Controller
Lake Forest Academy, Vernon Hills, IL, United States
Lake Forest Academy seeks an experienced non‑profit accounting leader to start in June 2026. The Controller provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Lake Forest Academy’s accounting and related functions. This role reports to the CFO and is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of LFA’s financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP, regulatory requirements, and best practices for 501(c)3 institutions.
The Controller oversees the preparation and issuance of annual financial statements, audits, tax filings, and internal and external financial reports, while maintaining strong internal controls and effective financial systems. This position also provides leadership to a team of accounting professionals, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, supports student billing and collections, and collaborates across campus to align financial operations with LFA's mission and strategic priorities. The Controller must be available to work in the office all five business days; this is not a remote or hybrid position.
Key Responsibilities & Duties:
Supervises and supports the Business Office staff, which currently includes a Staff Accountant, Accounts Receivable Coordinator and Accounts Payable Coordinator
Oversees the day to day operations of the Business Office
Develops and/or documents business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
Implements policies and procedures for financial reporting
Manages and complies with government reporting requirements and tax filings
Manages and complies with bank mandatory reporting requirements
Manages accounting records and maintains responsibility for the production of accurate financial reports, internal and external
Maintains and reviews accuracy of GL activity and adjusts as necessary
Prepares and reviews account reconciliations
Prepares year end reports
Compares performance with budgets
Works with department heads on departmental budgets/actual spending
Prepares reports for trustee committee meetings
Attends board Finance and Endowment Committee meetings
Coordinates and oversees annual audit with external auditors
Coordinates and prepares schedules for IRS Form 990 and 990‑T and state Form IL‑990‑T annually with external tax group
Creates and maintains a strong working relationship with partnering banks
Manages funds in all bank accounts, including:
monitoring daily balance in the operating account to maintain sufficient funds to meet our financial obligations
Processing timely loan payments
Requesting draws and payments on the line of credit
General movements of funds amongst our accounts whether to manage balances, transfer restricted donations received or endowment draws
Initiates and/or approves wire transfers and ACHs
Signs checks
Prepares and submits any bond paperwork
Prepares pledge report and synchronizes legally binding pledges with Advancement
Assists, oversees and confirms with the Advancement Department
Endowed fund setup
Proper documentation for all contributions
Posting and reporting of contributions
Endowed fund management
Pledges and the pledge report
Assists with various survey submissions
Supports co-workers and other departments with requests
Serves on committees and task forces, as needed
Supports CFO as needed
Engages in ongoing professional growth
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree required, with an emphasis in accounting preferred
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and/or Masters in related field preferred
In depth‑understanding of U.S. GAAP, FASB standards, and fund accounting principles specific to non‑profit entities
Demonstrated knowledge of audit processes, financial statement preparation, and IRS tax compliance for nonprofits, including IRS Form 990
Minimum 3 years of successful supervisory experience with direct reports
Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP Systems
Excellent oral and written communication and management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities
Ability to work collaboratively with community members
Flexibility and a sense of humor
Dress appropriately for a workplace with frequent customer service interaction and community outreach
Supports and acts in accordance with LFA’s mission and values
Upholds LFA’s standards of professional courtesy, punctuality, discretion and confidentiality
Supports departmental goals and colleagues
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls. The employee must be able to climb a flight of stairs, as elevators are not always available. Minimum physical exertion. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 75% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, mouse, phone, and similar machines.
Compensation:
Lake Forest Academy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes full medical and dental coverage, retirement benefit, and other benefits. The final salary will be commensurate with the experience and expertise of the final appointed candidate, with a range between $100,000-$140,000 per year and 30 days of PTO. For more information visit www.lfanet.org/employment.
About Us:
Founded in 1857, Lake Forest Academy is a co‑ed boarding school serving 450 academically bright and motivated students in grades 9 to 12 from across the globe. The Academy offers a rigorous curriculum focused on academic excellence and characterized by small classes and close faculty/student interaction. The school’s mission of educational excellence is founded on the four pillars of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility. The LFA community places students at the center of their own learning and provides the support needed to develop confidence and strong values. Please visit our website http://www.lfanet.org/ for more information about us.
Limitations and Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Employment at Lake Forest Academy is "at‑will"
In accordance with Lake Forest Academy’s policies and state and federal law, receipt of this position is contingent upon the individual’s successful completion of all requirements to establish the legal right to work in the United States, as well as a background check. In the event Lake Forest Academy has not received a complete background check prior to the first day of employment, employment will be on a temporary basis until such results are successfully completed.
Non‑discrimination Policy:
Lake Forest Academy is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. This means Lake Forest Academy will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, color, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, transitioned, transitioning or perceived to be transitioning), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), marital status, domestic partner status, pregnancy and breastfeeding, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.
