About KIPP NYC

KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non-profit network of free, public charter schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We partner with families and communities to create joyful and rigorous schools in pursuit of a more just world. In 1995 we started our first middle school, KIPP Academy, in the Bronx, with a vision that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. Today, our network consists of eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, one high school, and KIPP Forward, a comprehensive program to support our students and alumni in choosing and preparing for the educational and career paths that fit their goals and sense of purpose. KIPP NYC currently serves more than 11,000 students and alumni, has a staff of more than 1,000 (11% of whom are alumni), and continues to grow.

Position Overview

The Controller is an ambitious, detail-oriented and self-motivated individual who will report to and partner with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Controller will be responsible for the day-to-day accounting for financial transactions; ensuring the monthly closing process is completed accurately for all KIPP NYC entities; and developing, implementing, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures consistent with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). They will support a nearly $200M annual operating budget, growing to nearly $300M by 2030. 

The Controller will be responsible for maintaining and continuously improving the system of financial controls, including general accounting, audit, tax compliance, and banking. This individual will respond quickly and with sound judgment to a variety of situations in a fast-paced environment and handle sensitive information in a professional manner. They will be hands-on and contribute at all levels including internal and external reporting, while also serving as a thought partner to the CFO on many issues. The Controller directly supervises a team of 9.

Duties & Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): 

General Accounting and Reporting

• Comply with generally accepted accounting policies and procedures
• Maintain general ledger, subsidiary ledgers, and other accounting records needed for preparation of the financial audit
• Manage and maintain a strict deadline to close the financial activities of the month, including the preparation and analysis of the monthly balance sheet, statement of activities, and cash flow forecasts
• Prepare and/or review monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliation of all accounts
• Manage the revenue cycle and review accounts receivables and billings; enhance the process to optimize cash flow
• Manage, maintain, and update the financial accounting system, including the full responsibility for KIPP NYC’s chart of accounts
• Oversee all grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant budgets throughout the grant period; manage the collection of financial reporting materials for government, corporate, and foundation grants

Financial Policies and Procedures

• Develop, automate, and implement systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with accounting standards and improve efficiencies
• Partner with CFO on annual updates to the Fiscal Policies and Procedures Manual
• Ensure record retention and compliance of agency accounting files

Audit, Tax, and Lender Compliance

• With the assistance of the external audit/tax preparation partner, prepare and submit tax returns IRS990 for all KIPP NYC entities
• Manage the annual audit to ensure the accurate preparations of audit schedules, financial statements, and footnotes in coordination with the external preparation partner for KIPP NYC’s annual audit 
• Provide support to auditors during the annual audit
• Complete regular debt compliance reporting

Banking

• Manage and track the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and investment guidelines
• Manage the prompt reconciliation all monthly bank statements, including investment accounts
• Manage interbank fund transfers and approve as necessary
• Liaise with all banking and investment partners

Organizational and Team Leadership 

• Work with team to continuously improve the quality of work on the team; provide training, direction, motivation, and opportunities for skills development
• Manage a 9 person accounting team
• Manage relationships with internal clients and act as a key business partner to them, building high levels of professional credibility and mutual trust
• Lead cultural and structural change management initiatives
• Support the CFO with preparation of documentation for Audit and Finance committees

• Bachelor’s degree required; CPA and/or MBA preferred
• A seasoned accounting leader with 15+ years of accounting and finance experience including solid experience coordinating audit activities and managing accounts payable and receivable, and general ledger functions
• Prior experience as Controller at a similar-sized organization (an operating budget of $100M - $300M) and prior experience with multiple audits across multiple entities
• Experience working in non-profit accounting and/or experience in schools strongly preferred
• A track record in grants management as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate and foundation grants is essential
• Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality of information
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, board or other outside partners
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office products with strong Excel skills; experience utilizing Sage Intacct and compatible accounting software strongly preferred; and an aptitude for learning new software 
• Systems builder who brings excellent analytical skills characterized by identifying, assimilating, and comprehending the critical elements of various situations, and extracting and interpreting the implications of

Compensation and Benefits:

KIPP NYC offers a competitive salary ranging from $185,000 - $210,000. Salary ranges at KIPP NYC are standardized based on role level and role function. Individual salaries are determined through a lens of equity, accounting for years of experience relevant to the role and scope of responsibilities, and are benchmarked against others within the same salary band.

KIPP NYC offers a generous benefits package including, but not limited to, the following:  

• Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision. 
• Generous Time-Off including 5 school vacation weeks, sick and personal days, and an extended summer break. 
• Up to 12 weeks 100% parental leave. 
• Bright Horizon Back-up Child and Elder care.
• Employer paid Life Insurance  and Short term/Long term disability.
• Employee incentives including 8 Weeks paid Sabbatical after 10 years, annual professional development funds, and tuition reimbursement.

Additional Details

This role requires three days in office with flexibility to work from home two days a week (Wednesday in office is preferred). This role is based in NYC at our midtown Manhattan location. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the state of NY, your employment will be subject to review, which may include separation from KIPP NYC. It is important that you notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate.

This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.

This role is based in NYC and will require travel to our schools. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the state of NY, your employment will be subject to review, which may include separation from KIPP NYC. It is important that you notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate.

KIPP NYC LLC does not offer visa sponsorship or work authorization. 

KIPP NYC LLC is an anti-racist organization that believes in the importance of being diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment that includes employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving students and families throughout New York City. BIPOC, women, gender expansive, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

KIPP NYC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.