New York
Job DescriptionRiverdale Country School is a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. Riverdale seeks to reflect that belonging is the foundational core of community building in how we work collaboratively and support the school’s mission and empowers all community members to thrive in mind, character, and community. Riverdale enrolls about 1,300 students who collectively reside in 117 different zip codes. We seek to employ people who engage in all aspects of work with a student-centered approach, an open mind, passion, and a willingness to support the greater community. About the Position • Riverdale Country School seeks a Controller to lead and strengthen its accounting and financial reporting operations. The Controller will oversee all financial systems and will serve as a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of Riverdale’s financial operations, including compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and process improvements. The Controller will manage all accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and cash management, and partner closely with senior administrators to provide timely, transparent financial insights., • A key member of the school’s finance leadership team, the Controller will collaborate closely with the Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operations, the Fractional CFO, the Board’s Finance and Audit Committees, and other school leaders. Beyond technical expertise, this leader will model Riverdale’s collaborative and learning-oriented culture, leading with transparency, communication, and inclusivity., • The ideal candidate will thrive in a community that honors tradition while embracing innovation and will bring a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Through sound fiscal stewardship, deep collaboration, and values-driven leadership, the Controller will play a critical role in advancing Riverdale’s mission., • Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:, • Accounting and Financial Operations, • Oversee all accounting operations, including accounts payable, receivable, general ledger, and cash management, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with GAAPImprove the preparation of timely, audit-ready financial statements, budgets, and forecasts; establish a consistent monthly and quarterly close rhythm that provides leadership and the Board with real-time insightStrengthen financial systems and internal controls, accounting policies, and compliance systems that safeguard assets and ensure adherence to all regulatory requirementsProactively identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, financial accountability, and risk management across the organizationIn partnership with the Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operation, co-lead the modernization of financial systems by automating high-volume workflows, improving data integrations, and ensuring tools meet Riverdale’s operational needs across both campusesManage annual audits and maintain strong, transparent relationships with external auditors, • People Leadership and Development, • Lead, coach, and develop a team of 5 accounting professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, learning, and shared successClearly communicate goals and expectations, delegate effectively, and ensure team members are empowered and supported to deliver high-quality resultsCultivate an inclusive and collaborative culture that values open communication, trust, and mutual respect and one that invests in the professional development of the finance team, • Strategic Communication and Cross, • Team CollaborationIn partnership with the Head of School and the Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operations, serve as a financial point of contact, communicating complex financial information clearly and confidently to a wide range of stakeholdersBuild strong, collegial relationships across departments, offering guidance that integrates financial insight with mission-driven decision-makingListen actively and engage thoughtfully with peers and leaders, ensuring financial perspectives are understood and aligned with institutional prioritiesClosely work with the Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operation and other key stakeholders to identify and implement opportunities that enhance operational efficiency and long-term sustainability, • Who You’ll Work With, • You will report to the Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operations., • You will supervise a team of five to seven accounting professionals., • You will frequently collaborate with the fractional CFO, school leaders, and the Board of Trustees. Required Skills and Experience, • 10+ years of accounting and financial management experience ideally in organizations with budgets of $50M-$100M or multi-entity structuresBrings deep technical expertise in GAAP, audit readiness, and financial reporting with a proven ability to build disciplined monthly and quarterly close processes and ensure compliance with regulations; those with Big 4 accounting experience highly preferred Has a track record of optimizing financial systems and processes, including strengthening internal controls, improving data quality, and reporting efficiency; experience with platforms like Veracross and ADP ideal Strong people coach, mentor, and leader with the ability to assess existing talent and build teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continued development, • A strategic partnership orientation, serving as a trusted advisory and thought partner to senior leaders capable ot turning data into insights that can inform strategic decision making Exceptional analytical and communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial data across a wide array of stakeholders Experience engaging with governing boards or finance committees in settings that demand high accountability, rigor, and professional credibilityHigh standards of judgment, integrity, and discretion, with the capacity to manage change effectively and lead through influence, • Demonstrated commitment to Riverdale’s mission and values, connecting fiscal responsibility to educational excellence, community stewardship, and long-term institutional health