Lake Forest Academy reasonably accommodates employees and/or applicants with disabilities, provided the individual is otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of the job. If you believe that you need a reasonable accommodation, you must inform Lake Forest Academy’s Director of Human Resources & Risk Management.
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The Controller oversees the preparation and issuance of annual financial statements, audits, tax filings, and internal and external financial reports, while maintaining strong internal controls and effective financial systems. This position also provides leadership to a team of accounting professionals, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, supports student billing and collections, and collaborates across campus to align financial operations with LFA's mission and strategic priorities. The Controller must be available to work in the office all five business days; this is not a remote or hybrid position.
Key Responsibilities & Duties:
Supervises and supports the Business Office staff, which currently includes a Staff Accountant, Accounts Receivable Coordinator and Accounts Payable Coordinator
Oversees the day to day operations of the Business Office
Develops and/or documents business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
Implements policies and procedures for financial reporting
Manages and complies with government reporting requirements and tax filings
Manages and complies with bank mandatory reporting requirements
Manages accounting records and maintains responsibility for the production of accurate financial reports, internal and external
Maintains and reviews accuracy of GL activity and adjusts as necessary
Prepares and reviews account reconciliations
Prepares year end reports
Compares performance with budgets
Works with department heads on departmental budgets/actual spending
Prepares reports for trustee committee meetings
Attends board Finance and Endowment Committee meetings
Coordinates and oversees annual audit with external auditors
Coordinates and prepares schedules for IRS Form 990 and 990‑T and state Form IL‑990‑T annually with external tax group
Creates and maintains a strong working relationship with partnering banks
Manages funds in all bank accounts, including:
monitoring daily balance in the operating account to maintain sufficient funds to meet our financial obligations
Processing timely loan payments
Requesting draws and payments on the line of credit
General movements of funds amongst our accounts whether to manage balances, transfer restricted donations received or endowment draws
Initiates and/or approves wire transfers and ACHs
Signs checks
Prepares and submits any bond paperwork
Prepares pledge report and synchronizes legally binding pledges with Advancement
Assists, oversees and confirms with the Advancement Department
Endowed fund setup
Proper documentation for all contributions
Posting and reporting of contributions
Endowed fund management
Pledges and the pledge report
Assists with various survey submissions
Supports co-workers and other departments with requests
Serves on committees and task forces, as needed
Supports CFO as needed
Engages in ongoing professional growth
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree required, with an emphasis in accounting preferred
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and/or Masters in related field preferred
In depth‑understanding of U.S. GAAP, FASB standards, and fund accounting principles specific to non‑profit entities
Demonstrated knowledge of audit processes, financial statement preparation, and IRS tax compliance for nonprofits, including IRS Form 990
Minimum 3 years of successful supervisory experience with direct reports
Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP Systems
Excellent oral and written communication and management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities
Ability to work collaboratively with community members
Flexibility and a sense of humor
Dress appropriately for a workplace with frequent customer service interaction and community outreach
Supports and acts in accordance with LFA’s mission and values
Upholds LFA’s standards of professional courtesy, punctuality, discretion and confidentiality
Supports departmental goals and colleagues
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls. The employee must be able to climb a flight of stairs, as elevators are not always available. Minimum physical exertion. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 75% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, mouse, phone, and similar machines.
Compensation:
Lake Forest Academy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes full medical and dental coverage, retirement benefit, and other benefits. The final salary will be commensurate with the experience and expertise of the final appointed candidate, with a range between $100,000-$140,000 per year and 30 days of PTO. For more information visit www.lfanet.org/employment.
About Us:
Founded in 1857, Lake Forest Academy is a co‑ed boarding school serving 450 academically bright and motivated students in grades 9 to 12 from across the globe. The Academy offers a rigorous curriculum focused on academic excellence and characterized by small classes and close faculty/student interaction. The school’s mission of educational excellence is founded on the four pillars of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility. The LFA community places students at the center of their own learning and provides the support needed to develop confidence and strong values. Please visit our website http://www.lfanet.org/ for more information about us.
Limitations and Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Employment at Lake Forest Academy is "at‑will"
In accordance with Lake Forest Academy’s policies and state and federal law, receipt of this position is contingent upon the individual’s successful completion of all requirements to establish the legal right to work in the United States, as well as a background check. In the event Lake Forest Academy has not received a complete background check prior to the first day of employment, employment will be on a temporary basis until such results are successfully completed.
Non‑discrimination Policy:
Lake Forest Academy is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. This means Lake Forest Academy will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, color, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, transitioned, transitioning or perceived to be transitioning), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), marital status, domestic partner status, pregnancy and breastfeeding, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.
Lake Forest Academy reasonably accommodates employees and/or applicants with disabilities, provided the individual is otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of the job. If you believe that you need a reasonable accommodation, you must inform Lake Forest Academy’s Director of Human Resources & Risk Management.
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