Comptroller

Etoile Academy Charter School

Comptroller

Houston, TX
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Position Summary:

    The Comptroller is a strategic financial leader responsible for overseeing the charter school's fiscal operations, ensuring financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and responsible stewardship of public and private funds. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer (COO), the Comptroller manages the finance department, supports budget development and execution, and leads internal controls and audit readiness. This role ensures the financial infrastructure is aligned with the school's mission and growth goals.

    Key Responsibilities:

    Financial Management & Oversight

    • Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and cash management.

    • Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes and financial reporting.

    • Maintain the chart of accounts and implement strong internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure data integrity.

    • Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and applicable state and federal regulations.

    Budgeting & Forecasting

    • Lead the development of the annual operating budget in collaboration with the COO, Chief Executive Officer, and campus leadership.

    • Monitor and analyze monthly budget-to-actual reports and provide insights to school leadership.

    • Support financial modeling for long-term strategic planning, enrollment growth, and facilities planning.

    Grants & Fund Accounting

    • Ensure proper tracking, spending, and reporting of federal, state, and private grant funds.

    • Oversee the timely submission of required compliance reports, including those for TEA (Texas Education Agency) or other governing bodies.

    • Maintain accurate documentation for all restricted and unrestricted funding sources.

    Audit, Compliance & Reporting

    • Coordinate and lead the annual independent financial audit.

    • Ensure timely submission of state and federal reports, including PEIMS financial data (if applicable).

    • Serve as liaison to external auditors, authorizers, and government agencies.

    • Maintain and enforce fiscal policies and procedures.

    Team Leadership & Collaboration

    • Supervise finance and accounting staff, ensuring high performance, accuracy, and adherence to deadlines.

    • Partner with departments including HR, procurement, IT, and school operations to align finance practices with operational needs.

    • Support financial training and capacity-building for school and central office staff with budget responsibility.

    Qualifications:

    Education & Experience

    • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or Master's degree strongly preferred.

    • Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or financial management; experience in public education or charter school finance highly preferred.

    • Demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit, governmental, or fund accounting practices.

    Technical Skills

    • Proficiency in accounting systems (e.g., Abila, Tyler Munis, QuickBooks) and Microsoft Excel.

    • Familiarity with TEA financial accountability standards and charter school financial reporting (e.g., FASRG, FIRST ratings) is a plus.

    Core Competencies

    • Strategic thinking and attention to detail.

    • Leadership and team management skills.

    • Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.

    • High ethical standards and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

    Working Conditions:

    • Occasional evening or weekend work may be required, particularly during budget season or audit periods.

    • Some travel between campuses or to external meetings may be required.

    We look for team members that embody our REACH values. This includes the characteristics below.

    • Open to sharing and implementing feedback with reverence and professionalism for the work (Respect).
    • Authentic care for student results and effective teaching (Excellence).
    • Setting a higher bar for yourself and others each day (Ambition).
    • Honest contribution and collaboration to the community (Community).
    • Do what is needed to achieve results (Hard Work).
    • Believes in education as a profession and holds oneself to a high level of conduct and professionalism

    Benefits & Perks

    • Competitive salary based on experience and merit.
    • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. District life insurance.
    • Participation in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
    • Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.

    Étoile Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the organization's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact HR at 713.265.8657.