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Controller

REPORTS TO: Director of Finance and Operations 
EXEMPT: 12-MONTH 
START DATE: May 2025

MISSION 
Wilmington Friends School offers a college preparatory curriculum—including athletics, the arts  and community service—in which Quaker values and high expectations are mutually supportive.  The defining belief of Quakerism is that there is “that of God” in everyone. That belief gives rise  to a school community that welcomes a variety of faith traditions and where we share an  obligation to seek and answer what is best in ourselves and in others. Students at Friends are  challenged to realize their potential: as learners, well prepared to succeed in college and career;  as leaders, recognizing their power and opportunity to be agents of change; and as active and  responsible members of communities, from the classroom to the world. The school seeks to  serve students, age two through grade twelve, who demonstrate ongoing promise in their ability  to succeed at Friends, both academically and in meeting expectations for integrity and conduct. 

SCHOOL DESCRIPTION (Annual Budget Oversight: $22 Million) 
Wilmington Friends School is an independent Preschool to 12 Quaker, college preparatory, day  school located in Wilmington, Delaware and enrolling approximately 730 students. We are  committed to academic excellence and the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity,  community, equality, and stewardship. Our finance team drives strategic financial management  and ensures rigorous stewardship of institutional resources in support of our educational  mission. 

POSITION OVERVIEW 
The Controller serves as a key strategic financial leader, overseeing complex accounting  operations, financial reporting, and audit processes while maintaining the highest standards of  fiscal responsibility and regulatory compliance. This role requires deep technical expertise in  non-profit accounting, financial systems integration, and strategic planning to support our  school's long-term sustainability and growth. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Financial Leadership and Strategy 
As Charge Controller, you will orchestrate comprehensive financial operations including multi dimensional budgeting processes, sophisticated cash flow modeling, institutional financial  reporting, and complex audit coordination. Your strategic counsel will be instrumental in  advising the Director of Finance and Operations on matters including debt management,  investment strategy, financial risk assessment, and long-range planning initiatives. A critical  aspect of your role will be leading the Finance Department team, where you'll implement best  practices in financial operations while fostering a culture of analytical rigor and professional  development.

Financial Planning and Analysis 
Your expertise will drive the development of sophisticated financial models incorporating  multiple variables for enrollment forecasting, revenue projection, and scenario planning. You will  oversee the implementation and management of advanced fixed asset tracking systems, multi year budgeting frameworks, and rolling financial projections. This includes designing and  maintaining complex reporting systems to monitor departmental expenditures against budgets,  creating detailed variance analyses, and developing actionable recommendations based on  statistical trending and market analysis. 

Risk Management and Compliance 
You will serve as the primary architect of the institution's financial compliance framework,  ensuring adherence to FASB guidelines, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.  This encompasses designing and implementing robust internal controls, maintaining GAAP  compliance, and overseeing all aspects of financial reporting and disclosure. You will  collaborate with multiple departments to develop comprehensive risk assessment protocols and  establish metrics for monitoring and mitigating institutional financial exposure. 

Audit Management and Oversight 
You will lead all aspects of the annual audit process, including coordination with external  auditors, preparation of comprehensive audit schedules, and management of the entire audit  lifecycle. This involves overseeing the preparation of financial statements in accordance with  GAAP, managing the development of footnotes and disclosures, and ensuring compliance with  current accounting pronouncements. Your role includes implementing audit recommendations,  strengthening internal controls, and maintaining documentation of accounting policies and  procedures. You will also manage any special audits or reviews required for grants, government  funding, or other specific purposes. 

QUALIFICATIONS 
The position requires a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, with CPA or  MBA strongly preferred. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressive financial  management experience, with substantial exposure to non-profit accounting and educational  institutions. Demonstrated expertise in audit management, financial systems implementation,  and team leadership is essential. 

Technical Skills 
  • Advanced expertise in fund accounting and non-profit financial management
  • Comprehensive knowledge of FASB standards and GAAP requirements
  • Proven experience with complex financial modeling and statistical analysis
  • Proficiency in enterprise financial systems and reporting tools
  • Strong background in internal controls and risk management
  • Expert-level skills in financial analytics and business intelligence tools
  • Deep understanding of endowment management and investment oversight
Personal Qualities 
The successful candidate will combine technical expertise with strategic vision and collaborative  leadership. We seek an individual who demonstrates intellectual curiosity, analytical precision,  and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts to diverse audiences. The role  requires someone who embodies professional stability, exercises sound judgment, and  maintains an unwavering commitment to ethical principles and Quaker values. 

Working Environment 
Our school provides a professional environment that values intellectual rigor, continuous  improvement, and work-life balance. We offer a competitive compensation package that includes: 

- Comprehensive health and retirement benefits with robust investment options
- Professional development and continuing education support 
- Tuition remission for qualified dependents 
- Generous paid time off and holidays 

EEOC STATEMENT 
It is Wilmington Friends School’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all  employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including  pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation,  gender identity, marital status, first responder status, or other protected status in accordance  with applicable federal and state laws. It is the intent and resolve of Wilmington Friends School  to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal  opportunity. This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment  including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, training, promotion, compensation, termination,  and retirement. 

If interested and qualified, please send your resume to ShaQuan Buffaloe at sbuffaloe@wilmingtonfriends.org
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101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
302.576.2900   |   info@wilmingtonfriends.org
Preschool - 12th Grade

Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.