Hands-On Controller

Who We Are

Partnership Schools is accepting applications for the role of a Controller in Cleveland, Ohio. The ideal candidate brings zeal, creativity, imagination, positivity, and passion to their work, and is ready to dive into a fast-paced and exciting entrepreneurial environment.

Since 2013, the Partnership has been a pioneering school management organization shaping the next generation of urban Catholic schooling. From 2013 through 2024, the Archdiocese of New York granted operational management of seven long-standing Pre-K to 8th-grade schools in the South Bronx and Harlem to the Partnership, and during that time the schools experienced substantial math and reading achievement gains and increased enrollment significantly. In 2020, the Partnership was invited to expand to the Diocese of Cleveland, where it manages four schools in the heart of the city providing students in historically underserved neighborhoods with the academic preparation, faith formation, values, and skills they need to thrive. The Partnership currently serves about 1,000 students in Cleveland, nearly of all of whom live in poverty.

The historic success of urban Catholic schools stems not only from a rigorous tradition of academic excellence but also from an emphasis on developing self-worth, moral character, a love of learning, and a sense of civic responsibility—all part of our long-standing commitment to educating the whole child. Partnership Schools is unique in knitting this tradition together with lessons from high-achieving public, charter, and independent schools, in the service of our students.

At the Partnership, we believe all children can achieve at the highest levels. If you are interested in serving as a pioneer in education and share an unwavering commitment to raising student achievement and an appreciation and respect for Catholic culture, identity, and values, we want to hear from you!

What You’ll Do

Partnership Schools is at a pivotal moment in our trajectory. In our first decade, Partnership Schools successfully pioneered a groundbreaking approach for the independent management of urban Catholic schools, one needed now more than ever. As Catholic schools nationally have faced enrollment, academic, and financial crises that resulted in waves of closures, the schools in the Partnership increased enrollment, produced academic growth, and raised more money than ever. Because our effective model serves as a proof-point of what is possible, Partnership Schools is accelerating our growth and tenaciously expanding philanthropy to increase the number of students served and bolster the organization’s national impact on the school choice movement.

Partnership Schools seeks an entrepreneurial and innovative Controller to help catalyze the organization’s continued growth and advancement. They will join a growing, motivated, and collaborative team—comprising both on-the-ground leadership in Cleveland, and geographically dispersed talent based on the organization’s talent-first mindset. As Controller, while actively participating in accounting functions, you will oversee the financial health of the schools in Cleveland. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with accounting principles, managing financial reporting, and assisting with payroll, invoice payments, and budget monitoring. You will partner directly with the local schools and the CFO of the organization. The role reports to Angela Larson, CFO—with important partnerships with key department leaders.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Financial Oversight & Hands-On Accounting: Lead and manage the monthly accounting close functions for the organization, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, and financial reporting, while also assisting with daily accounting tasks as needed.
  • Payroll Processing: Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for schools, including tax compliance, deductions, and benefits administration.
  • Accounts Payable & Invoice Management: Oversee invoice processing, vendor payments, and expense tracking, ensuring proper coding and adherence to budgets.
  • Budgeting & Financial Planning: Work closely with leadership team to develop and monitor budgets, analyze variances, and provide financial insights to support decision-making.
  • Financial Reporting: Prepare and review monthly and quarterly financial statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
  • Internal Controls & Compliance: Ensure adherence to internal financial policies and external regulatory requirements. Support audit preparation and respond to inquiries as needed.
  • Ad Hoc Support: Assist in finance-related projects, system improvements, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance financial efficiency.

What You’ll Bring

• CPA preferred, or actively pursuing CPA certification.
  • 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a controller/leadership role.
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage Intacct).
  • Experience with payroll processing systems (e.g., Paycor) and accounts payable functions.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.

This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact while growing professionally in a dynamic and supportive environment. If you’re ready to take on a leadership role that blends strategy with hands-on accounting, we’d love to hear from you!

Why You’ll Be a Fit

• You are deeply committed to the mission of Partnership Schools and to the education of students in underserved communities—and will inspire others to support and our efforts;
• You are interested in learning about preK-8 education, Catholic education, school choice, and/or social justice;
• You’re open-minded, intellectually curious, and eager to learn something new each day!
• You naturally bring a positive, high-energy, and collaborative approach to your work; and
• You are comfortable being part of a team that is “forming, storming, and norming” as it builds on current ways of working to continually improve systems, tools, and approaches—and would welcome the chance to shape the future with us.

What We Offer

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The Partnership offers a competitive benefits package and is an equal opportunity organization that values diversity.