Director of Finance
Content + Source + Freshness • 15 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
High value due to the prestigious environment of an independent school, competitive compensation reflective of experience, and potential for significant professional development.
- Leadership role with competitive remuneration
- Integration of finance and educational mission
- Growth opportunities in a stable institution
- Requires substantial experience in financial roles
Pros
- Long-term position with leadership opportunities in a reputable institution
- Chance to influence financial operations within an educational setting
- Comprehensive benefits and support for professional growth
Cons
- Requires significant experience and qualifications, such as CPA or MBA
- Possible stress from financial oversight in an educational context
- Leadership roles may involve high responsibilities and scrutiny
Who it's for
Mid-Senior • On-site
Good fit
- Experienced finance leaders
- Professionals motivated by social impact in education
- Candidates with strong management and collaboration skills
Not recommended for
- Individuals without supervisory experience
- Candidates preferring non-educational sectors
- Those lacking a finance or accounting background
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
This is a position for a strong leader with a background in accounting who seeks a long-term position in support of an independent private school that provides an excellent educational environment for young people who aspire to attend college and live lives of meaning and success thereafter. It requires a person who displays a positive attitude under challenging circumstances and knows how to perform as a team player in an elite organization, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver financial success throughout Academy operations.
Specifically, the Director of Finance leads the daily operations of the Academy’s Business Office and assists the Chief Operating Officer in overseeing the Academy’s operating budget. The Director of Finance’s primary duties include leading and supporting the Finance team, assisting the Chief Operating Officer by preparing and maintaining the Academy’s annual operating budget, supporting the Academy’s annual close and audit preparation processes, assisting the Chief Operating Officer with managing the Academy’s cashflow, and various ad-hoc projects as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer.
The Director of Finance assists the Chief Operating Officer with overseeing the Academy’s relationship with its banker, food service vendor, insurance provider, legal counsel, and audit and tax advisory firm; operating the Academy student store; managing the financial aspects of summer camps, other special program offerings, and campus and off-campus housing. The Director of Finance also works closely with the Advancement and Enrollment Management Departments.
This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer. This position is year-round and exempt and is eligible for benefits.
Job Duties and Responsibilities- Build and manage the operating and capital budgets collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive financial success across departments
- Prepares, analyzes and interprets financial results for use by the Chief Operating Officer for use in the decision-making process and financial tracking processes
- Provides guidance and assistance to other members of the senior staff in the management of their areas of operation; provides monthly budget status reports
- Maintains and oversees the financial accounting system and personnel to ensure the proper recording of all financial transactions in accordance with sound accounting principles
- Monitors and assists the Chief Operating Officer in managing short-and long-term investments consistent with the Trustee Investment Committee and Academy President guidance
- Supervises the Finance team and supports them in the performance of their duties to ensure a culture of excellence
- Reconciles the G/L accounts
- Manages the annual audits
- Provides accounting and financial services to parents, students and other customers and stakeholders
- Ensures the positive financial reputation of the Academy with vendors, suppliers, and other business associates
- Advises and informs the Chief Operating Officer on all financial matters relating to the Academy
- Assists the Chief Operating Officer in managing and overseeing the Academy’s insurance and student financial aid programs
- Assists the Chief Operating Officer in providing financial oversight of all external contracts
- Assists the Chief Operating Officer in fulfilling his role as the risk management officer for the Academy
- Assists the Chief Operating Officer in his role as primary liaison to the Academy’s Finance and Audit and Investment committees of the Board of Trustees
- Assists the Chief Operating Officer by preparing 5-year financial plans consistent with the current strategic plan
- Assists the Chief Operating Officer with overseeing the Academy store
- Collaborates and coordinates with the Advancement Office to ensure proper recording of gifts and pledges
- Assists Enrollment Management Office with enrollment contract process
- Manages delinquent accounts with discretion and care in accordance with school policy and Chief Operating Officer guidance
Knowledge/Experience/Education Requirements
- Must believe in and support the mission and vision of the Academy
- Bachelor’s in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field required; CPA or MBA highly desired
- 6 to 8 years of related experience in financial management, budget preparation, and investment management preferred, including 3-4 years of leadership and supervisory experience
- Private independent prep school experience is welcomed and valued
- Familiarity with generally accepted accounting principles, especially those that focus on non-profit organizations
- Strong background in Microsoft products, including Excel, and Blackbaud
- Proven leadership skills in leading teams to success
- Collaborative and supportive with the ability to get the most out of teams
