Controller

Gonzaga Preparatory School

Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, the Controller will be responsible for the accounting and payroll functions of the organization. The Controller will supervise the AP/PR Accountant and the Accounting Assistant in the Business Office and will work closely with the Vice President of Finance. This position ensures that Gonzaga Prep’s accounting and financial reporting meet best practice standards for efficient, accurate processes that ensure excellent stewardship and compliance and support the financial management of the organization.

Accounting and Financial Reporting
- Oversee operation of general ledger software, including controls and configuration, training, software maintenance and upgrades. Maintain an up-to-date chart of accounts.
- Develop and maintain financial statement reporting templates and models to efficiently prepare monthly financial statement reports and Board Reports. Utilize General Ledger software and Excel, to prepare required reporting.
- Manage general ledger activity, and reconciliations for School, Plant and Foundation funds. Review/prepare journal entries as necessary for month end and annual financial close.
- Review and approve transactions and coding for accounts payable, petty cash, cash receipts, and payroll functions. Ensure general ledger accounts are reconciled on a timely basis and reports are prepared for annual audit.
- Prepare consolidated financial statements monthly and related financial reports for Administration, Boards of Directors and Finance Committee, and bank.
- Coordinate with external auditors on annual audit. Coordinate audit schedules with other Treasury staff. Prepare audit work papers as needed, including the drafting of the financial statements and footnotes.
- Keep current with non-profit accounting standards and GAAP and design work flows/reporting to maintain accurate and transparent financial reports.
- Prepare Federal Tax Return Form 990 for Foundation; and work with CPA firm to review tax return drafts. Ensure accuracy and timely filing utilizing tax software; maintains knowledge of current tax regulations and Unrelated Business Income Tax issues.
- Review/prepare bank reconciliations monthly and resolve/document outstanding items in a timely fashion.

Payroll and Benefits Administration
- Review and approve the monthly payroll process and ensure accuracy and timeliness of payroll, tax deposits, and vendor benefit payments.
- Manage monthly, quarterly federal and state payroll tax and reporting compliance. Keep up to date on emerging regulations and new reporting requirements. Manage and oversee payroll software to ensure compliance, documentation, and efficiency in reporting.
- Partner with the Vice President of Finance on 401k plan administration, including benchmarking, compliance reporting, and participating in Retirement Plan Committee activities.
- Assist with other benefit programs such as disability, FMLA, and ACA compliance, working closely with HR and external vendors to ensure accuracy and accessibility.

Budget, Restricted Funds, and Club/Team Activity Accounts
- Assist Vice President of Finance in preparation of annual budget files for operating departments and capital purchases.
- Design and distribute periodic budget reports for department chairs/managers and activity account reports for coaches/moderators to promote stewardship and fiscally responsible administration of resources. Utilizes software to create efficiencies and easy to use/access financial reports and organization-wide dashboard reports.
- Monitor budget variances and/or overdrawn accounts on a regular basis and work with managers to identify resources or resolutions.
- Work with administrators, coaches, moderators, or department chairs to support events, programs, activities (camp/class registrations, fee collection, ticket sales, check requests, cash boxes). Ensure appropriate internal controls are in place for all parties.
- Cash Receipts: Review and ensure appropriate coding for cash receipts for donations, camp registrations, food service accounts, events, athletics, or other non-tuition fees.
- Restricted Fund accounting and reporting (contributions and related use of funds): Ensure appropriate transaction coding for compliance in utilization of restricted funds and appropriate non-profit accounting and reporting.
- Reconcile restricted and endowment funds with the Advancement department and prepare related annual audit schedules.

Supervision
- Supervise, coach, and evaluate Payroll Accountant and Accounting Assistant.
- Identify training and development opportunities, cross training needs, and document critical functions to ensure continuity.
- Ensure all work is conducted in line with good internal controls and best practices to ensure good stewardship and efficiencies.
- Identify opportunities for improvement in processes, utilizing technology in appropriate manner.

HOW TO APPLY: Email cover letter, resume, and application to Amy Sanchez, Human Resources Manager, at [email protected] or reach out for more information at 509-483-8515 ext 335. This position closes October 6, 2025, however applicants are encouraged to apply early as interviews will be scheduled immediately follow the close date.

Gonzaga Preparatory School provides a rich offering of benefits and services to our eligible faculty and staff including:
Full tuition waivers.
Three different medical health plans including PPO, HMO, and HSA.
100% of employee premiums paid by the School for our HSA and HMO medical insurance, dental and vision plans.
School funded annual contribution of $1,200 to employee HSA plans.
Retirement plan with a 6% employer match
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance are also available.
Annual, personal, sick, bereavement leave, and 14 paid holidays.

Bachelor degree in Accounting required.
3-5 years of experience in audit or financial statement/general ledger accounting through financial statement preparation.
CPA license preferred.
Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles related to non-profit organizations.
Knowledge of Federal Form 990 for tax exempt organizations.
Commitment to maintaining current knowledge of accounting, payroll and benefits standards and regulations.
Ability to analyze financial results, investigate and resolve unusual transactions and/or balances, and prepare meaningful reports in format and content.
Ability to document processes and identify internal controls necessary to conform to best practices.
Highly organized with attention to detail.
Efficient and able to meet deadlines.
Proficiency with office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, accounting and payroll programs. Intermediate to expert Excel skills required. Ensure controls and reconciliations are in place to ensure accuracy and integrity.
Experience in supervision, coaching, and/or reviewing employee’s work and performance is preferred. Committed to building teamwork through transparency, planning, and respectful working relationships.
Reference check and criminal background check required.
Demonstrate behavior and values consistent with the School’s Mission.
Ability to manage and maintain a high level of confidential information and records.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service and demonstrated ability to work in a positive manner with staff and patrons.