible for the attainment of the school's mission and goals as articulated in the Charter
• Support the professional learning communities and data driven decision making processes
• Perform any and all other duties consistent with the above duties and those duties and responsibilities of a building school administrator under New York State Laws

Bond Reporting

• Ensure compliance with Continuing Disclosure requirements
• Assist with annual Standard and Poors reviews related to Investment Grade Bonds
• Prepare monthly Bond summary financial reports for management and other constituents 

Leadership 

• Ensures proper use of hardware and software accounting computer systems
• Supervises department personnel including delegation of assignments, training, monitoring and evaluating performance
• Collaborate with department heads/supervisors on all operations involving the management of school funds, school activities including purchases, inventories, and office operations
• Supervises Accounting, Food Service, and Payroll transactional activities personnel
• Monitor adherence to procedures that provide for the safety and security of staff and students and employment laws

Professional Responsibilities 

• Support the culture of professionalism among team members
• Support the development of all staff and implementation of program improvements
• Show professionalism at all times to all staff members
• Ability to apply and adapt practices and techniques to meet program needs
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, management and others
• Superior skills to work with diversity of individuals and the ability of being a team player
• Ability to communicate with school personnel effectively

Education/Certification Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Business or related field
• Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred

Experience Qualifications

• Five (5) to (10) years of experience in a position of comparable responsibility
• Previous experience in School Finance preferred

Skillset Requirements

• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality
• Expertise wish accounting software systems, spreadsheets, and databases
• Knowledge of standard accounting principles/practices and finance administration 

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit, stand and walk up to 8 hours per day

New York State Education Department Fingerprinting is required for all positions. CSAT offers a very competitive salary, benefits, and is a member of the New York State Retirement System.