Controller & Client Accounting Advisor (Independent School Focus)

Controller & Client Advisor (Independent School Focus)
Remote (U.S.-based) | HQ in Wilmington, DE
Full-Time | W2
Salary: $80,000–$120,000, based on experience

Help Nonprofits Make Smarter Decisions

At Breakwater Accounting + Advisory, we don’t just produce financials, we help nonprofits understand them, trust them, and use them to grow.

We’re looking for a strategic, client-facing accountant who wants to go beyond the numbers and become a true advisor to schools and nonprofits.

If you’ve ever thought “I could add so much more value if clients actually used their financials,” this is the role you've been looking for!

What You’ll Actually Do

• Act as the strategic Controller and high-level financial advisor for a portfolio of 10-20 small to mid-sized independent schools or nonprofits (revenue range of $500,000 to $10,000,000+)
• Prepare and present high-level insights to Boards and Finance Committees, becoming their most trusted advisor
• Lead monthly and quarterly conversations that turn financials into clear insights and action
• Identify opportunities, risks, and blind spots, and guide clients toward better decisions; help schools navigate unique complexities like Tuition Receivable, Enrollment/Student Billing, and Donor-Restricted Funds.
• Translate financial data into simple, practical recommendations your clients can actually use
• Partner with clients on topics like cash flow, profitability, and operational efficiency
• Collaborate and mentor your team to ensure financials are accurate, then spend your time using them, not just reviewing them

Who Thrives Here

• You naturally think like a strategic Controller, not just an accountant
• You understand the unique rhythms of the academic year and enjoy the nuances of tuition billing and donor-restricted funds
• You enjoy talking to clients and building real relationships
• You ask “why?” and “what should we do next?” - not just “is this correct?”
• You care about helping nonprofits succeed and take that responsibility seriously
• You enjoy collaborating with a team and sharing ideas to solve problems
• Your own values align with Breakwater's Core Principles: Proactive, Positive, Purposeful, Protective, Prepared, and Principled

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Accounting, or a related field plus the equivalent education of a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting for Independent Schools, with experience in client advisory services (CAS) and/or an Assistant Controller/Controller role for independent schools
• Experience with Veracross is required. Experience with QBO, other School General Ledger systems and Student Billing systems is a plus but not required.
• Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to assess financial health, identify risks, and recommend corrective actions.
• Exceptional communication and client-facing skills; ability to explain complex financial topics in a simple, practical way.
• Self-starter with the discipline to thrive in a remote, autonomous work environment.

Why Breakwater

• Advisory-first work – your value is in your thinking, not just your output
• Real impact – your clients will actually use your advice
• Flexibility – work from anywhere with our Remote environment
• Supportive team – collaborative, low-ego team that shares ideas and solutions
• People-first culture – we care about our team and our clients as people
• Modern, tech-forward approach – always improving how we work
• Generous time off – five weeks PTO + holidays
• Full benefits, 401(k) match, eligibility to participate in annual bonus program

About Breakwater

Breakwater Accounting & Advisory provides outsourced accounting services to small businesses and nonprofits across the U.S. We are a woman-led company, a four-time Top Workplace (Delaware News Journal), and an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company.

We believe in great people first, technology-forward thinking second, with just the right combination.

If you want to be more than “the person who sends the financials” and instead be the person clients rely on to make decisions, we’d love to talk.

Breakwater Accounting + Advisory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.