Senior Director of Finance

The Senior Director of Finance is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and oversight of the school's financial operations. As a member of the leadership team, the Senior Director of Finance reports to the Chief Operating Officer and works closely with the Executive Team and, as requested, provides financial reporting for the President/Head of School, School Board, Finance Committee, and departmental leaders to ensure the long-term financial strength and institutional stability.

This position provides leadership in financial planning and analysis, budgeting, accounting, treasury management, risk management, capital planning, investments, debt management, and operational decision support. The Senior Director of Finance oversees the Controller and finance staff to ensure accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and responsible stewardship of school resources.

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as the senior financial advisor to the Executive Team
• Develop and implement financial strategies that support the school's mission, K-16 strategic plan, and long-term sustainability.
• Provide financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario planning to support strategic initiatives and decision-making.
• Evaluate financial opportunities, risks, and investments related to academic programs, enrollment growth, facilities, technology, and capital projects.
• Participate as a member of the Leadership Team.

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with school leadership.
• Develop long-range financial forecasts and multi-year financial plans.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance against budget and strategic objectives.
• Prepare meaningful financial dashboards and key result areas (KRAs).
• Present financial analysis and recommendations to leadership and the Board of Trustees.

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Oversee the Controller and all accounting functions.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure that appropriate financial controls and accounting policies are maintained.
• Ensure accurate reporting of operating funds, restricted funds, endowments, grants, and capital projects.

Treasury and Cash Management

• Oversee cash flow management and liquidity planning.
• Develop investment and cash management strategies in consultation with school leadership and board committees.
• Monitor banking relationships, debt obligations, and financing arrangements.
• Ensure effective management of the school's operating reserves and investment portfolios.

Payroll and Benefits Administration

• Oversee payroll processing and ensure timely, accurate compensation payments.
• Ensure compliance with payroll taxes, reporting requirements, and employment regulations.
• Reconcile benefit-related accounts and coordinate with Human Resources regarding employee benefit plans.

Board and Committee Support

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Executive Finance Committee and Investment Committee in coordination with the Chief Operating Officer.
• Prepare financial reports and presentations for the School Board.
• Attend board and committee meetings as requested.
• Provide financial recommendations supporting governance decisions.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Oversee enterprise risk management initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, tax regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Coordinate annual independent audits and regulatory filings.
• Oversee insurance programs and risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure effective internal controls across all financial processes.

Tuition, Enrollment, and Financial Aid Analysis

• Partner with admissions and enrollment leadership to analyze enrollment trends and tuition revenue projections.
• Support tuition-setting strategies and affordability initiatives.
• Evaluate financial aid models and their impact on enrollment and revenue goals.
• Monitor key enrollment and revenue metrics.

Capital Planning and Facilities Financing

• Lead financial planning for major capital projects and campus improvements.
• Evaluate financing options for construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments.
• Develop capital expenditure plans aligned with strategic priorities.

Leadership and Team Development

• Directly supervise the Controller and finance department staff.
• Establish department goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Promote professional development and succession planning within the finance organization.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture throughout the school community.

Advancement and Development Partnership

• Collaborate with the Development Office in the financial stewardship of donations, endowments, and capital campaigns.
• Ensure proper accounting and reporting of restricted and unrestricted gifts.
• Support fundraising initiatives through financial analysis and planning.

Professional Qualifications/ Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• MBA, Master's in Finance, Accounting, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive finance and accounting leadership experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience overseeing finance and accounting functions.
• Experience in independent schools, higher education, nonprofit organizations, or complex service organizations strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting boards, finance committees, and executive leadership teams required.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and audit management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles.
• Strong understanding of independent school financial models, tuition revenue structures, and enrollment-driven budgeting.
• Expertise in financial planning and analysis, forecasting, and strategic modeling.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Experience with endowment management, restricted gifts, and capital campaign accounting.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Proficiency in financial systems, ERP platforms, and Microsoft Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Experience within a private, independent, or faith-based K-12 school.
• Experience working with school management platforms such as Sage Intacct, Veracross, FACTS, or similar systems.
• Familiarity with independent school accreditation and governance structures.
• Experience supporting capital campaigns, bond financing, and endowment management.

Success Measures

The Senior Director of Finance will be successful when:

• Financial reporting is accurate, timely, and trusted by leadership and the Board.
• The school maintains strong fiscal health and liquidity.
• Budgets align with strategic priorities and are effectively managed.
• Internal controls and audit outcomes remain strong.
• Financial planning supports enrollment, program growth, and mission objectives.
• The finance team is highly engaged, responsive, and effective.
• School leadership receives proactive, strategic financial guidance that informs decision-making.