Application Guide

How to Apply for Controller

at The Schott Foundation for Public Education

🏢 About The Schott Foundation for Public Education

The Schott Foundation for Public Education is a unique nonprofit dedicated specifically to public education equity, focusing on systemic change rather than just individual programs. Working here means contributing directly to educational justice initiatives that aim to transform public school systems across the country. The remote-first structure allows for flexibility while maintaining a mission-driven culture focused on measurable impact in education.

About This Role

As Controller at Schott Foundation, you'll be the financial backbone ensuring all accounting operations support their educational equity grants and initiatives. This role is impactful because you'll directly manage grant compliance and restricted funds that fuel their mission-critical programs. Your accurate financial reporting enables transparent stewardship of donor funds that support public education reform nationwide.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves processing vendor payments through Bill.com while simultaneously tracking grant expenditures against restricted funds. You might reconcile bank accounts, allocate payroll to various grants, and ensure all expenses are properly coded in QuickBooks. Throughout the day, you'd maintain meticulous documentation for audit trails while preparing for month-end financial statements that accurately reflect the foundation's educational equity investments.

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🎯 Who The Schott Foundation for Public Education Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of nonprofit accounting experience with demonstrated expertise in managing multiple restricted grants simultaneously
  • Possesses deep knowledge of GAAP for nonprofits and can expertly track and report on restricted vs. unrestricted revenue
  • Is proficient in Bill.com and QuickBooks for daily operations, with bonus points for Certify/Emburse and Salesforce experience
  • Holds an Accounting/Finance degree (CPA preferred) and understands the compliance nuances of educational nonprofit funding

📝 Tips for Applying to The Schott Foundation for Public Education

1

Quantify your grant management experience - specify how many grants you've managed simultaneously and their total dollar value

2

Highlight specific experience with educational nonprofits or foundations, as this shows understanding of their sector

3

Demonstrate your Bill.com and QuickBooks proficiency with concrete examples of how you've used them for AP/AR and reconciliations

4

Include a brief statement about why educational equity specifically resonates with you, not just nonprofit work in general

5

Show how you've ensured compliance with restricted funds in past roles, using specific grant types as examples

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your hands-on experience with nonprofit grant accounting and compliance, especially with restricted funds', "Specific examples of how you've streamlined month-end close processes or improved financial reporting accuracy", "Why you're passionate about applying your accounting skills specifically to educational equity work", "How you've used Bill.com, QuickBooks, and Excel to manage nonprofit finances efficiently"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Schott Foundation's specific initiatives like 'Loving Cities Index' or 'Opportunity to Learn' campaign
  • → Their recent annual reports to understand their funding sources and grant distribution patterns
  • → Their partner organizations and grantees to understand the ecosystem they operate within
  • → Current leadership and board members to understand their educational equity philosophy
Visit The Schott Foundation for Public Education's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your process for managing multiple restricted grants with different reporting requirements
2 How do you ensure GAAP compliance specifically for nonprofit revenue recognition and fund accounting?
3 Describe a time you improved the month-end close process at a nonprofit organization
4 How would you approach tracking and reporting on Schott's educational equity initiatives?
5 What experience do you have with expense management platforms and ensuring proper documentation for nonprofit audits?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only for-profit accounting experience without addressing how you'll adapt to nonprofit GAAP
  • Failing to demonstrate specific grant management experience despite it being a core requirement
  • Using generic cover letter language that doesn't reference educational equity or Schott's specific mission

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Schott Foundation for Public Education!

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