Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controller

POSITION SUMMARY: The Controller manages the day-to-day financial operations of Portland Jewish Academy and The Mittleman Jewish Community Center, two distinct 501(c)(3) organizations. This role is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the general ledgers, overseeing billing systems (Renweb/Daxko), and supervising the consolidated Payroll/AP function. Beyond traditional accounting, the Controller provides operational management for the IT and Facilities departments, ensuring that the organization’s physical and digital infrastructure supports its mission.

Note on Role Evolution: This position is designed as a phased transition role in alignment with the restructuring of our finance leadership. Upon hire, the Controller will focus primarily on the Day-to-Day Financial Operations (Accounting, Billing, and Financial Reporting) to ensure a mastery of our internal systems and standards.

During the initial transition period, the outgoing CFO (transitioning to a Consulting role) will retain supervisory authority over the IT, Facilities, and Payroll/AP departments. As the candidate demonstrates proficiency and as the CFO’s consulting hours scale back, the Controller will assume these supervisory and high-level management duties. Commensurate with the assumption of these additional responsibilities, the organization will conduct a formal review of the position’s title and compensation to reflect the increased scope of leadership.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (Masters or CPA/CMA preferred)
• Experience: 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role, preferably in a non-profit, educational or community center environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of Quickbooks, Excel, Word. Experience with POS software (Daxko), accounts payable (RAMP) software, billing software (Renweb) preferred.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK: (These examples represent the essential functions of the position. They are not, however, inclusive of all the duties the position may perform.)

Financial Operations & General Ledger

• Core Accounting: Prepare and post Journal Entries, maintain the General Ledger, and manage the organization’s cash, investments, and assets.
• Internal Controls: Proactively flag, investigate, and discuss unusual transactions with the CFO or relevant staff to ensure financial integrity.
• Reconciliations: Perform daily reconciliations and provide oversight for the Daxko (MJCC POS) system.
• A/R & Billing: Serve as the primary lead for Renweb (PJA Billing and A/R) and assist departments in resolving customer account issues.
• A/P: Review, approve and release bill payments through Ramp (A/P Software)
• Audit & Year-End: Engage with auditors, bankers, and insurance agents; assist the CFO in preparing for year-end audits and tax filings.

Reporting, Budgeting & Analysis

• Financial Statements: Prepare monthly and annual financial statements including comprehensive variance analysis; distribute reports to Department Managers and act as the primary point of contact for their financial questions.
• Budgetary Support: Work closely with Department Managers to create yearly budgets and financial projections.
• Strategic Support: Collaborate with the consulting CFO on strategic reporting issues, long-term analysis, and the creation of ad-hoc reports as requested.
• Data Management: Act as the department expert for QuickBooks, Renweb, and Daxko; build and maintain sophisticated reports using both accounting software and spreadsheets.
• Endowment: Manage and execute the Quarterly Endowment update.

Operations & Organizational Mission Development

• Operational Leadership: Manage the operations and personnel of the IT and Facilities (Maintenance) departments.
• Grant & Project Tracking: Manage the financial aspects of grant reporting, tracking, and capital projects to ensure funds are utilized and reported correctly.
• Financial Assistance: Collaborate with PJA Administration to manage the school’s tuition support program and process MJCC Membership assistance applications.
• Professional Development: Stay current on industry changes within JCC and independent school management through regular professional development.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION: Many duties are performed in an office environment, the position requires the ability to move throughout the campus throughout each day. This position requires visual and auditory acuity within normal limits, as well as clear verbal communication ability. Dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and sit for extended periods may be required. The position may require limited travel and work outside of normal business hours.

SUPERVISION:

• Reports to: Executive Director (ED) and Consulting CFO.
• Supervision: Directly supervises the Facilities, IT and AP/Payroll departments and functions.

 

PJA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Portland Jewish Academy (PJA) is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, compensating, and promoting the best-qualified individuals for positions at all levels in the organization. We provide Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made based on how an individual's skills and qualifications meet the responsibilities of the position for which they have applied. An individual will be free from discrimination based on characteristics protected by law such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related physical, mental, or sensory disability, or other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are totally inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. PJA will make reasonable accommodations, including modification of organizational policies and procedures in appropriate cases for qualified individuals with disabilities if it can do so without undue hardship.

 

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