Phoenix Christian Preparatory School
"A far more thoughtful and effective accounting system…."
Founded in 1949 as the first Christian high school in Arizona, Phoenix Christian Preparatory School now serves 470 students in PreK, elementary, middle, and high school. The school has an alumni base of nearly 5,000 community leaders who are passionate about the school and about today’s students, who are being encouraged and equipped to develop their unique, God-given skills and strengths. High school students choose from four diploma program concentrations to prepare them for a specialized field of work or study: humanities, spiritual and leadership formation, STEM, and fine arts. By educating the whole student, the school develops tomorrow’s leaders’ intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical talents and prepares them for an abundant life.
The school was in a transitional phase when its CFO left. Superintendent Jeff Blake and his COO learned about Your Part-Time Controller through spots on Phoenix’s NPR station and reached out. After the Phoenix office learned what the school’s needs were, “We were blessed to be under the services of Associate Lizeth Herrera. She ushered in an entirely fresh and new approach to our accounting system,” Blake says glowingly. Herrera helped change how the school handles its accounting, manages its budgeting and tuition, and plans for the future.
Herrera helped the school shift to an accrual system and developed a new chart of accounts. “She’s been excellent in reporting to the Board of Trustees and the Board couldn’t be more pleased with the services she provides,” Blake adds.
“Lizeth is an incredible asset and an incredible resource as we consult with her on accounting and tax issues and plan accordingly. She’s given us a far more thoughtful and effective accounting system. She’s been managing our books with excellence and helped to significantly reduce our annual audit fees,” Blake says.
Herrera goes to the school two or three days a week, and Blake freely admits, “The days are better when she’s here. Lizeth comes in and knows exactly what to do and works with our staff, who respect her and enjoy working with her. She’s always accessible and has been able to provide last-minute reports when I’ve needed them. She stepped in during a difficult time of transition and has been an exceptional force of change.”