Controller

Controller

Chizuk Amuno Congregation | Pikesville, MD

Chizuk Amuno Congregation & Schools & Camps ("Chizuk Amuno") is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and service-minded Controller to support the financial operations of our congregation, schools, and camps. The organization serves approximately 800 synagogue families and includes a day school, preschool, afternoon religious school, and summer camp. The Controller will assist with the day-to-day accounting functions across multiple programs and entities, ensuring that financial transactions are recorded accurately, bills are paid timely, accounts are reconciled, and financial information is maintained in an organized and confidential manner. This position is ideal for an accounting professional who enjoys working in a mission-driven, resource-conscious environment, managing multiple priorities, and collaborating with staff across a variety of departments. The ideal candidate is the type of person who enjoys working with numbers, has a keen eye for detail, takes pride in keeping things accurate and organized, and is eager to learn. The Controller will report to the Executive Director.

Essential Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Process invoices, purchase orders, expense reimbursements, and credit card transactions.
• Verify appropriate approvals, coding, documentation, and supporting receipts.
• Prepare and process payments in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain organized electronic and paper records of invoices and payments.
• Respond to vendor inquiries and resolve discrepancies as needed.

Accounts Receivable & Cash Receipts

• Record and post non-tuition payments received from members, families, students, and other sources.
• Assist with accounts receivable follow-up and reconciliation.
• Process and reconcile deposits from the congregation, day school, preschool, religious school and camps.
• Assist with tracking outstanding balances and communicating discrepancies to appropriate staff.
• Maintain accurate records of tuition, fees, program payments, and other receivables.

General Accounting

• Assist with monthly bank and account reconciliations.
• Prepare and post journal entries.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures, with an eye toward continuously improving speed and accuracy.
• Maintain the general ledger and supporting documentation.
• Assist with tracking expenses by department, program, and/or restricted fund.
• Research and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Support the annual budgeting process across departments and programs.
• Maintain the chart of accounts, and evolve it as new programs and funding streams come online.

School & Program Accounting Support

• Provide accounting support for the day school, preschool, religious school and camps.
• Assist with tracking tuition, fees, deposits, scholarships, and other school-related transactions.
• Work with school and program administrators to ensure expenses are properly coded and documented.
• Help maintain accurate financial records for individual programs and grants.

Congregational Finance Support

• Assist with recording and reconciling membership payments, donations, program fees, and other congregational revenue.
• Support the accurate tracking of restricted and designated funds.
• Assist with financial reporting for departments, programs, and special events.
• Maintain confidentiality of member, donor, student, family, and employee financial information.

Reporting & Administrative Support

• Assist with preparation and distribution of monthly financial reports and schedules.
• Provide information and documentation for annual audits and tax filings.
• Prepare year-end tax letters for members.
• Assist with budget tracking and reporting.
• Prepare spreadsheets and other financial analyses as requested (e.g., cash flow analysis).
• Maintain accurate and organized financial files and records.
• Support special financial projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field preferred. 13 years of accounting or bookkeeping experience; nonprofit, education, or religious organization experience is a plus. Strong understanding of basic accounting principles. Experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and general ledger functions. Strong (intermediate to advanced) Excel/Google Sheets skills and comfort working with accounting software. Proficiency in Google Workspace. Proficiency in accounting software. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team. Demonstrated professionalism and sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with fund accounting and/or restricted funds. Experience working with multiple departments, programs, or cost centers. Familiarity with Jewish communal organizations and their unique financial structures is a plus, but not required.

Key Competencies

The successful candidate will be:

• Detail-oriented: Notices discrepancies and takes ownership of correcting them. Highly accurate, even when moving quickly.
• Organized: Keeps financial records and deadlines on track.
• Reliable: Follows through on responsibilities and commitments.
• Collaborative: Builds positive working relationships with administrative, school, program, and congregational staff. Takes initiative.
• Discreet: Handles confidential financial and personal information appropriately.
• Adaptable: Comfortable working in an environment with multiple programs and changing priorities.
• Service-oriented: Understands that strong financial operations support the organization's broader mission.
• Problem-solver: Adept at spotting issues and recommending and implementing solutions. Passion for automation and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This position interacts regularly with staff throughout the congregation and schools, including administrative, educational, program, and leadership teams. The Controller must be comfortable working in a collaborative environment with competing deadlines and a variety of financial transactions.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically. Ability to organize and maintain financial records and documentation.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range is $80,000 - $90,000, depending on skills and experience. Chizuk Amuno offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan including company match, generous paid time off aligned with the Jewish and secular school calendar, discounted synagogue membership and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Chizuk Amuno Congregation & Schools & Camps is committed to providing an inclusive workplace and equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants. We value individuals who bring professionalism, integrity, diverse perspectives, and a commitment to our mission and community.