Controller
Cognita Schools · Stow, MA
- On site
- Full-time
- $120,000 / year
- Stow, MA
Job highlights
- Lead financial operations and build durable financial foundation.
- Manage general ledger, cash flow, and month-end close.
- Partner with CFO and leadership on financial insights.
- Requires strong GAAP and ERP systems expertise.
- Mission-aligned role in a fast-paced environment.
About the role
Controller
Masters Academy International is seeking a Controller to serve as a financial architect and hands-on operational leader. This role is responsible for building a durable financial foundation that supports the school’s long-term growth and ensuring the Academy scales effectively while maintaining financial health.About The Role
The Controller will take full ownership of day-to-day financial operations, managing the general ledger, cash flow, and month-end close process with a mindset of discipline and accuracy. This role also serves as a strategic partner to the CFO and school leadership, translating complex financial data into actionable insights to empower confident, high-speed decision-making.
Who You Are
You are a mission-aligned "architect of clarity" who thrives in a flexible, fast-paced startup environment. You are a proactive problem-solver with a "figure it out and make it better" mindset, blending a disciplined grasp of GAAP with a commitment to maintaining clean, reliable numbers. You believe in the power of education, sports, and mentorship, and you are ready to use your detail-oriented expertise to ensure the Academy’s financial health supports its vision for student growth.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Experience: Strong accounting experience with a proven track record of thinking beyond the transaction level to shape long-term operations.
- Expertise: Demonstrated ability in building or improving accounting processes in environments that are still taking shape.
- Knowledge: Solid grasp of GAAP and financial operations; Advanced proficiency with ERP systems, with specific experience in NetSuite considered a significant plus; Exceptional ability to design practical workflows and internal controls; Skilled in communicating complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
- Preferred Qualifications: Experience working within schools, athletics programs, nonprofits, or other mission-driven organizations; Experience in a startup environment or a small, growing team where roles must remain flexible.
Compensation And Benefits
The salary range is $120,000. Benefits for eligible roles include medical, life insurance, a 401(k) savings plan, and more.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding
We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to build a culture where every colleague feels they belong, are trusted, and are valued. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and strongly encourage those from underrepresented groups to apply. Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. We are an equal opportunities employer.
How to Apply:
Complete this application before the closing date of 15th May 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date for the right applicant.
Key skills/competency
- Controller
- Financial Architect
- Accounting Operations
- GAAP
- ERP Systems
- NetSuite
- Financial Reporting
- Internal Controls
- Financial Strategy
- Startup Environment
Skills & topics
- Controller
- Accounting
- Finance
- GAAP
- Financial Operations
- ERP Systems
- NetSuite
- Financial Reporting
- Internal Controls
- Startup Finance
- Stow
- Massachusetts
- Masters Academy International
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight accounting experience, GAAP knowledge, and ERP system proficiency, especially NetSuite.
- Showcase relevant experience: Emphasize building or improving accounting processes in startup or mission-driven environments.
- Demonstrate strategic thinking: Articulate your ability to translate financial data into actionable insights for leadership.
- Research Masters Academy International: Understand their mission integrating sport, scholarship, and leadership development.
- Prepare for behavioral questions: Be ready to discuss your problem-solving approach and how you ensure accuracy.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary for the Controller position at Masters Academy International?
- The Controller position at Masters Academy International offers a salary range of $120,000. Specific benefits for eligible roles include medical, life insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan.
- What are the key responsibilities of the Controller at Masters Academy International?
- The Controller at Masters Academy International will manage day-to-day financial operations, including the general ledger, cash flow, and month-end close. They will also serve as a strategic partner, translating financial data into actionable insights for school leadership.
- What qualifications are essential for the Controller role at Masters Academy International?
- Essential qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, strong accounting experience with a focus on shaping long-term operations, a solid grasp of GAAP and financial operations, and advanced proficiency with ERP systems. Experience with NetSuite is a significant plus.
- Is there any preferred experience for the Controller position at Masters Academy International?
- Preferred experience includes working within schools, athletics programs, nonprofits, or other mission-driven organizations. Experience in a startup environment or a small, growing team with flexible roles is also advantageous.
- What is the application deadline for the Controller role at Masters Academy International?
- The closing date for applications for the Controller position at Masters Academy International is May 15, 2026. However, early applications are encouraged as the school reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.
- What is the work environment like for the Controller at Masters Academy International?
- The work environment is described as flexible and fast-paced, characteristic of a startup. The role requires a proactive problem-solver with a "figure it out and make it better" mindset.
- What does Masters Academy International do?
- Masters Academy International is New England’s only school that integrates pro-level coaching and top-tier academics to prepare future leaders, excelling in sport, scholarship, and life. They focus on developing exceptional competitors while cultivating character and essential habits for success.