Job Title: Controller 

Position Title: Controller 

Report to: Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations 

Receive Guidance From: Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations 

Collaborate Closely With: School Leadership Team 

Supervises: Business Office 

The role of the Controller is an integral part of the Business Office and is responsible for the preparation of our monthly financial close and corresponding financial and management reports. The Controller oversees the functions of accounting, audit, and budgeting. The role is the supervisory role within the business office and reports to and works closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Chief Financial Officer is looking for a partner that can help develop and grow the accounting cycle and related reports, deadlines, and procedures. 

Major Responsibilities and Projects 

Supporting ULS community to deliver a high-quality educational experience 

• Develop a monthly close process and checklist and assign tasks to business office personnel to complete. This should include the cross-training of functions and control procedures which ensure the accuracy of the financials. 
• Working with the Veracross Implementation Team and CFO, successfully migrate from Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT to Veracross in Spring 2026. This will include a rework of our general ledger from a single account string to multiple account string format. 
• Utilize our general ledger and financial reporting systems to develop relevant reports for management, Board of Trustees and external stakeholders in partnership with the Chief Financial Officer. 
• Develop and maintain an accounting process and procedure manual. 
• Lead contact and supervisor for the audit, 990 and other tax reports, trader organization surveys, and for our insurance carriers. Will both prepare schedules and review work papers to ensure accuracy. Role ensures proper maintenance of permanent office files related to these reports. 
• Monitor operating performance vs. budget and meet with division leadership in regards to their budget management. May be asked to identify or lead projects to improve performance where possible. 
• Monitor and report on cash flow and daily cash balances and transactions as well as related reports and debt covenants. 
• Responsible for all aspects of the business office including the hiring, training, and performance management of business office staff and all related functions.

Work Environment: 

This job operates in a professional school environment. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: 

This is a full-time, twelve-month position. Limited travel and occasional weekend and evening work will be required. 

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination 

Liggett is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution. It is the policy of the school to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, height, weight, misdemeanor arrest record, marital or familial status or any other status specifically protected by federal or Michigan law. 

This policy governs all aspects of employment at Liggett including hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, discipline, discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment. This policy applies to all conduct on school premises, during school-sponsored activities on or off campus, and in connection with all school-related duties or functions. This policy also applies to all conduct and communication by vendors or other third parties while on school premises or in connection with providing services to the school.

How to Apply:

University Liggett School has engaged DovetailED to lead this search.  Interested candidates should email a cover letter (addressed to Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations, Devin Frank), a resume, and a list of three professional references consolidated as a single PDF document to Zach Lehman at zack@dovetailedsourcing.com, and Victoria Jones, Recruiter, at victoria@dovetailedsourcing.com.  Please do not contact the school directly.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred 
• 5+ years of progressively responsible relevant experience; experience in an independent school setting preferred 
• Personnel management skills and 2+ years of supervisory experience preferred 
• Excellent communication skills, including strong written, oral and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and a high level of sophistication and maturity in social and professional setting
• Ability to work independently yet also as a contributing member of a high-functioning team
• Demonstrates consistently exemplary personal and professional ethics in keeping with ULS’s Community Values 
• Embraces all elements of ULS’s Mission 
• Demonstrates the ability to develop, articulate, and pursue a compelling vision for the department in alignment with the School’s vision 
• Demonstrates highly effective educational leadership abilities 
• Comfortable networking and collaborating with peer schools and travel for professional development Screenings – TB assessment Livescan Background Check 

About University Liggett School

The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling more than 600 students, University Liggett School offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passion and explore it in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing graduates to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning. The mission of University Liggett School is to empower students to develop intellectual curiosity, leadership and confidence to contribute to a complex and changing world. We challenge students to excel and to achieve their highest potential. We create opportunities for discovery and achievement by developing a faculty who foster the strengths o...f each student through the Curriculum for Understanding. We teach and practice the values of respect and responsibility in an emotionally and physically safe environment.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at University Liggett School