Controller

Position Overview

Davidson Academy is seeking a Christ-following, motivated, organized, detail-oriented, Controller/Director of Financial Services. This leadership role is integral to ensuring the school's finances and other support services function effectively for all programs and activities. The ideal candidate has a background in accounting and finance and understands the innerworkings of maintaining and improving HR and IT systems.

Davidson Academy is an Infant-12th grade Christian private school located in Nashville, TN. Serving a diverse student population from Davidson County and the surrounding counties, we believe in the Biblical-based instruction of preparing our students for college, life, and eternity. All Davidson Academy personnel must adhere to our statements of faith.

Key Responsibilities

Planning

· Coordinate the creation of the annual budget, as well as testing it for achievability

· Calculate variances between actual and budgeted results, and report the reasons for the variances to management

· Develop a system of performance metrics that support the company’s strategic direction

Operations

· Manage the accounting, information technology (IT), and human resources departments

· Managed full-cycle onboarding for new hires, coordinating paperwork, orientation, and system setup to ensure a smooth first-day experience and compliance from day one.

· Administered employee benefits programs including enrollment, changes, and terminations, serving as the primary point of contact for employee questions and carrier coordination.

· Advised staff and leadership on employee relations matters, resolving concerns, mediating conflicts, and promoting a positive, policy-consistent workplace culture.

· Prepared and issued employment contracts and renewals, ensuring accuracy, timely delivery, and alignment with organizational policy and applicable regulations.

· Maintained and updated the employee handbook, communicating policy changes across the organization and ensuring staff acknowledgment and understanding.

· Developed and revised job descriptions across departments to accurately reflect role responsibilities, requirements, and reporting structures.

· Administered pay plans and compensation structures, ensuring internal equity, market alignment, and consistent application across positions.

· Led recruiting efforts including job postings, applicant screening, interview coordination, and candidate communication to fill open positions with qualified talent.

· Administered the organization's retirement plan, managing enrollments, contributions, and compliance while coordinating with plan providers.

· Maintained accurate and confidential employee records and HR documentation, ensuring data integrity and compliance with retention requirements.

· Prepared and submitted required regulatory and compliance reports accurately and on deadline, maintaining adherence to federal and state employment regulations.

· Oversee the activities of any supplier to which functions have been outsourced

· Participate in the functions and decisions of the executive management team

· Implement operational best practices throughout his or her areas of responsibility

Financial Information

· Manage the operations of the accounting department

· Maintain a system of accounting policies and procedures

· Verify that supplier invoices should be paid, and pay them by the designated due date, taking early payment discounts where this is economical to do so

· Collect accounts receivable promptly

· Process payroll information with minimal errors, and issue compensation payments to employees by scheduled pay dates

· Record cash receipts in a timely manner and deposit them promptly

· Complete bank reconciliations for all bank accounts at regular intervals

· Operate an adequate accounting software package

· Maintain a chart of accounts that fulfills the record keeping needs of the business

· Maintain a comprehensive system of controls over all accounting functions

· Oversee the compilation of financial information into financial statements, with accompanying disclosures

· Report financial results to management, finance committee, and board of trustees

Risk Management

· Understand the current and potential risks to which the business is subjected

· Take steps to mitigate risks, including the use of control systems, shifting risk to other parties, and insurance coverage

· Report on risk issues to the board of directors

· Ensure that the business complies with all regulatory and other legal requirements

· Monitor known legal issues involving the company, as well as legal issues impacting the entire industry

· Review and act upon the findings and recommendations of external auditors

Financing

· Monitor projected cash balances

· Arrange for financing to meet future cash requirements

· Invest excess funds based on projected cash balances

· Monitor the company’s compliance with debt covenants

· Maintain relationships with banks and lenders