Financial Controller

SUMMARY

The Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting, internal controls and operations for the school, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and stewardship in all fiscal activities. This role combines traditional controller responsibilities with forward-looking financial management, technology-driven budgeting, and process efficiency initiatives. The Financial Controller oversees all accounting operations, develops and maintains a live encumbrance budgeting system accessible to department heads, conducts periodic studies of operational efficiency, and ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Diocesan financial standards.

The Diocese of Orlando’s four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by employees:

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.
2. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness.
3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.
4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management & Oversight

• Manage all accounting functions, including general ledger, payables, receivables, payroll, tuition billing, collections, and bank reconciliations.
• Maintain an organized system of financial records, internal controls, and documented accounting procedures.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements consistent with GAAP and diocesan reporting standards.
• Ensure accurate tuition billing and timely collections.
• Monitor cash flow to ensure sufficient liquidity for operational needs.
• Act as the primary fiscal liaison between the school and the Diocesan Director of School Finance on all financial matters.

Budget Development and Oversight

• Lead the annual budget process in collaboration with the President, Principal, and Diocesan Director of School Finance.
• Develop and maintain encumbrance budgets that track commitments, expenditures, and balances.
• Create a web-based or cloud-enabled budgeting platform (e.g., Google Sheets with protected ranges, Power BI dashboards, or QuickBooks Advanced budgets) accessible to department heads and the Controller.
• Ensure department heads can view real-time budget data for spending and balance monitoring, strengthening internal controls.
• Provide the Diocesan Director of School Finance with full access and oversight capabilities.
• Identify and investigate budget variances; present analyses and corrective actions as needed.
• Provide financial analyses for capital projects, pricing decisions, and vendor contracts.

Operational Efficiency and Cost Analysis

• Conduct a comprehensive study of operational efficiencies to identify opportunities for savings or improved processes.
• Evaluate contracts, vendor relationships, and service models to leverage economies of scale and cost-sharing opportunities.
• Recommend and implement process improvements in collaboration with the President and Diocesan Director of School Finance.
• Prepare written reports on findings and actionable recommendations for leadership and board review.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor accounting and business office staff, promoting ethical and professional practices.
• Provide leadership and training to department heads on financial policies, encumbrance tracking, and budget management.
• Participate actively in school leadership meetings and finance committee sessions.
• Support the mission and Catholic identity of the school through responsible financial stewardship and transparent reporting.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with Diocesan financial policies, GAAP, and applicable regulations.
• Coordinate with auditors and diocesan finance personnel during audits or reviews.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing publications, and engaging in continuing education.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration (CPA or CMA preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, and web-based financial tools.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting.
• Experience with budgeting, variance analysis, and forecasting.
• Experience with data analytics, financial dashboards, or business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI or Excel data modeling) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ethical standards and confidentiality in all financial matters.
• Familiarity with the structure and mission of the Catholic Church and its educational institutions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate data into action.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Commitment to mission-driven stewardship and Catholic values.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Primarily office-based with occasional travel to meet with the Diocesan Director of School Finance or other diocesan and local stakeholders. Work hours may extend beyond a standard workday and include some evenings or weekends, particularly during audit and budget cycles.

CATHOLIC FAITH

Requires an appreciation and respect for the Catholic Church and its teachings. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese.

All candidates are required to fulfill the Diocese of Orlando Safe Environment Certification process and undergo screening with the Clearinghouse Care Provider Background Screen via the following websites: