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On-Ramps · 7 hours ago

Controller at Riverdale Country School

New York, NY

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

10+ years exp

Riverdale Country School is a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners. They are seeking a Controller to lead and strengthen their accounting and financial reporting operations, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of financial operations while collaborating closely with senior administrators.

ConsultingHuman Resources

Senior Management

Responsibilities

Oversee all accounting operations, including accounts payable, receivable, general ledger, and cash management, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with GAAP

Improve the preparation of timely, audit-ready financial statements, budgets, and forecasts; establish a consistent monthly and quarterly close rhythm that provides leadership and the Board with real-time insight

Strengthen financial systems and internal controls, accounting policies, and compliance systems that safeguard assets and ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements

Proactively identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, financial accountability, and risk management across the organization

In partnership with the Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operation, co-lead the modernization of financial systems by automating high-volume workflows, improving data integrations, and ensuring tools meet Riverdale's operational needs across both campuses

Manage annual audits and maintain strong, transparent relationships with external auditors

Lead, coach, and develop a team of 5 accounting professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, learning, and shared success

Clearly communicate goals and expectations, delegate effectively, and ensure team members are empowered and supported to deliver high-quality results

Cultivate an inclusive and collaborative culture that values open communication, trust, and mutual respect and one that invests in the professional development of the finance team

In partnership with the Head of School and the Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operations, serve as a financial point of contact, communicating complex financial information clearly and confidently to a wide range of stakeholders

Build strong, collegial relationships across departments, offering guidance that integrates financial insight with mission-driven decision-making

Listen actively and engage thoughtfully with peers and leaders, ensuring financial perspectives are understood and aligned with institutional priorities

Closely work with the Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operation and other key stakeholders to identify and implement opportunities that enhance operational efficiency and long-term sustainability

Qualification

GAAPFinancial reportingAudit readinessFinancial managementInternal controlsTeam leadershipAnalytical skillsStrategic partnershipChange managementCPACommunication skills

Required

10+ years of accounting and financial management experience ideally in organizations with budgets of $50M-$100M or multi-entity structures

Brings deep technical expertise in GAAP, audit readiness, and financial reporting with a proven ability to build disciplined monthly and quarterly close processes and ensure compliance with regulations; those with Big 4 accounting experience highly preferred

Has a track record of optimizing financial systems and processes, including strengthening internal controls, improving data quality, and reporting efficiency; experience with platforms like Veracross and ADP ideal

Strong people coach, mentor, and leader with the ability to assess existing talent and build teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continued development

A strategic partnership orientation, serving as a trusted advisory and thought partner to senior leaders capable of turning data into insights that can inform strategic decision making

Exceptional analytical and communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial data across a wide array of stakeholders

Experience engaging with governing boards or finance committees in settings that demand high accountability, rigor, and professional credibility

High standards of judgment, integrity, and discretion, with the capacity to manage change effectively and lead through influence

Demonstrated commitment to Riverdale's mission and values, connecting fiscal responsibility to educational excellence, community stewardship, and long-term institutional health

A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA strongly preferred