Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Siena Catholic Schools of Racine is seeking an experienced Controller who operates with high integrity and who shares the same mission, vision and values as we do. Siena Catholic Schools of Racine comprises six elementary/middle schools and one high school, serving approximately 1,600 students. Sharing your skills will lead the organization toward its goal of ensuring excellence in academics, nurturing faith formation, and developing healthy students.  

Siena's mission states, "Siena Catholic Schools of Racine ignites a spirit of excellence in faith, knowledge, and service, inspiring students to be who God created them to be."

Siena Catholic Schools of Racine share these values:

• Service: We serve God’s children through Catholic education.

• Education: We educate the whole child in mind, body, and spirit.

• Tradition: We honor our Dominican roots through prayer, study, service, and community.

• Collaboration: We work with families, parishes, and partners to build and strengthen communities.

• Innovation: We develop innovative thinkers and problem solvers.

• Excellence: We strive for excellence in all we do.

Scope and Summary: Scope and Summary of the Position

The Controller provides strategic financial leadership and oversight for the financial operations of Siena Catholic Schools of Racine, ensuring the long-term financial health, stability, accountability, and sustainability of the school system. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team and a key advisor to the President, the Controller provides financial analysis, insight, and recommendations that support sound decision-making and advance Siena’s strategic priorities.

The Controller has system-wide responsibility for accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, cash flow management, financial forecasting, internal controls, audit and regulatory compliance, and financial risk management across Siena Catholic Schools of Racine. The role ensures that financial systems, policies, processes, and reporting are accurate, efficient, transparent, and aligned with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements, and the governance expectations of Siena Catholic Schools.

Working closely with the President, Senior Leadership Team, Principals, and Finance Committee, the Controller translates financial data into meaningful information that supports strategic planning, resource allocation, operational decisions, and long-term financial sustainability. The Controller leads the annual budgeting process, develops financial projections and models, monitors financial performance and key performance indicators, identifies financial opportunities and risks, and provides timely recommendations when adjustments or corrective action are needed.

The Controller serves as a key financial resource to the Finance Committee and is responsible for ensuring that the Committee receives accurate, timely, and relevant financial information to support its oversight, consultation, and approval responsibilities. The Controller coordinates the monthly financial review process and works collaboratively with Committee members, the President, and other leaders to address significant financial matters and maintain strong fiscal accountability.

The Controller also provides leadership and oversight in establishing clear expectations, internal controls, processes, and accountability measures. The Controller ensures the integrity and accuracy of financial records and reporting and supports a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency, and responsible stewardship of Siena's resources.

As a system-wide leader, the Controller builds strong working relationships across all seven schools, administrative offices, parishes, financial institutions, auditors, government agencies, and other external partners. The Controller communicates complex financial information clearly to a variety of audiences and serves as a trusted financial advisor to leadership and governance bodies.

Ultimately, the Controller is responsible for ensuring that Siena Catholic Schools of Racine has the financial information, systems, controls, and leadership necessary to make informed decisions, fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities, meet regulatory and audit requirements, and sustain its Catholic educational mission for the future.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Accounting and Audit

• Manages overall accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting systems, policies and procedures, which will provide effective control and satisfy the informational requirements of the President and Budget Managers, Principals, Boards, Committees, independent auditors, and government agencies.

• Analyzes data/ project trends and creates reports and presentations interpreting the results of financial operations for the President, Senior Leadership, Principals, Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee.

• Manages, directs, and participates in the evaluation and the development of appropriate accounting software programs and updates to assure clarity, completeness of reports, and efficiency of input/output.

• Monitors all staff utilizing the budgeting software(s) through routine check-ins with budget managers and accounting staff.

• Oversees the accurate and consistent recording and reporting of financial and accounting data processed by the Staff Accountant, Accounting Analyst, Director of Admissions & Financial Aid, etc.

• Develops and implements financial policies.

• Critically evaluates and advises on relevant accounting standards, regulations, and reporting frameworks. 

• Enhances efficiency of accounting functions and ensures all aspects of the financial compliance, reporting, and accounting process are on track.

• Responsible for all aspects of financial audits. Performs financial risk assessments and internal audits.

• Coordinates public accounting firm’s audits and filings for Wisconsin School Choice Department of Public Instruction reporting, including Enrollment and Internal Policy and Control Audit and ensures all deadlines for Wisconsin School Choice are met as pertaining to financial reporting throughout the year.

• Responsible for key state and federal program reporting & compliance including USDA Food service programs.

• Develops and maintains dashboards with key performance indicators (KPIs) for President, Leadership Team, Principals, Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee.

• Oversees annual budgeting process by:

  • developing assumptions;

  • assisting instructional and administrative departments by providing forms, assumptions, projections, and consultations;

  • assisting in generating projections for cash flow, income and expense accounts;

  • coordinating capital expenditures;

  • assisting in developing recommendations for tuition and fee scale;

  • assisting in developing recommendations for salary, benefit ranges and scales;